Reagan Rash Guard Pattern Review

Need a very quick and simple sew to get you going this swim season? The Reagan Rash Guard has you covered…literally. Choose the long sleeve option to help protect from sun and enjoy some time off all the sunscreen application time. There are several other fun options to choose from as well including crop length, short sleeve, and flounce. I hope you enjoy this Made for Mermaids Reagan Rash Guard Pattern Review.

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This little lady above is sure a tough one to fit in retail clothing…let alone swim wear. She has had the same size 8 swimsuit in her closet for over 3 years just waiting to grow into the thing. She is very thin but average height for her age, so just about anything long enough is completely huge on her. This is never a good combo in swimwear. So when the opportunity to test the Reagan Rash Guard pattern became available I was excited to give it a try for her. I love the way I can customize it to her size and the fact that the options work well for boys too so this unisex pattern can be a workhorse for me this summer and for years to come!

For this swim pattern test I made two views. One is the short sleeve with flounce added and the other is the long sleeve with flounce added. The suit is paired with the Roxy Bottoms from last year’s swim collection. I talked more about that swimsuit and a hack I created for it below:

Made for Mermaids Reagan Rash Guard Pattern Review

PATTERN DESCRIPTION:

The Reagan Rash Guard comes in sizes 1/2-14. Reagan is a classic, close-fitting, unisex rash guard. Perfect to be worn over swim wear for sun protection, or size down for a slimmer fit. Choose from a straight top or banded crop length. Includes both short and long sleeves. Has an adorable flounce option that can be added to either sleeve length. Great for beach vacations, splash pads or pool time! The layered, computer digitized, color coded, ‘no trim’ pages are QUICK to put together! Detailed, precise instructions with full color photos to teach and guide you along the way are perfect for beginners. Yardage requirements, tips, tricks and more are included! You will need Adobe Reader on your computer to open the PDF files.

Includes 3 paper printing sizes- US paper, A4 paper and A0 copy shop size.

PATTERN SIZING:

1/2-14 in youth sizing, Women’s pattern available as well here.

I made a size 5 width mashed with 8 length. This took a little bit of trial and error with the raglan pattern. My first attempt created a very long funnel neck..oops! Refer to the instructions included in the pattern for how to adjust a raglan for proper technique.

Supplies Needed:

Swim Fabric – I used these gorgeous stripes from Mily Mae fabrics as well as the optional lining
The solid blue swim is from Joann Fabrics
3/8 inch swim elastic

DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?

Yes, I made the short sleeve with flounce option and long sleeve with flounce option.

WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?

Super easy. The most confusing part of this pattern is the grading of the pattern with the raglan sleeves. Otherwise this is a very quick and very straightforward sew. This would be perfect for someone worried about sewing swim knit as a very easy introduction.

WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?

I love the layered pattern, no trim pages, quick assembly and quick sew.

WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?

Yes, I made several during testing and have no plans on stopping. I would like to finally figure out my coverstitch machine for the reverse stitching tutorial but in the meantime I plan to make them for my boys and I this summer since my daughter has several to choose from!