UPF50+ Activewear: Why Your Skin Needs Backup in the Water
- Flexa
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 10

Salt. Sun. Wind. Motion. This combo is a dream for the soul, but it can be a nightmare for your skin if you’re not properly protected.
Whether you're paddling out, kitesurfing through gusty winds, or logging long sessions on your board, your skin is taking a hit. And if you’ve ever felt the sting of a fresh rash or the burn of a cloudy-day sunburn, you already know: not all swimwear is built for endurance.
Common Skin Issues in Water Sports
Let’s break down what really happens when you spend hours exposed to the elements:
❌ Skin Irritation: Constant contact with saltwater, wind, and friction from your board or harness can lead to raw, irritated skin, especially in exposed areas.
❌ Chafing: Armpits, chest, and waist are high-friction zones. Without proper coverage, these areas can quickly become painful.
❌ Board Rash: Waxed or textured surfaces on surfboards can scrape and rub your stomach, arms, and chest with every paddle stroke.
❌ UV Exposure: Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off the water, targeting mainly your shoulders, back, and chest.
And no, your cute triangle bikini top isn't going to save you here. Most standard swimwear just doesn’t cut it for real movement. They ride up, stay wet, stretch out, and worst of all, don’t protect you from the elements.
Why you should invest in a quality rash vest
The truth is that not all rash vests are created the same. Whether you are surfing, SUP-ing, kiting, windsurfing — anything that keeps you in the water longer than a splash, you will need something that will offer adequate protection without causing friction burns in the process.
Some rash vest qualities you should look for are:
✔️ Flatlock Seams: These low-profile seams reduce rubbing and pressure, even under a harness or wetsuit.
✔️ UPF 50+ Fabric: Blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, protecting you even on those deceptively cloudy days.
✔️ Quick-Dry Fabric: Feels smooth against your skin, dries fast, and won’t weigh you down, reducing friction in the process.
✔️ Stay-Put Fit: Designed to stay in place through duck dives, transitions, and high-impact movement, so you can focus on your session, not on adjusting your top.
You wouldn’t go into a marathon in sandals, so don’t show up to serious water time in swimwear that can’t keep up. Your skin deserves support, just like your body does.
Did you know that sun protection is not only limited to rash vests in our collection lines? That's right, our leggings, sports bras, and shorts, all feature UPF50+ and water-friendly material that can accommodate even the most demanding sports.
Looking for complete coverage for a marathon session? You can combine our leggings with a rash vest and you will not need to think about getting out of the water.




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