It certainly feels like the heat of summer is truly upon us. February is the hottest month of the year in this wide brown land and with that, we head to the pool, the beach, the river and dam for cool relief.
We are so much better at covering up in the sun to protect our skin than we were back when we were kids. With Australia having the highest incidence of Melanoma in the world it's a message and a practice that we must continue to spread and do. To lead by example for our kids and our grand kids.
Many of us are now sitting under cover in the sun when spending hours in it. But what happens when you're not under cover? Swimming, supping, boating. Hubby and I have taken to kayaking and I have to say my long sleeve swimsuit and rashies have saved me from sunburn and helped to keep me cool.
But with so many Rashies styles available, you may be a bit overwhelmed with which one is right for you. Or maybe you could be choosing a better option for your shape and needs. With that in mind I've put together a summary of options in our Rashie range, their features and fit tips so that you can work out which is best for you.
Which Rashie is Right For You?
To understand this you need to consider and prioritise what is most important for you:
- Function - what you will be doing in your rashie & where - pool or ocean? Active or relaxing? If you're the pool often you'll be better off with a chlorine resistant option.
- Layering - will you wear it on its own or over your bathers? Over bathers you might want a larger size to allow for the layer under. Or not.
- Coverage - the amount of coverage you are looking for - arms, hands, back and front.
- Support - some rashies come with bust support. Is going to help or hinder?
- Bust Prostheses - would you like to wear yours in a rashie?
- Your Shape - to get the best fit
- Colours and prints you like to wear.
Rashie Features.
There are many features incorporated into womens' Rash Vests now. These will help you decide which style of Rashie is best for you after you've thought about the points above. I have included links below so you can see what I'm talking about. There are many examples for each feature, so I've just included one for simplicity.
Sleeve Length:
- Long - the most common length across many styles like this zip up black one.
- 2/3 - like the Aquacove wrap rashie.
- Short - usually to just above the elbow like this Whitehaven rashie
- Shortest - the T shirt style rashies have the shortest sleeve. So too do the Knot Tops from Es Una.
Overall Length:
Almost all Rashies in our range are longer length and will sit below your hips.
Some have drawstring sides like the T Shirt style above and the longer 'dress' style options from Es Una, like this long black option. It offers mid thigh coverage and less depending on how much you draw the sides up.
Some have a curved hemline so that they are slightly longer at the back and front compared to the sides. Like most in the Genevieve range like this Japanese Blossom Rashie.
Those with the shortest length are the Aquacove wrap styles.
The longest length options are the Rashie Dresses from Es Una. Made to wear your bathers under they are exceptional quality and come in all sorts of cuts and lengths. Find them all here.
Bust Support & Pockets for Prostheses:
Some Rashies now come with a shelf bra for bust support and pockets for bust prostheses in that support. All in the Genevieve range offer this. The support is a wide elastic under bust and double layered fabric in the bust area. Fit Tip: If you are not going to wear your bathers under, then go for a firmer fit in these styles to get more bust support.
A Zip Up style will sit more firmly about the bust (and all over) than the T Shirt style. Both have bust support and pockets for prostheses.
Shape & Fit
For me, function rules with Rashies. Fit to suit your shape is a consideration but a secondary one. If you have a defined waist or would like to visually create one, then the wrap style is best for that. Aquacove and Es Una have those.
The other consideration is how firm a fit you are comfortable with.
- Rashies, like swimsuits will give a bit when wet and will feel slightly looser.
- If you are layering over bathers and you don't want a firmer fit, then go up a size.
- Want a firmer, supportive fit about the bust? Consider going down a size as long as that's not going to be too tight about your tummy.
- A firmer fit will be helpful if you are doing water work outs as that will help to stop the water from getting in underneath.
Fabric
Lastly, fabric. Not all Rashies are rated for sun protectiveness - UPF. Those that are we have made mention of in the descriptions so please read carefully.
As with togs, a Chlorine Resistant fabric will last longer if you are in the pool often. Just remember nothing will save a Rashie if it's in the spa. They will degrade fastest in that environment. Again, we list those that are Chlorine Resistant (CRES) in our online store. All in the Genevieve and Es Una ranges are CRES fabric.
Where To From Here?
There is much to consider when selecting the right rashie for you. Function before Form in my opinion should be the priority. I hope the info above is helpful.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to Contact Us or ask away in our Help Chat Box at www.SequinsandSand.com.au.
Watch The Video Recording About Rashies
I have reviewed rashies many times in our Friday's lives. This one is a goodie if you'd like to watch me show you all the Features and some of the styles mentioned above.
Watch it here in our Facebook page or here on our YouTube channel.
Stay sun safer ladies! Shop all our Sun Safer Rashies right here.
Anita xx
Founder, Sequins and Sand
