lycra
/likɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'rash vest' can be translated into Spanish as lycra.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the brand name lycra is used colloquially to refer to any tight-fitting synthetic garment used for water sports, including a rash vest.
Which one should you use?
A more descriptive way to say 'rash vest' is camiseta de licra, which literally means 'lycra shirt'. If the vest is made of thicker material like a wetsuit top, it is often called a camiseta de neopreno.
How do you pronounce it?
/likɾa/
Did you know?
- While an English speaker calls it a 'vest', calling it a chaleco in Spanish would likely confuse a clerk, as a chaleco usually refers to a sleeveless waistcoat or a life jacket.
- In many Spanish-speaking beach cultures, wearing a lycra is often seen as a practical health choice for sun protection rather than just for sport. This reflects a strong cultural emphasis on preventing skin damage in high-UV regions.
- Because lycra refers to the material, a person wearing a rash vest might be described as ir de lycra, which literally means 'to go in lycra'. This phrasing treats the garment as a state of dress rather than a specific piece of clothing.
Examples in context
- Lleva una lycra para protegerse del sol.He is wearing a lycra to protect himself from the sun.
- ¿Necesitas comprar una lycra nueva para el surf?Do you need to buy a new lycra for surfing?
- Esa lycra es muy cómoda para nadar.That rash vest is very comfortable for swimming.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at a beach shop preparing for water sports.
- LucíaJavier, ¿tienes tu lycra para el mar?Javier, do you have your rash vest for the sea?
- JavierNo, olvidé mi lycra en casa.No, I forgot my rash vest at home.
- LucíaDeberías comprar una aquí mismo.You should buy one right here.
- JavierTienes razón, el sol quema mucho.You're right, the sun burns a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
