A rash vest isn't just for beginners, it's basic kit. When you kitesurf you spend hours exposed to sun, wind and the friction of your harness. A rash vest or rash guard protects you with UPF 50+ against the sun and stops chafing, especially under your harness. The breathable, quick-drying fabric feels good on the skin and gives you full freedom of movement for your turns and jumps. On sunny days, pair it with a good sunscreen on your face and hands.

On tropical spots where a wetsuit is too warm, a rash vest still works: the shirt stays wet and cools your body. Long summer sessions, or foiling? Then you'll want one.

The terms rash vest, rash guard and quickdry get mixed up, but there's a difference. A rash vest and a rash guard are the same thing: a tight lycra shirt that protects your skin against rash, sun and your harness. "Rash vest" is the British term, "rash guard" is used in the US and in surf culture. Both are worn tight on the skin for maximum protection.

A quickdry shirt sits looser and is made from fast-drying fabric, handy before, after or between sessions. You can wear one under your harness too; it might ride up a little more than a tight rash vest, but that's purely down to preference. Prefer a tight fit on the skin? Go for a rash vest or rash guard. Like something looser? A quickdry is a solid choice.

You recognise a good rash vest by the fabric. Most are made from a technical blend of polyester and elastane: tight on the skin without pinching, with enough stretch to move freely. UPF 50+ blocks harmful UV, even on tropical spots and during long sessions.

The quick-drying, breathable fabric wicks moisture fast, so you don't get cold in wet material and your skin stays dry. Check the seams too: flatlock or glued seams keep friction and irritation to a minimum, exactly where you need it under your harness.

A rash vest and a wetsuit top look similar but do different jobs. A rash vest is thin polyester and elastane: protection against sun and chafing, but no warmth. Ideal for warm days and tropical spots, on its own or under your wetsuit.

When the water gets colder, reach for a wetsuit top: made from thin neoprene (1-3 mm), it actually keeps you warm, as a separate layer or under your wetsuit. In short: rash vest for the sun, wetsuit top for warmth. Not sure? Look at the water: warm means rash vest, chilly means neoprene.

Rash vests come in both a men's and a women's fit. Women's rash vests are cut for the female body, so the shirt sits close and doesn't ride up; men's rash vests are shaped for the male build. Protection and technology are the same, the difference is in the fit and the colours.

Filter the collection by men's rash vests or women's rash vests and you'll see what fits. A matching wetsuit completes your setup.

Look at three things: fit, type and size. First pick the fit you like, a tight rash vest or a looser quickdry. You can wear both under your harness; it's purely preference. Then look at the fabric: a good rash vest is polyester and elastane with UPF 50+, quick-drying and with flat seams against irritation.

Size is the last point, and the most important. A rash vest should fit snug, or it rides up the moment you hit the water. Dry, it should feel tight, because lycra gives a little once it's wet. Your chest measurement is what counts; if you're between sizes, it's usually better to go down. Check the size chart on the product page, or drop by our megastore in Noordwijk to try a few on.