Compression/workout long sleeve shirt vs. rash guard

[David R Johnson]

Question: What is the difference in a compression/workout long sleeve shirt and a rash guard (other than price)? Both should offer UV protection, both hold very little water (dry quick).

 

[David R Johnson]

Perhaps a better question is this: Is there a difference?

 

[runsongas]

not much of a difference, but i also find the price is no different either. UA heatgear long sleeve (msrp 35) is pretty much the same price as the oneill (msrp 34), quiksilver (msrp 35) or billabong (msrp 39) long sleeve rashguards

 

[RainPilot]

Different applications. Since they are designed for different purposes, they may have different decisions.

For example, one of my compression shirts does not have a slick exterior, so any jellyfish etc tend to stick and it gets dirty super fast. Works great for a drysuit base layer though.

Other compression shirts are low-friction outsides, those should be virtually identical to a rash guard in use.

 

[seeker242]

One of the main differences is the stitching seams. Flatlock stitching, placed in a particular pattern, minimizes the chances of chafing. Hence the name "rash guard". A standard athletic shirt may or may not have that kind of design.

 

[David R Johnson]

Thanks for the input.

 

[-Moe]

I find that if you use anything other than a rashguard in a pool it may change color such as black turns light brown from the chlorine/bromine.

 

[AUSTXDiver]

I've been comparing the materials used. It seems like surf/dive/water sports UPF 50+ skins are a makeup of nylon, spandex, and the compression shirts are polyester.

 

[jbb]

I've been comparing the materials used. It seems like surf/dive/water sports UPF 50+ skins are a makeup of nylon, spandex, and the compression shirts are polyester.

Polyester is naturally UPF where nylon needs something added to it. UPF also depends on the weave of the garment.

 

[Charred]

One of the main differences is the stitching seams. Flatlock stitching, placed in a particular pattern, minimizes the chances of chafing. Hence the name "rash guard". A standard athletic shirt may or may not have that kind of design.

Rash guard comes from Australia where they refer to sunburn as rash. Hence rash guard.