When you think of the occasion for long sleeves, a few things come to mind: church, a job interview, or the first time meeting your S.O.’s parents. One thing that may not come to mind: the beach. And yet, there seems to be something in the water (zing!) because we keep noticing our favorite celebs sporting a certain type of long-sleeved swimsuit, and have spotted plenty of trend-forward takes on traditional rash guards when we search "swimwear" at the coolest boutiques. We wanna know: what’s the deal?
As with many things in fashion history, information on the garment’s origin is a bit apocryphal, but we probably have Australians to thank for the style — along with the delightful Down Under-ism "rashie", the local term for a long-sleeved swim top. Starting in the 1970s, surfers and scuba divers would wear lycra layers to chafe-proof their skin under wetsuits, and as these bronzed athletes starting wearing them around the popular surfing beaches of the world, the rest of us followed suit.
While we love the sporty functionality and major sun protection factor of this piece, we also delight in seeing the fashion crowd embracing the rash guard, injecting it with fun and wearability. All of our go-to swim shops are practically overflowing with beautiful pieces — we’ve even seen a few designers embracing the term "fashguard" — and we just can’t wait to show you some of our favorites. Click through to increase your swimwear wardrobe and decrease your exposure to the sun.
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Pay homage to the ’70s-era surfers that brought us long-sleeved swimwear with this retro ModCloth one-piece.
ModCloth With the Waves Long Sleeve Swimsuit, $69, available at ModCloth
No lifeguard could miss this allover floral print long-sleeved top from Anthropologie. Safety first!
Anthropologie Floral Rashguard, $88, available at Anthropologie
If you’re not ready to go full floral, this Torrid option offers the best of both worlds.
Torrid Gold Trim Floral Rash Guard, $41.17, available at Torrid
Far out! Tropical ’80s goodness abounds in this Rip Curl long-sleeved swimsuit.
Rip Curl Tropical Surf Suit, $103, available at ASOS
OK, OK — we know it’s not long-sleeved. But come on, it is leopard print — how could we not bring this Solid & Striped top to your attention?
Solid & Striped The Meghan Surf Top, $84, available at Free People
The 50% markdown on this Solid & Striped x RE/DONE long-sleeved bikini top is definitely starting our engines.
RE/DONE The Malibu Bikini Top in Red Checker, $44, available at Revolve
A basic black option from trusted skate, surf, and swim brand Volcom.
Volcom Simply Solid Rashguard, $38.9, available at Nordstrom
J. Crew was an early fashion adopter of the long-sleeved swimsuit, and they continue to deliver some of the best prints out.
J. Crew Stripe Rashguard, $68, available at Nordstrom
You’ll feel like a bird in paradise in this fair-trade sewn option from Patagonia.
Patagonia Micro Swell Rashguard, $99, available at Nordstrom
Wow. Just… wow. Be the actual dictionary definition of stunning in this Andrea Iyamah long-sleeved bikini.
Andrea Iyamah Muna Swimsuit Bottom, $90, available at The Folklore
Garden vibes go underwater in this seaweed-print Vitamin A bikini. (Everything But Water will donate 25% of the suit’s price to the 5 Gyres Institute, making this a cute and conscious choice of swimwear.)
Vitamin A Cannes Cropped Rashguard, $135, available at Everything But Water
We’re swooning over the textured fabric and mock turtleneck on this Free People style.
Acacia Swimwear Textured Indo Swim Top, $136, available at Free People
Bring the Aesthetic Movement to the beach with this Amuse Society long-sleeved one-piece.
Amuse Society Savanhah One Piece in Caribbean Blue, $138, available at Revolve
No one will question your cred in this sunny rash guard from OG women’s surf brand Roxy.
Roxy Whole Hearted Rash Guard, $35, available at Roxy
We love this super-fresh floral from & Other Stories.
& Other Stories Long Sleeve Floral Swimsuit, $89, available at & Other Stories
Cynthia Rowley brings us the Hepburn, a long-sleeved swimsuit named for our favorite mid-century ingenue and overflowing with mod charm.
Cynthia Rowley Black Surf Suit with Metallic Cuffs, $165, available at 11 Honore
A color-blocked option from Seea with a woodcut-inspired yoke. We daresay this could take you from beach to club, no?
Seea Hermosa Swimsuit, $135, available at Shopbop
The visuals adorning this psychedelic Body Glove one-piece will ensure that you won’t need any extra "party supplies" on your next beach outing.
Body Glove Slay One Piece Swimsuit, $140, available at PacSun
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane