BJJ is all about keeping your opponents at bay, and if you want to get the most out of your training sessions, investing in a good rash guard can go a long way.
Rash guards are used throughout all levels of BJJ to provide protection against scrapes and minor cuts. Being lightweight and fitted, a rash guard gives you the required flexibility and speed. Plus, a rash guard is well-ventilated to protect you from premature exhaustion and enhance your endurance.
So below, we’ve outlined the top picks for the eight best rash guards for BJJ this year – take your choice of the ultimate training shirt to improve your performance.
1. Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Whether you are grappling, wrestling, MMA fighting, or Jiu-Jitsu training, this Sanabul rash guard is a perfect choice.
The rash guard is available in up to seven vibrant colors, so you can proudly showcase your rankings. With an innovative underarm mesh panel, the rash guard lets moisture escape your body, keeping you dry and cool.
Its gradual compression design not only looks great but also enhances flexibility and agility. For long-lasting durability, a fabric treatment keeps the rash guard clean and prevents the build-up of fungi or odor-causing bacteria. Besides that, the product’s UPF 50 treatment allows you to train outdoors without worrying about exposure to UV rays.
- Fabric treatment to prevent odor-causing bacteria and fungi
- Underarm mesh panels wick away moisture from your body to keep you dry
- Up to 6 color options to show your rankings
- SPF 50 UV treatment
- Gradual compression for added flexibility and agility
- Can cause mat burns
- The mesh design makes for a tight fit in some people
2. Hawk Sports BJJ Rash Guard
This Hawk Sports rash guard is great for recreational and athletic activities, whether BJJ training or beach surfing.
Thanks to its micro mesh stretch panels, the rash guard offers incredible airflow and allows for comfort during practice. Its fast dry full sleeve performance gives the rash guard efficient sweat-wicking capabilities.
Furthermore, the entire rash guard boasts an antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacterial and fungal buildup. The reinforced seams with Lycra stretch panels offer 360-degree freedom of mobility and adequate compression.
- 225 gsm fabric with an ultra-light finish
- Y-Vent design for added circulation and airflow
- Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes
- Four-way stretch construction for enhanced freedom of movement
- UPF 50+ rating for ultraviolet protection
- Some users experience issues with the durability of the fabric
- Thick material can be uncomfortable on hot days
3. LAFROI Long Sleeve Rash Guard
The LAFROI Men’s Rash Guard comes in a wide selection of designs and colors to satisfy your stylish side.
The plain-colored rash guard is made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, while the printed rash guard features 80% polyester and 20% spandex.
Thanks to the spandex blend, this fabrication gives the rash guard a good stretch for a better fit and flexibility. The nylon and polyester blends provide a rugged, durable, and abrasion-resistant finish. Furthermore, the rash guard features UPF50+ to protect you from sunburns.
- Moisture-wicking and breathable fabric
- Spandex blend gives a four-way stretch for improved fit and flexibility
- Muscle control for adequate compression to support your muscles and prevent overstretching
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use thanks to UPF50 protection
- There are flatlock seams to reduce chafing
- The material is hard to wash
- Contrast stitching can be itchy in some parts
4. Elite Sports BJJ Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guard
Designed with superior compression, the Elite Sports BJJ Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guard promotes blood circulation to improve your performance and recovery. Its honeycomb design under the arms and back acts as a guard for increased strength and performance.
Made from 85% polyester and 15% spandex, the BJJ rash guard offers a four-way stretch performance with reduced chafing. Thanks to this stretch, you will enjoy a better fit and more mobility.
The rash guard can also double up as a base layer with this innovative fabric. The rash guard graphics are made with skillful sublimation and creativity.
- Waist anti-slip bands prevent the rash guard from riding up
- Polyester and spandex blend flatlock seams for added strength and durability
- Available in rank-specific colors
- Purchasing the rash guard gives you access to the Elite Sports BJJ app
- It can function as a base layer
- The graphics flake away over time
- The material can be uncomfortable on the skin
5. Raven Fightwear Women’s Nordic Rash Guard
Your range of motion is maximized thanks to the four-way stretch fabric of the Raven Fightwear Rash Guard. The product features a synthetic, stretch-blend material, making it resistant to tear, wear, and abrasion.
The fabric blend is lightweight and breathable, allowing the rash guard to be effectively ventilated. A rubber lining at the waist keeps it from riding up, and the reinforced flatlock stitching increases its durability.
The BJJ rash guard has excellent sublimated graphics, yet the inside and outside of the design don’t peel or fade over time.
- Reinforced flatlock stitching to make it last longer
- Four-way stretch fabric for enhanced mobility
- Rubber lining at the waist holds the rash guard in place
- Graphics don’t peel or fade for long-lasting durability
- Breathable fabric keeps you cool and dry
- The material stretches over time
- Fit may be uncomfortable in some places
6. Sicchic Women’s Rash Guard BJJ
For women looking for the ideal Jiu-jitsu wear, the Sicchic Women’s Rash Guard BJJ is the perfect upper wear. Designed for women, this rash guard adapts well to your body form. Its smooth finish gives you a comfortable and skin-like natural feel.
The rash guard is available in up to 19 long and short-sleeve patterns to give you a wide selection of style options. The BJJ rash guard comprises 97% polyester and 3% Lycra for a stretchy finish. Thanks to this design, you can enjoy a flexible and snug fit. Additionally, its manufacturing facilitates enhanced mobility.
- Smooth finish for a comfortable fit
- Lightweight design for optimum comfort
- Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and cool
- Up to 19 different long and short-sleeve patterns
- Easily molds to the body shape
- Not all color patterns display the rank
- The material isn’t durable for long-term use
7. Hayabusa Geo Short Sleeve BJJ Rash Guard
The Hayabusa Geo Short Sleeve BJJ Rash Guard features a dye print combination for a unique matte look. Underneath the rash guard is a silicone band that locks the material in place, preventing it from slipping up.
The silky, stretchy material also features an ultra-rugged design for increased abrasion resistance to protect your skin from mat burns and scratches. Furthermore, the flatlock seams prevent chafing, and its standard form-fitting design allows for freedom of movement. The multi-way stretch facilitated by its stretchy fabric blend also gives you a perfect fit.
- The silicone band locks the rash guard in place
- Abrasion-resistant fabric protects skin from mat burns
- Dye print combination for a uniquely stylish look
- Multi-way stretch for a perfect fit
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
- Some users experience fraying of the fabric at friction points
- The cut is uneven in some places
8. Fanii Quare Long Sleeve Gym Training Shirt
The fabric technology of the Fanii Quare Men’s Training Shirt functions as your “second skin” for enhanced comfort. The shirt features a lightweight and soft finish, so you can wear it for long periods without sweating profusely or feeling uncomfortable.
The training shirt promotes better airflow and quick drying thanks to its 86% polyester and 14% spandex fabrication. The rash guard warms up quickly while reducing muscular stiffness and accelerating recovery.
The UVA/UVB treatment also offers excellent protection from harmful rays. Additionally, its form-fitting design supports the chest muscles, provides deltoid support, and reduces shoulder tension.
- Adequate compression stimulates blood circulation and improves muscle recovery
- Provides adequate UVA/UVB protection
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric
- Four-way stretch for enhanced flexibility
- It’s dry clean only
- Some parts are see-through
FAQs
1. How should a rash guard fit?
Unlike other types of clothing, rash guards can be worn in two ways. You can choose one that hangs loosely or one that clings to your skin. While rash guards with a looser fit are more comfortable, they can feel restrictive, like wearing a t-shirt.
2. What do you wear under a rash guard?
A rash guard is comfortable as it offers adequate coverage, especially for men. However, some women prefer to wear a sports bra underneath for added support.
3. Should you wear a cup in BJJ?
You can wear a cup while training for BJJ. However, it is against the law to wear a cup under your rash guard in tournaments and other formal sporting events. This restriction is necessary to prevent someone’s elbow or spinal column from being damaged by the hard plastic. So, since you can’t wear it during a competition, it is preferable to train without it.
4. Do rash guards prevent bacterial infections?
One of the primary purposes of wearing a rash guard is to protect you against bacterial and fungal infections. In addition to facilitating optimal ventilation, the best rash guards for BJJ also shield the skin from scratches and abrasions. The exposed wounds that scrapes and bruises leave behind are the ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
5. Can you shrink a rash guard?
A well-constructed rash guard should not shrink over time. However, one of inadequate quality can either shrink or stretch with use.
6. How do I clean my rash guard?
To clean a rash guard, rinse it in fresh water immediately after taking it off. Turn the rash guard inside out and handwash it using a mild or biodegradable soap. To avoid having it overly stretched, you can hang it to dry and then fold it. Always use cold water when washing it, and never hang the rash guard in direct sunlight or heat.
7. Do all rash guards have SPF?
You can find some of the best rash guards for BJJ made with UV protection of up to SPF 200+. These rash guards are more versatile and can be worn outdoors. However, not all rash guards for BJJ feature UV protection.
