Kids Rash Guards and Board Shorts

Benefits of Rash Guards

UV Protection

One of the main reasons to purchase a rash guard is to protect your child from the damaging effects of ultra violet exposure. Guards, or swim shirts as they are also known, provide a greater level of sun protection for all children as they enjoy the summer fun.

Sun block alone is not enough to guarantee UV blockage. It can smear or gradually wear off throughout the day. This includes even the toughest waterproof sun screens that still need to be reapplied periodically throughout the day to ensure sun safety.

Anyone who has ever experienced a harsh or blistering sunburn now has an increased risk of developing skin cancer at some point in his/her life. Combining protective active wear like a rash guard with sun block on the rest of your child's exposed skin is a far more effective way of screening out UV rays.

Aside from requiring your child to wear a sweaty wet suit, it's probably difficult to imagine him/her enjoying a beach session while having to wear a full suit of clothing. Nevertheless, the concept of rash guards is reasonable since they protect the areas of your child's skin that are most exposed to the sun, such as the shoulders, back of the neck and torso. It is always wise to opt for swim shirts with high collars that will cover the neck area from harsh rays.

Rashes and Abrasions

Rash guards also have a second purpose, and that is to protect the skin from water and abrasions. This feature is particularly important at the beach where crashing waves carrying salt and sand take a toll on the skin.

Surf boarders know that blowing sand can stick to the wax on their boards, making the surface feel like sandpaper rubbing against their flesh. This is probably why rash guards are more popular with beach enthusiasts than they currently are with pool swimmers. The extra body coverage is greatly appreciated.

In general, pool swimmers prefer as little clothing as possible to achieve maximum speed and movement. The lack of salt, sand and waves also renders rash guards slightly less necessary in a pool. Yet, if you're a parent who is considerably concerned about the amount of sun exposure your child is receiving during the hot summer days, a swim shirt isn't a bad idea, even for the pool.

Children's Board Shorts

There's little doubt about it; board shorts are the most popular swimwear shorts for American men. Women have even adopted the style because the longer leg lengths cover figure flaws. Another advantage to wearing board shorts is that their lightweight, quick-dry fabrics make water time much more enjoyable than heavy billowing trunks. That's why board shorts are the pick of many water athletes, with the exception of swim racers.

If your child is spending a lot of time at the beach and is interested in any sort of water sport, from surfing to body-boarding, then he/she will either be looking at wet suits or pairing up rash guards and board shorts. Many children's swimwear shops sell both kids rash guards and board shorts. Worn together, these two items nearly rival the amount of protection provided by a wet suit, and they are far more breathable and practical for play.

Where to Purchase Kids Rash Guards and Board Shorts

Kids rash guards and board shorts are generally available at specialty swim stores with a children's department. Stores such as Pacific Sunwear cater to the swim needs of older children and teens.

If your child is below the ten-year mark, you may have a more difficult time outfitting him/her for the beach. Department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom typically carry kids rash guards and boards shorts in recognizable brand names. However, if you're looking for top of the line water sportswear for youths, then you may have to run an online search for stores that carry children's water athletic apparel. You may also need to consider buying the items separately.