Hey everyone, let’s cut to the chase – as a rash guard supplier, I get asked this all the time from surfers, SUP riders, ocean athletes, even folks who just rock these tops for beach walks or yoga. What actually belongs in the pockets of your rash guard? It’s not just shoving random stuff in there and calling it a day. It’s about what’ll stay put, not weigh you down, and not turn into a wet, soggy mess mid-sesh. I’ve tested hundreds of pocket designs, field-tested with pro surfers, and even swapped gear with weekend warriors who’ve left way too much stuff floating in the line-up. Let’s break this down, no fancy jargon, just real stuff that works. Rash Guard
First off, let’s start with the basics: most rash guard pockets are tiny, right? They’re not cargo pants pockets. They’re built low on the torso, usually on the sides or a small chest pocket, meant to fit small, secure items that don’t bounce when you’re paddling or riding waves. If your pocket gapes when you bend over or paddle hard, whatever you put in there is gonna fly. So any item on this list needs to be streamlined, low-profile, and flexible. Forget clunky keychains with big metal fobs – those are a no-go. They’ll dig into your ribs when you’re paddling, scratch your board, and if you’re not careful, they might ping right off mid-paddle and disappear into the blue.
Let’s start with the most essential stuff for ocean days, since that’s what we make rash guards for. The number one item I recommend everyone keep in their pocket is a small, waterproof lip balm with SPF. Wait, hold up – not just any lip balm. Ocean wind and saltwater dry your lips out faster than a towel on a hot board, and regular chapstick melts in your bag or gets soggy in your pocket. We actually source lip balms in slim, tube-style packaging that fits perfectly in our small side pockets – no bulky tins, no twist-up ones that leak. And since SPF is non-negotiable for days when you’re out for 4+ hours, this is the perfect pocket pick. I’ve seen too many people skip this, end up with chapped, sunburned lips that hurt for days. Not cool, and it takes up zero space.
Next, keys – but only if you get the right setup. I’ve heard so many horror stories: someone’s car keys fly out, sink to the bottom of the ocean, and they’re stuck paying a $300 tow fee and a new set of keys. Total nightmare. So if you need to carry keys, don’t just toss ‘em in your pocket. Get a small, neoprene key clip (we actually sell these as add-ons, fyi) that clips to the inside of your pocket, so keys are secured, not floating. Slim, keyless entry fobs work best – they’re small, not bulky, and don’t have a big metal keyring that’ll catch on fabric or scratch your board. We tested this with a pro surfer who used to lose keys every other month, and since he started using our neoprene key clips, he hasn’t lost one. Game changer.
Then there’s the tiny, emergency stuff that’s way easier to keep in your pocket than buried in your beach bag. Like a mini first aid kit item – not a full kit, we’re talking band-aids, specifically thin, waterproof ones. If you rub your feet raw from new board boots or get a tiny scrape from a reef, you don’t wanna hike all the way back to the car to grab a band-aid. Our rash guard pockets fit those super slim, waterproof band-aids (the ones that come in plastic sleeves, not big fabric ones) perfectly. We even tested them during a surf trip in Costa Rica last year, and a few of the guys had small scrapes from coral, and having band-aids on hand saved us from wasting time looking for a pharmacy. No need for gauze or anything big – keep it tiny.
Wait, what about tech? Can you put a phone in your rash guard pocket? I get asked this all the time. The short answer is: only if it’s a slim, waterproof case and a super small model. No big, plus-sized phones that bulge out and make your ride uncomfortable. We make a line of rash guards with a lined, sealed pocket (we call it the “Surf Secure Pocket”) that’s designed for slim phones in waterproof cases. We tested this with a group of SUP instructors who needed to keep their phones handy for timing lessons, and none of them got their phones wet. Just make sure it’s not a bulky case – if your phone with case is thicker than a credit card, it’s too big. Also, skip carrying it on big wave days or when you’re doing aerial tricks – that extra bounce can make it slip, even in the sealed pocket. I’ve had a friend whose phone slipped out of a sealed pocket during a wipeout, and it took us 20 minutes to find it floating. Don’t be that guy.
Now, let’s talk about what you should never put in your pocket, because I’ve seen these mistakes way too often. First, any bulky items: full-sized wallets, big power bars, sunblock bottles. A standard wallet is way too big for a rash guard pocket, and it’ll dig into your ribs every time you paddle. Plus, if it’s not waterproof, saltwater will ruin your cards and ID. Big energy bars are soggy within 10 minutes, and they’ll stick to your pocket lining, leaving a mess. Then, any metal stuff that’s not clipped: loose change, big keychains, heavy jewelry. A quarter in your pocket will bounce around, hurt your sides, and if you drop it, it’s gone forever. I once found a quarter at the bottom of a wave that someone lost from their rash guard pocket – sad story. Also, avoid anything that’s not flexible: hard plastic items, large pens, flip flops. Flip flops are way too big, and hard pens will poke you when you bend over.
Wait, there are some random, fun items for people who do other stuff with rash guards too, right? Like if you wear yours for beach yoga or a casual walk along the boardwalk. A small, slim lip gloss (waterproof, of course) works, or a tiny pack of breath mints – the slim, foil-wrapped ones, not the big cardboard boxes. Even a small music player, like an old iPod Nano, if you’re into that – same rule as the phone: slim, waterproof case, sealed pocket. I’ve had a few customers who wear our rash guards for beach runs, and they keep a breath mint pack and their AirPods (slim AirPods case, not the big Pro Max case) in their pockets. That works too – just make sure the AirPods case is secured, maybe with a tiny clip, so you don’t lose them mid-run.
Let’s also talk about pocket design, because that’s something we’ve perfected as a supplier. Not all rash guard pockets are created equal. Our top-selling style has a 5×3 inch side pocket with a snug elastic opening, so stuff doesn’t fall out, and it’s lined with a quick-dry neoprene, so even if your pocket gets a little wet, the stuff inside doesn’t soak. We tested different fabrics for pocket lining, and the quick-dry neoprene is way better than cotton, which stays wet for hours. Also, our chest pockets are angled so they don’t dig into your chest when you’re paddling – that was a big complaint we got early on, so we adjusted the design, and now 9 out of 10 of our customers say they love the pocket placement.
Another thing: seasonal stuff. In the summer, when days are long, you might want to keep a tiny pain reliever, like 2 ibuprofen (the slim, travel-sized packs). If you’re out surfing for 6 hours, your shoulders might be sore, and having that in your pocket is way easier than going back to the car. Just make sure it’s in a sealed, waterproof wrapper, so it doesn’t get wet. In the winter, when it’s colder, you can keep a tiny hand warmer – the slim, disposable ones that fit in a pocket, not the big bulky ones. Perfect for when you take a break between sets, your hands are cold, and you don’t want to put them back in wet gloves.
Wait, let’s get real here. I know some people think rash guard pockets are just a gimmick, but when you’re out on the water, having those tiny essentials handy makes a huge difference. I used to hate when I’d drive to the beach, and I’d have all my stuff in a big bag, and I’d forget my lip balm, or my keys, and I’d have to hike back to the car. Now, with our rash guards, I keep my keys, lip balm, and a mini band-aid in my pocket, and I’m good to go for hours. No more juggling a bag, no more leaving stuff on the sand.
What about people who do other water sports, like kayaking or snorkeling? For snorkelers, a small microfiber cloth fits perfectly in a rash guard pocket – to wipe your mask lens if it fogs up. No more digging in your snorkel bag for that tiny cloth. For kayakers, a small multi-tool (the slim, key-sized ones, not a big one) works for tightening screws on your paddle or fixing a little tear in your kayak. That’s way more practical than carrying a big tool.
Now, let’s talk about common mistakes people make. I mentioned keys earlier, but another big one is overstuffing the pocket. Even if you have a big pocket, don’t stuff it so full that it bulges out. That’s uncomfortable, can affect your balance when you’re on a board, and makes it easier for stuff to slip out. I recommend keeping only 1-2 small items max in the pocket – that’s all you really need. More than that, and it’s just weighing you down. And always check your pocket before you get out of the water. I’ve seen so many people leave their phone or keys on the sand because they forgot they had them in their pocket. A quick check when you get out, and you’re good.
As a rash guard supplier, we spend a lot of time testing every little detail, because we know our customers use their rash guards for everything – from pro competitions to weekend trips to the beach. The pocket is one of those small details that makes a huge difference in how useful a rash guard is. We didn’t just make a pocket that fits stuff – we made pockets that work with your body, that keep stuff secure, that don’t get in the way when you’re paddling, popping up, or doing whatever you do in the water.
So let’s recap, keep this simple: the best stuff for your rash guard pocket is small, slim, flexible, waterproof (or water-resistant), and non-bulky. Stick to essentials: SPF lip balm, slim keys with a neoprene clip, tiny waterproof band-aids, a slim phone in a sealed waterproof case, or a mini pain reliever for long days. Skip the big stuff, the bulky stuff, the loose stuff. And if you’re not sure what fits, check our product details – we list pocket size for every rash guard we make, so you know exactly what’ll work.
If you’re in the market for a new rash guard with pockets that actually work, hit us up. We can help you pick the right style for your sport, whether you’re a surfer, SUP rider, snorkeler, or just someone who wants a comfortable, functional top for the beach. No matter what you need, we’ve tested it, field-tested it, and we’re here to help. Don’t settle for rash guards with pockets that are just for show – get one that actually works for you.
Soccer Shorts References:
- Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. (2022). "Gear Function and User Experience for Recreational and Competitive Surfers." Annual Surf Gear Report.
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). "Sun Protection Tips for Water and Outdoor Sports." Sports Dermatology Guidelines.
- International Surfing Association. (2021). "Athlete Gear and Safety Best Practices for Open Water Surfing." Competition Safety Manual.
- Outdoor Industry Association. (2022). "Pocket Design and Function in Water Sports Apparel." Apparel Performance Research Series.
Tonton Sportswear (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Tonton Sportswear (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. is one of the leading China rash guard manufacturers and suppliers, with our professional factory, we are able to produce custom and rash guard at good price. If you are looking for cheap, or you want to wholesale products, please feel free to contact us.
Address: 1-3/F, No.1 Building, Jiewei Industrial Park, No.53, Pingxin North Rd, Pinghu, Longgang District, Shenzhen 518111, China
E-mail: dean@sztonton.com
WebSite: https://www.tontonsportswear.com/
