The Ultimate Care Guide for Rashies

Rash guards (often called “rashies”) provide vital sun protection and help you stay comfortable in the water. With proper suit care, you can extend the life of your rash guard and keep it ready for every watersport activity. This guide will show you how to clean and store your suit, and remove wrinkles without damaging the material.

1. Why Proper Care Matters

Rashies usually come with a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), ensuring that it can block harmful UV rays. If you fail to look after your garments correctly, their high quality features like quick drying and UV protection can weaken faster. Regular rinsing and gentle handling help maintain their effectiveness in protecting your skin.

2. Rinse with Cold Water

After each use, always rinse your suit with cold water. This simple step helps wash away salt, chlorine, and sand, which can break down fabrics. Avoid soaking your suit in hot water or using harsh chemicals like bleach, as these can reduce the fabric’s UV protection and colour vibrancy.

3. Gentle Cleaning Techniques

• Hand Wash: Use mild detergent or a product designed for swimwear. Gently hand wash your rashie instead of scrubbing aggressively.
• Spot Cleaning: If you notice small stains, treat them lightly with mild soap and water before a full wash.
• No Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning chemicals are too strong for these materials. Stick to the simple method of washing in cold water instead.

4. Dry Your Rashie Naturally

To keep your suit from fading or losing shape:

1. Squeeze Gently: Press out excess water without twisting or wringing.
2. Air Dry: Lay it flat or hang it in the shade to preserve the UPF rating. Direct sun can be harsh on fabrics.
3. Avoid Heat: Keep it away from direct sunlight or tumble dryers. High temperatures can shrink or warp the material.

5. Storing Your Rashie

• Store Flat or Folded: Folding neatly prevents deep creases. If you must hang it, use a wide hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders.
• Avoid Damp Areas: Ensure your rashie is fully dry before placing it in a wardrobe or bag. Storing damp gear can lead to mildew and musty smells.
• Protect Against Wrinkles: If your rashie becomes creased, a quick rinse in cool water and gentle drying can help remove wrinkles.

6. Care FAQs

How to Care for Rash Guards

1. Rinse Immediately: After you leave the water, rinse your rash guard in cold water to wash away salt or chlorine.
2. Use Gentle Detergents: Harsh chemicals can break down the fabric’s ultraviolet protection factor.
3. Dry Flat: Hanging wet gear can stretch it out. Drying on a clean surface helps retain the shape.
4. Store Thoughtfully: Once it’s dry, fold or place it in a drawer, away from direct sunlight.

7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Methods

Some people consider using bleach or fabric softeners, but these can compromise the sun protection and flexibility of rashies and full suits. The same is true for tumble drying or ironing—high heat can permanently damage the fabric.

8. Maintain UPF and Quality

Products labelled with a UPF rating promise a certain level of sun protection. By handling them gently and steering clear of industrial cleaning processes, you help ensure your rashie continues to safeguard your skin. This kind of care also means you’ll extend the life of your rashie—saving you from having to replace it too often.

9. Extra Tips

If you’re keen to learn more about picking the right gear for water activities, take a look at our posts on:

• What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Wetsuits
• Right Wetsuit Thickness for Different Water Temperatures

You can also check out our article on Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Wetsuit to help you choose swimwear that lasts even longer with the proper care.

Finally

Taking simple steps like rinsing with cold water, air drying, and using gentle detergents will keep your rashies in top shape. Consistency is key—wash them after every wear, store them carefully, and avoid harsh chemicals or heat. Over time, you’ll see how these small efforts can have a big impact on their performance, comfort, and sun protection.

Sharkskin Rapid Dry

Want a rash guard that stays quick drying, bright, and high quality after multiple uses? Try Sharkskin Rapid Dry. This game-changer in watersports apparel is designed to resist deterioration from UV, saltwater, and chlorine longer than standard rashies, making it a top choice for anyone looking to boost their water adventures.

Sharkskin Rapid Dry also provides UPF 50+ for impressive sun protection. It dries quickly, repels water, and even feels warmer than typical rash guards. Thanks to its high-quality construction, you can clean and store it easily without worrying about colour fade or fabric damage. If you value durability, protection, and comfort, the Rapid Dry range is an excellent fit for your active, water-based lifestyle.