Now that the risks of too much sun have become common knowledge, those who love the water are looking for extra protection from the harmful rays. One increasingly popular option is the swim shirt. Available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, the swim shirt can provide shelter to pretty much anyone. Making a thoughtful selection will ensure that this summer accessory stays in great shape for years to come.
Swim shirts or rashguards were first developed near the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The sun exposure is brutal in this part of the world and UV protection is essential when spending a day on the water. These first creations were needed as a matter of basic health and survival.
Surfers were the first consumer group for the shirts. On a warm day they could provide sun protection and mild insulation, and on a cold day they could be worn under a wetsuit for added warmth and comfort. In both cases the shirts helped prevent rashes on the stomach and chest -- thus the name rashguard.
Consider the type of activity and environmental aspects in which the shirt will be worn. Long-sleeve tops will provide maximum sun protection but may limit movement slightly. Short-sleeve options are cooler for hot weather but also offer less coverage.
Although sun screen is helpful for limited time in the sun, extensive exposure should be approached with the complete protection of a swim shirt. The long-sleeve variety is essential for those who often experience sun burn or are at risk for melanoma. Although it may seem uncomfortable to sport a long-sleeve shirt in hot weather, each time the wearer enters or exits the water, the transition will cause a cooling effect making the shirt a reasonable option.
Determining the size of the swim shirt is fairly easy. Always match the fit with the situation. A very fitted design is essential for water sports such as wake boarding or water skiing. This ensures that the shirt will stay in place through wind and waves. Choose a rashguard just a little tighter than a regular shirt for leisurely beach activities with infrequent dips in the water.
Swimming shirts are made of durable material that is resistant to chlorine and salt water. Most also include a layer of UV protection, providing maximum resistance to the sun's rays. Frequent athletic activity can be done safely and comfortably. Damage to shirts is usually caused by direct contact with hard and abrasive surfaces that scratch or fray the material.
Caring for swim shirts is fairly simple, but a few considerations will prolong the life of the garment. Wash the shirt only when necessary, opting for a through rinsing with clean, cold water whenever possible. Machine washing and drying is acceptable, but the material will respond best to drying on a line or flat surface.
The ever-changing array of swim shirt fits and fashions makes this sun safety purchase a must-have for heading to the beach. Offering complete protection from the damaging rays of the sun, the rashguard is also easy to maintain and provides added comfort. With such obvious benefits, it's no wonder the swim shirt has become a world-wide summer staple.
Swim shirts or rashguards were first developed near the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The sun exposure is brutal in this part of the world and UV protection is essential when spending a day on the water. These first creations were needed as a matter of basic health and survival.
Surfers were the first consumer group for the shirts. On a warm day they could provide sun protection and mild insulation, and on a cold day they could be worn under a wetsuit for added warmth and comfort. In both cases the shirts helped prevent rashes on the stomach and chest -- thus the name rashguard.
Consider the type of activity and environmental aspects in which the shirt will be worn. Long-sleeve tops will provide maximum sun protection but may limit movement slightly. Short-sleeve options are cooler for hot weather but also offer less coverage.
Although sun screen is helpful for limited time in the sun, extensive exposure should be approached with the complete protection of a swim shirt. The long-sleeve variety is essential for those who often experience sun burn or are at risk for melanoma. Although it may seem uncomfortable to sport a long-sleeve shirt in hot weather, each time the wearer enters or exits the water, the transition will cause a cooling effect making the shirt a reasonable option.
Determining the size of the swim shirt is fairly easy. Always match the fit with the situation. A very fitted design is essential for water sports such as wake boarding or water skiing. This ensures that the shirt will stay in place through wind and waves. Choose a rashguard just a little tighter than a regular shirt for leisurely beach activities with infrequent dips in the water.
Swimming shirts are made of durable material that is resistant to chlorine and salt water. Most also include a layer of UV protection, providing maximum resistance to the sun's rays. Frequent athletic activity can be done safely and comfortably. Damage to shirts is usually caused by direct contact with hard and abrasive surfaces that scratch or fray the material.
Caring for swim shirts is fairly simple, but a few considerations will prolong the life of the garment. Wash the shirt only when necessary, opting for a through rinsing with clean, cold water whenever possible. Machine washing and drying is acceptable, but the material will respond best to drying on a line or flat surface.
The ever-changing array of swim shirt fits and fashions makes this sun safety purchase a must-have for heading to the beach. Offering complete protection from the damaging rays of the sun, the rashguard is also easy to maintain and provides added comfort. With such obvious benefits, it's no wonder the swim shirt has become a world-wide summer staple.
About the Author:
Robert Mann has published textbooks, poetry, and many consumer articles. He outfits his family in uv swim shirts and suggests browsing http://www.swimshirtsanduvclothing.com
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