Compression sportswear is becoming increasingly popular across a variety of different sports, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). BJJ is a contact sport and involves a lot of groundwork.
Subsequently, this can result in dragging and tugging which leads to painful friction burns and sometimes even tearing of the skin. Rashguards help to combat any skin damage that’s caused by friction, allowing you to stay focused on your game.
Some BJJ rash guards can be long-sleeved, these offer the most protection. Picking out a rash guard can be pretty fun as they’re probably the most creative element of a BJJ outfit.
In a hurry? - don’t sweat it.
Shopping around for the perfect BJJ rash guard can be time consuming and tiresome.
If you’re ready to make a purchase right away and head back to the dojo, then here’s a quick link to our favorite rash guard on the market right now and a few reasons why we think you’ll love it.
- Sleeve type: Long
- UV Protection: Yes
- Stitching type: Reinforced
- Anti-microbial technology
- Budget-friendly
OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite rash guard is this long-sleeved one made by Hawk Sports. Its thousands of positive Amazon reviews caught our eye, many of which praised the garment for its versatility.
This rash guard isn’t limited to just jiu-jitsu, it’s perfect for other sports too such as MMA, CrossFit and yoga.
Not only is this rash guard super lightweight making it feel like a second skin, but it also protects your actual skin from harmful UV rays.
The material itself is breathable and fast drying thanks to the micro mesh panels under the armpits. The reinforced stitching is visible and looks attractive, but it also serves a purpose.
The overlocked stitching pattern strengthens the seams which promote mobility. It’s a cost-effective option too, costing about half the price of high-end rash guards.
Regardless of its small price tag, the shirt still comes with a lifetime warranty if you experience any defects in the materials.
Pros
- Long-sleeved shirts provide maximum rash protection
- Micro mesh panels promote breathability and reduce odor
- Reinforced stitching promotes mobility
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- These can run on the small side, so be sure to size up
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second pick had to be this 3 pack from Neleus due to its value for money. The price for the three shirts is similar to that of one high-end rash guard.
There’s also a variety of different color options to choose from, including bright blue and more neutral grey and white.
The shirt is made from a combination of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. This blend is breathable and flexible and can handle frequent washing too.
The shirt is figure-hugging but not uncomfortable. It claims to be made from moisture-sensing technology that reacts instantly to sweat and dries rapidly.
The two-way air circulation system helps to keep you cool, especially around the armpits.
This rash guard is suitable for use when weightlifting at the gym or even when skiing as well as in the dojo. There’s a good range of sizes available too, ranging from S to XXL.
Pros
- You get three shirts for an affordable price
- Multiple color options available
- Moisture-sensing technology helps to keep you dry and smelling fresh
- Made from a breathable 85% polyester and 15% spandex blend
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the high collar can feel a little loose, which gets irritating over time
BEST VALUE
Next up is this simple short-sleeved number made by Sanabul Essentials.
We love the clean design with the option to add a pop of color, allowing you to express yourself. All of the color options available represent belt colors too, which is always helpful.
This shirt offers 50 SPF UV protection, although of course not on the lower arms.
The rash guard is fitted with mesh panels underneath each armpit to promote ventilation and airflow which keeps you cool during training.
The shirt provides gradual muscle compression which promotes freedom and flexibility too. This shirt is reasonably priced and can be bought in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Pros
- Many color options available to represent belt
- Offers 50 SPF UV protection
- Mesh panels provide ventilation and promote breathability
- Available in sizes XS to XXL
Cons
- The seams on this garment aren’t reinforced, making it more susceptible to damage
RUNNER UP
Yet another long sleeve addition to this list is this DRSKIN rash guard. This option has by far the best selection of designs, colors, and patterns to choose from - including camo print and neon.
It’s no surprise that this shirt has received thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and is praised for its affordability.
The shirt itself is made from a blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. This combination is ultra-soft and lightweight, making it perfect for sportswear as it prevents restriction.
The moisture-wicking technology helps to keep you cool and dry as you train. It even provides UV protection (99.8%).
However, some reviewers found that this shirt runs small and they found it difficult to put over their head and shoulders.
Pros
- Long sleeves provide maximum protection
- A huge array of colors, patterns and designs to choose from
- Made from a lightweight polyester and spandex construction
- Provides protection from harmful UV rays
Cons
- Sizes can run small, so be sure to size up
RUNNER UP
Last but certainly not least is this long sleeve rash guard from Huge Sports’ Wildling Series. It caught our eye due to its attractive geometric design.
This design can come in multiple sleek black and white combinations. The shirt is made from a comfortable blend of 80% polyamide and 20% elastane.
This combination creates a skin-tight material that stretches just enough. Muscle compression qualities help to prevent fatigue.
The breathable fabric helps to regulate your body temperature even when in a humid and sweaty dojo. The fabric eliminates excess moisture and heat to keep you cool during training.
Pros
- Long sleeves provide maximum protection
- Multiple eye-catching designs available
- Polyamide and elastane blend is skin-tight yet breathable
- Eliminates excessive moisture to keep you cool and dry
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the laser-cut holes on the back of the shirt can get quite itchy
Best BJJ Rash Guard Buying Guide
While the origins of the rash guard can prove difficult to trace back, it is widely believed that they first came about in Australia. These were often worn by surfers and sometimes referred to as “rashies.”
These were initially designed for surfers, however, they’re becoming more and more popular in a variety of different sports, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Whether you’re thinking of buying your first rash guard or upgrading your existing one, there are a few things to consider before doing so. Some key factors to take into account are what materials it’s made from, its affordability and how it looks.
Quality
Like most sportswear, you get what you pay for with rashguards. It’s best to avoid cheap garments that won’t last. More expensive rashguards tend to be made from high quality materials.
However, even these shirts won’t break the bank. Top standard rashguards shouldn’t cost you any more than $30. If you plan on practicing jiu-jitsu often, it’s worth investing in a good rashguard.
Material
Most top-grade rashguards will be made from some combination of polyester and elastane. This is due to their breathable and flexible properties which make them perfect for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
If you’re looking to improve your ground game, consider a shirt made from synthetic lycra or something with spandex - these are great for grip.
However, they are prone to shrinkage in the washing machine so be sure to take extra care. If the grip isn’t a high priority for you, we recommend opting for either a polyester and spandex or a polyester and elastane blend.
Design
Rashguards are arguably the most exciting element of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu outfit. They can come in a whole array of different colors, patterns and designs. Choosing a unique rashguard promotes individuality and self-expression, which helps in a sport where everyone wears the same outfit.
There’s a wide range of designs available, from plain and chic to wacky and colorful. Some are made by famous sports brands, and others can be superhero-themed. It’s a good idea to only buy rashguards with sublimated designs - these are printed directly onto the garment.
Rashguards can come in short, mid, and long sleeve varieties. Long-sleeved shirts offer more protection than their short alternative. Despite this, short-sleeved rashguards are easier to maintain and are great for those who live in humid climates.
Size
If you plan on purchasing a rashguard online, be sure to refer to the product’s size guide to ensure a comfortable fit.
Size guides can vary from brand to brand, so we recommend taking your measurements before shopping online. If your rashguard doesn’t fit you correctly it can distract you from your game.
If it fits too tight, it can restrict your movements. If it’s too loose, it’s more likely to get caught during a grapple or bunch up under your gi causing discomfort.
Hygiene
If you’ve ever set foot in a dojo, you’ll know stinky and musty they can get. Despite how clean and well kept your environment is, bacteria transfer during grapples is inevitable.
Some rash guards are made with special features that help to keep odor at bay with ant-microbial technology. Choosing a shirt with these properties will keep you smelling fresher for longer.
Durability
Due to the amount of contact involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, expect to find yourself on the ground a lot. Dragging is common which can cause a lot of friction. Your rashguard should be able to handle this.
Some shirts are even made with reinforced stitching which helps to hold the panels together, even during training.
Comfort
Flexibility and movement are crucial in any martial art.
If your rashguard fits too tightly it can restrict your shoulder and arm movement, this is a no-go in a sport that requires rotating on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of wearing a rashguard?
Muscle Compression
Rashguards fit tightly in certain areas and compress the muscle, similar to how compression braces work.
Muscle compression can help to speed up healing after an injury as it improves blood flow which in turn speeds up the rate of recovery.
Rash Protection
It goes without saying that rashguards do just that, guard you against rashes. As it’s common to rotate on the ground in jiu-jitsu, the friction generated can cause burns, rashes, and sometimes tearing.
Some people assume that it’s safe to just wear a gi as they’re usually very thick, however, this is a bad idea. They’re not thick enough to guarantee complete protection from skin injuries. They can also be a little on the baggy side so your skin is more susceptible to exposure when grappling.
The floor isn’t the only thing that can cause problems. If your skin comes in contact with mats or other bodies, you may experience friction burn. If the burn is significant enough to tear the skin there’s an added risk of infection.
These complications can keep you out of the dojo for weeks at a time, so it’s best to equip yourself with a rashguard to prevent any harmful abrasions caused by mats and others.
Gi Protection
Wearing a rashguard as an underlayer can stop sweat from damaging your gi over time.
Sweat can lead to the deterioration of the materials but it’s believed that rashguards can allow your gi to live twice as long- it’s a no-brainer.
What’s the difference between a rashguard and a compression shirt?
While both rash guards and compression shirts both fit tightly to the body, there are a few minor differences between the two. Firstly, BJJ and MMA rash guards are usually made from six separate panels of material whereas compression shirts only make use of four.
This six-panel material allows the wearer to move more freely, without being restricted by the tightness of the top. Additionally, rash guards tend to include reinforced, flatlock stitching.
This style of stitching is tough enough to withstand dragging and tugging but still feels comfortable against the skin.
Do I need to wear anything underneath a rash guard?
The vast majority of men do not wear anything under their rash guard and can be used directly on the skin.
As rash guards provide little breast support, women may find that wearing a sports bra underneath can improve comfort.
Will a rash guard keep you warm?
Although it’s not their primary purpose, rash guards can help to regulate your body temperature. As rash guards promote good blood circulation, they can keep you pretty warm.
This is why you’ll often see surfers of scuba divers wearing a rash guard as it’s not only used to protect them from board rash or painful coral. To prevent overheating, many good quality rash guards will have some sort of ventilation system.
This may either be mesh paneling or laser-cut holes, usually on the back and underneath the armpits.
