Is a Rash Guard for Swimming? A rash guard is a perfect alternative to a full-body swimsuit if you are looking for protective swimwear. It also protects from chafing, especially if you participate in more intense swimming exercises.

However, you may be wondering if a rash guard can be used for swimming, and the answer is yes. Unlike cotton T-shirts, which can harbor bacteria and require more chemicals to keep the pool hygienic, rash guards are perfectly fine for swimming pools.

For cold-water swimming, rash guards offer warmth. The tightly woven fabric of the stretchy shirts is available in different thicknesses and with different sleeve lengths. Often worn as an additional layer under a wetsuit to add warmth and prevent chafing, when worn alone, rash guards can keep you from feeling chilled when you swim.