How to Attach a Rash Guard Shirt

Rash guards are functional and practical attire for surfers across the world. Usually made out of Lycra or another strong, stretchy material, rash guards protect your skin from irritating rashes that form as a result of a wetsuit's neoprene rubbing against you, usually in the armpit areas. However, rash guards perform several other functions as well. They protect against the harmful UV rays of the sun and they can prevent skin irritation on the stomach when surfing in warm water without a shirt on. Learn how to put on a rash guard shirt properly so you can reap the benefits.

Instructions

• 1

  Lay out your rash guard and make sure it is right side out. Often times it can be hard to tell as the design is usually nondescript but usually rash guards are built with the seams facing outside so as not to cause any additional skin irritation. Check the tags and logos to figure out which is the correct side to wear on the outside.

• 2

  Ensure your rash guard is the right size before usage. A small one will only constrict your blood flow and lead to poor circulation and an oversized one will bunch up and do a poor job of both sun protection and defense against rash.

• 3

  Pull your arms through both sleeves of the rash guard before putting your head through. This will cause the least amount of stretch to the shirt; since they are skintight you run the risk of tearing them through overstretching. Stretch the neck hole over your head as you pull down the rash guard over your stomach and back.

• 4

  Stretch the rash guard down so it covers your lower stomach and lower back. Pull out the sleeves so they fit tightly over the wrists and cover as much of your arms as possible. The rash guard should feel comfortable and non-constricting on your body if it fits correctly.