Snorkeling Rash Guards Guide

Snorkeling rash guards are a great idea. Also called snorkeling skins, these thin stretchy shirts are great. We use them all the time now for a number of reasons. First, we don't have to slather on as much sunscreen. Second, they work better than sunscreen (you never get burned accidentally because you missed a spot). And third, they provide a little warmth. Fourth, it helps protect from jellyfish stings and other little stings you can get in the water (those little red things).

Another good reason to use clothing as sun protection, is because of the problem of sunscreen being linked to hurting coral.

For several years we have owned two long sleeved rash guards each (in picture above), and have loved to use them on our trips, for all the reasons stated above.

Lycra Snorkeling Rash Guards
Most rash guards are made from a thin and stretchy Lycra. Good quality ones should be marked with their SPF rating, which is normally about 50. You won't get burned with one on, unless you buy a cheap one that is translucent and thin when wet. The Lycra ones provide just a touch of warmth, but will not really extend how long you can stay out for more than a few minutes. Lycra has the benefit of drying very quickly and being generally easy to get on an off. You can throw the Lycra shirts into a washing machine (but not the dryer).

Neoprene Snorkeling Rash Guards
You can also buy a very thin wetsuit top made from 1mm of neoprene that serves the same purpose, but will provide a decent amount of added warmth, allowing you to stay out longer. The neoprene will not dry as quickly as Lycra, and is not as stretchy, so can be more difficult to get on and off. Also, you cannot just throw your neoprene shirt into the washing machine like you can Lycra.

Short-Sleeved Snorkeling Skins (Rash Guards) - pictured below
Short-sleeved skins are made of Lycra or if you want more warmth, out of neoprene. Because we mostly use these to reduce the amount of sunscreen we need to use, we have stopped using short-sleeved ones, and have gone to long.

Long-Sleeved Skins - in Lycra or neoprene (for more warmth)
This is our current preference. They are available in a variety of colors and styles. We like ones that have a pretty high collar (less sunscreen on the neck). We prefer Lycra for the reasons shown above.

Full-Body Skin Suit - Snorkeling Rash Guards
There is also a full length version of a these rash guards that is generally called a skin suit. These are all one piece and you get into them like a wet suit. We have considered using these so that we don't have to use hardly any sunscreen, but have yet to go that route. After all, we do like the feel of the water on our skin. Another problem we have with these is how do you pee? Come on, we all pee in the ocean, don't we? There are Lycra and neoprene versions of these available.

Here are some of the snorkeling rash guards available from LeisurePro.

Sizing & Fitting Snorkeling Rash Guards
When dry you want these to fit a little tighter than you might think. They are generally a little hard to pull over your head, and then should have no loose material around the body or arms. The reason you want them so tight is because they loosen up when they get wet. Also make sure you don't buy one that is too short. It should easily pull down over your suit bottom when dry so that when you are swimming it does not inch up and allow a burnt back (it has happened to us - you get in the habit of making sure it is pulled down).

What Color for Snorkeling Rash Guards?
We prefer ours to be primarily white, mainly because when you are not in the water in a warm environment, they are cooler. If you were in the sun in a black or dark blue version you would get much hotter much quicker.

Why Not Just A Long-Sleeved T-Shirt?
A cotton t-shirt is not a good idea. First, a typical white cotton t-shirt is only supposed to have an SPF rating of between about 6 to 8, when dry. And when wet that goes way down. We have seen family members get a good burn through a t-shirt.

There are a couple of other reasons not to wear cotton. First, it picks up water-weight, decreasing your buoyancy. Second, since it is not a skin tight material (particularly when wet), it creates a lot of drag when trying to swim and will make you much more tired. And if you freedive, it is much easier to snag it on something underwater than a skin tight rash guard.

When To Buy?
We have found that if we wait to get to our snorkeling destination, the rash guard that costs $25-30 online, suddenly costs $50 or more at diving and surf shops in touristy areas. Also, we have had a hard time finding long-sleeved rash guards (most places sell short-sleeved ones). So it is best to try to buy your snorkeling rash guards before you go.

Photo by supercake
Stinger Suits in Australia
In Australia they have taken the rash guard to the extreme. Many companies now have their snorkeling customers wear a full body suit, that covers their head, feet, and hands, called a stinger suit. It prevents sunburn, but is more to keep from getting stung by the Box Jellyfish (that is lethal). I have to say though I would feel pretty dorky in one, pulled on over my swimsuit. And the companies choose some really dreadful colors. Fortunately the Box Jellyfish is a shore creature, so if you go out to the barrier reef in Australia you should have no worries.

Why Is It Called A Rash Guard?
Originally these were invented to protect the chest of surfers and boogie boarders when laying down on their rough textured boards when paddling - hence the name rash guard. But they are also worn under some wetsuits to provide some protection from all the seams and zippers for the same reason.

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