Can I substitute a tight fitting athletic shirt for a rash guard in the pool?

Anonymous
My son refuses to swim without a shirt, and he lost his one and only rash guard. Need another tonight. Is a tighter athletic shirt (made of seemingly the same type of stretchy material) an ok substitute that will let him swim around without weighing him down too much? Anyone done this?
Anonymous
Yes.
Anonymous
It should be fine for indoor swimming.
Anonymous
Well good because I just went to 7 stores on my lunch break and no one has any. I suppose I should have known that, but man I feel stupid.
Anonymous
WTH does anyone need a rash guard in an indoor pool for?

No surf. No sand. No bodysurfing. Therefore, no rash.

I don't get it
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:WTH does anyone need a rash guard in an indoor pool for?

No surf. No sand. No bodysurfing. Therefore, no rash.

I don't get it


A kid who has never been swimming without one may not be comfortable going shirtless in public.
Anonymous
We have done this for outdoor swimming. I also took my kids to the indoor pool a few times before I realized there was no need for a rash guard.
Anonymous
As long as it's truly body hugging and can't float-up over his face, he'll be fine.

My boyfriend's son wore one under his lifejacket at the lake and it worked well. Different circumstances but if safety is your concern, it'll work.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:WTH does anyone need a rash guard in an indoor pool for?

No surf. No sand. No bodysurfing. Therefore, no rash.

I don't get it


I am not op here but my son wears a rash guard because he gets cold in the pool. It can also help with sensory issues too.

To the op, yes you can wear an athletic top instead of the rash guard. It will be fine.
Anonymous
I'm the OP. To answer the question about why he needs it the answer is he doesn't. He wants it. He claims all the other boys wear one and he feels self-conscious without it...not because he's ashamed of his body but because I think it makes him feel naked or inappropriate given the context of no one showing their belly.

So now you get it.
Anonymous
My kids take indoor swim lessons year round and I’d say 80% of the boys wear rash guards. As OP said, if they are used to doing so, it feels oddly undressed tovnot have one.
Anonymous
If you want to replace it for next time and if he's a size 12 or under, primary has rash guards year round:

https://www.primary.com/shop/kids/swim/the-swim-long-sleeve-top?color=tomato&size=10-12
Anonymous
Some pools are really strict about what can be worn besides a swim suit. Just call and ask.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Some pools are really strict about what can be worn besides a swim suit. Just call and ask.


I would think the material is similar enough that one couldn't tell (a synthetic instead of cotton). Honestly I think the big difference may be just marketing (maybe an official rash guard is thicker fabric, but... close enough!)
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:WTH does anyone need a rash guard in an indoor pool for?

No surf. No sand. No bodysurfing. Therefore, no rash.

I don't get it


I’m a grown woman and I wear a rash guard all winter because the indoor county pools are cold af. Not the water, but the air in the facility.
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