From $188.00
KELP RASH GUARD
Comfortable 3/4 sleeve crop top made with breathable Merino or Alpaca wool. This versatile piece serves a dual-function as both a supportive everyday crop top and a sustainable swim top.
Handmade in Vermont, USA.
Curious about wool-blend swimwear? Explore Swimwear FAQs.
KELP RASH GUARD
Top or Swimsuit — Designed for both. This crop top with magnetic* back closures leverages the natural benefits of Merino and Alpaca wool to be exceptionally breathable and quick-drying. Whether worn as an everyday top or a sustainable swimsuit, it provides soft, all-day support in any environment.
Merino
Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Keeps you feeling dry after swimming.
Alpaca
Ultra-soft, insulating, and naturally water-repellent. Absorbs even less moisture than merino.
Want to know about natural fiber swimwear? Explore Swimwear FAQs.
Features:
*SAFETY WITH WEARING MAGNETS: If you have implanted medical devices like a pacemaker or programmable cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) shunt valves, please consult a physician before wearing garments containing magnets. If magnet becomes unattached from garment, dispose of magnet and keep out of reach of children. If magnets are swallowed, seek medical attention even if person is not choking.
| Weight | .4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Cup Size | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X |
| Band Size | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X |
| Color | Black Merino, Charcoal Alpaca |
| Content Information (Alpaca) | 77% Royal Alpaca, 19% Modal, 4% Spandex. Exclusive of trimmings. |
| Content information (Black Merino) | 95% Ultrafine Merino Wool (16.5 Micron), 5% Spandex. Exclusive of trimmings. |
| Wool Care | Cold Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle, Hang or Dry Flat |
| Good for Swimwear | This item is great for swimming in! |
| Magnet | This item contains magnetic closures. |
KELP RASH GUARD | Magnetic Merino & Alpaca Swimsuit
While this natural swimwear is not 100% plastic free, it is made primarily from natural fibers including merino wool, alpaca, and modal. Most styles are approximately 95% natural fiber, with about 5% spandex, and elastics and straps include nylon and spandex for structure and durability.
This blend allows the swimwear to maintain shape, comfort, and longevity while still prioritizing natural materials.
Both merino wool and alpaca are breathable, soft, and exceptionally low in moisture absorption—making them uniquely suited for swimwear. After swimming, they shed water quickly and feel dry to the touch, keeping you light and comfortable.
Merino is lightweight, versatile, and ideal for all-day wear. Ultrafine merino feel soft against the skin while naturally wicking moisture—making it a great choice for both swimming and movement.
Alpaca offers an ultra-soft, more luxurious feel. Its naturally hollow fibers help regulate temperature while repelling water, absorbing even less moisture than merino. It’s also hypoallergenic and rare in stretch fabrics.
The alpaca fabric is blended with modal—a plant-based rayon fiber—adding strength, stability, and durability, especially when wet.
While natural—and excellent for undergarments—cotton and hemp tend to feel cold when wet and retain a high amount of water, leading to a heavy, slow-drying feel after swimming.
Merino wool and alpaca behave differently, absorbing far less moisture and drying quickly for a lighter, more comfortable experience.
Take gentle care of your swimsuit to help preserve its natural fibers:
It’s not ideal.
While 95% merino wool or alpaca blend underwear will dry quickly, it may be see-through because it is made from a single layer of fabric, unlike the swimwear. Additionally, most underwear styles have little to no elastic in the seams, whereas swimwear includes elastics in the leg openings and waist for a secure fit.
Yes!
Since all Hanna Broer bras are made with a double layer of fabric and contain elastics to keep a good hold, you can use the 95% merino bras for swimming. The merino blends with Tencel™ may be less suitable, since they may be see though, and the merino content is much lower.
Yes!
Natural swimwear made from merino wool and alpaca is breathable and quick drying, making it a comfortable option for everyday undergarments. They have more hold and structure than most of the single layer underwear styles, which is great if you like a secure fit.
Not for a modern, stretchy swimsuit.
While advancements are being made in biodegradable materials, it is not currently possible to create snug-fitting, supportive, and durable swimwear without elastane (spandex) or synthetic elastics.
No.
Natural swimwear is functional, comfortable, and breathable but will feel and behave differently compared to synthetic swimwear.
All items suitable for swimming are listed in the “swimwear” category.
You can also look for the “good for swimming” icon on each product page.
Use your underbust and bust measurements to get your band and cup sizes (XS-3X).
Use this quick chart to see where your measurements land in the range.
| Size | Underbust | Bust |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 27-28 | 32-33 |
| S | 29-30 | 34-35 |
| M | 31.5-33 | 36-38.5 |
| L | 34-36 | 39.5-42 |
| XL | 37-40 | 43-46 |
| 2X | 41-43 | 47-49 |
| 3X | 44-47 | 50-53 |
| Size | Underbust | Bust |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 68.5-71 | 81.5-84 |
| S | 73.5-76 | 86.5-89 |
| M | 80-84 | 91.5-95.5 |
| L | 86-91.5 | 100-106.5 |
| XL | 94-102 | 109-117 |
| 2X | 104-109 | 119-124.5 |
| 3X | 112-119 | 127-135 |
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