If you happen to’ve ever stepped foot inside a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) health club, you’ve most positively seen these skin-tight, usually colourful shirts that grapplers put on — a rash guard. BJJ Rash guards are a obligatory a part of each BJJ participant’s coaching attire, whether or not they do gi or no-gi jiu-jitsu.
With that in thoughts, we’ve introduced jiu-jitsu gamers this whole purchaser’s information to one of the best rash guards in the marketplace, from finances choices to top-of-the-line. Additionally, try our suggestions for the highest 10 rash guards.
Rash guards defend the pores and skin
At first, the primary function of a rash guard is in its identify: it protects towards rash, or extra particularly, mat burn. The graceful, skinny layer of fabric that makes up the rash guard protects grapplers from cuts and abrasions that occur when the pores and skin rubs towards the mat or within the gi. Taking that one step additional, as a result of rash guards defend the pores and skin towards abrasions, additionally they decrease the probability of an infection.
Extra than simply no-gi attire, rash guards can and infrequently ought to be worn underneath a gi prime. Not solely will the rash guard stop pores and skin abrasions and subsequently an infection, however sporting a rash guard underneath the gi additionally limits skin-to-skin contact, which lowers the possibilities of ringworm and different pores and skin circumstances spreading amongst grapplers.
BJJ Rash guards make rolling simpler
In comparison with common cotton t-shirts, rash guards make “rolling” (jiu-jitsu sparring) a lot simpler. Whereas cotton t-shirts will stretch and develop into looser because the grappler sweats, the polyester/spandex mix that makes up most rash guards will keep becoming snugly all through each coaching session. This avoids a standard drawback when rolling in a t-shirt: ft and arms get caught within the shirt throughout a roll. And, as an added bonus, rash guards are much less prone to maintain the scent of sweat, making it a lot simpler to keep away from the dreaded funk.
Compression helps muscle restoration
Lastly, rash guards may very well assist your efficiency and restoration. A study published in Sports Medicine discovered that compression attire — like rash guards — can result in a slight enchancment in muscle endurance, in addition to diminished muscle ache and irritation. If there may be one factor grapplers know, it’s muscle ache and irritation, and a high quality rash guard might cut back that.
The IBJJF has strict rules with regards to rash guards. In response to Rule 8.1.3, male opponents aren’t permitted to put on a rash guard underneath their gi. Nevertheless, Rule 8.1.4 states that feminine opponents should put on a rash guard underneath their gi.
In no-gi competitions, the rash guard should adjust to particular necessities. The IBJJF states that “each genders should put on a shirt of elastic materials (pores and skin tight) lengthy sufficient to cowl the torso all the best way to the waistband of the shorts, coloured black, white, or black and white, and with at the least 10% of the rank coloration(belt) to which the athlete belongs. Shirts 100% the colour of the athlete’s rank (belt) are additionally permitted.”
Kind of sewing
As a result of the rash guard will match tight towards your pores and skin, the kind of stitching used is essential. Poor or weak stitching won’t solely improve the probabilities that the garment rips, however will even irritate the pores and skin.
For one of the best rash guard, search for one with flatlock stitching. Whereas regular stitching utilizing a single thread to hitch two items of material will create overlap between material, flatlock stitching eliminates this overlap by making a clean, steady seam that gained’t rub or irritate the pores and skin. Furthermore, flatlock stitching creates a stronger seam, which is able to lengthen the lifetime of your rash guard.
Kind of material
Clearly, the fabric that makes up your rash guard is necessary. Most rash guards are made from a polyester mix, sometimes with spandex or elastane. For BJJ, search for a cloth that’s 80-95% polyester; any extra polyester than that, and your rash guard doubtless gained’t maintain its form for very lengthy and might be too gentle for on a regular basis coaching. The extra spandex or elastane there may be within the rash guard materials, the thicker and extra sturdy the garment might be. Nevertheless, be cautious of a rash guard that’s greater than 20% spandex — this might be too heavy for jiu-jitsu rolling.
Ranked or not?
As famous above, the IBJJF has strict necessities for no-gi attire. If you happen to’re planning to compete in a no-gi IBJJF competitors, make sure that your rash guard complies with the necessities of your rank. Ranked rash guards will come within the 5 colours of the belts — white, blue, purple, brown, and black — and can clearly state that they’re accepted for IBJJF competitors.
As a result of they don’t must adjust to IBJJF necessities, un-ranked rash guards are sometimes extra distinctive in design, permitting you to point out extra of your persona and style.
Sublimated graphics
The overwhelming majority of rash guards in the marketplace have sublimated graphics. Which means that, somewhat than graphics which can be ironed or sewn onto the garment, the graphics are part of the fabric. That is essential for BJJ practitioners as a result of graphics that aren’t sublimated will shortly peel away from the material and fade after just some exhausting rolling classes.
Briefly, in the event you discover a rash guard that doesn’t have sublimated graphics, look elsewhere.
Elastic waistband
One characteristic of a high quality rash guard that most individuals don’t think about is an elastic (or rubber) waistband. This can be a essential characteristic for jiu-jitsu practitioners as a result of, with out a waistband that matches tightly, the rash guard will experience up throughout a roll. Many rash guards that aren’t made particularly for BJJ gained’t have an elastic waistband.
A number of the prime rash guards even have elastic across the sleeves, which prevents the sleeves from using up throughout a roll.
Considering all related elements, together with value, design, and dependability of the model, we got here up with our prime 10 BJJ rash guards in the marketplace proper now. The choices beneath ought to match any finances or style.
First, try the variations between our picks for editor’s selection, finest designed, most snug, and finest worth.
| Product | Materials | Stitching | Design | IBJJF ranked? |
| Editor’s selection: Hayabusa Geo | 84% polyester, 16% spandex | Flatlock | Fashionable, geometric design | No |
| Finest designed: X-Martial rash guards | 80% polyester, 20% spandex | Excessive-density flatlock | Dozens of distinctive and revolutionary designs | No |
| Most snug: Revgear Bionic Compression Shirt | UltraDry | 4×4 nylon flat sew | Easy, obtainable in three colours | No |
| Finest worth: Fuji Commonplace Jiu Jitsu Rashguard | 100% nylon | Unknown | Minimalistic | Sure |
1. Editor’s selection – Hayabusa Geo
The Hayabusa Geo is the Cadillac of rash guards. Accessible in each quick and long-sleeve choices, the 84% polyester and 16% At 87% polyester and 16% spandex mix is designed with each sturdiness and breathability in thoughts. As gentle because the garment feels, the silicone waistband ensures that it gained’t experience up. And since that waistband is sewn into the hem, it gained’t irritate your pores and skin. Hayabusa is without doubt one of the most trusted manufacturers in fight sports activities tools, and with its easy and glossy design, we love all the pieces about this rash guard.
What we preferred:
- Trusted Hayabusa model
- Silicone waistband that gained’t irritate pores and skin
- Nice design
What we didn’t like:
- Not ranked for IBJJF competitors
- One of many pricier rash guards
In terms of distinctive design choices, no different model comes near X-Martial. With all the pieces from easy and simple, to eye-catching and colourful, to downright comical, the corporate churns out new designs seemingly each day. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a rash guard that can actually flip heads on the health club, X-Martial is the best choice. We’ve personally tried these rash guards out, and by way of high quality of development, we have been happy to see that X-Martial rash guards are about extra than simply the design. With high-density flatlock stitching, a comparatively heavy materials, and a rubber waistband, the garment is made to final.
What we preferred:
- An absurd quantity of design choices
- Vary of costs
- Rubber waistband
- Excessive-density flatlock stitching
What we didn’t like:
- Not ranked for IBJJF competitors
- Materials might be too heavy in scorching climates
For one of the best becoming, most breathable, and total most snug rash guard in the marketplace, we love Revgear’s Bionic Compression Shirt. Accessible in three coloration choices and each lengthy and quick sleeves, we tried this rash guard out for ourselves within the warmth of summer time and have been blown away by the breathability — thanks largely to the ventilated facet panel. What’s extra, the fabric is designed to wick away moisture, so it gained’t develop into heavy with sweat after just a few rounds. Merely put, this rash guard is so gentle and cozy it seems like an additional pores and skin. And though it’s tremendous light-weight, the thick stitching means this one will final for loads of coaching classes.
What we preferred:
- Extraordinarily light-weight and cozy
- Facet panel ensures most air flow
- Glorious value
What we didn’t like:
- Restricted design choices
- Graphics aren’t sublimated
For a high-quality rash guard from a trusted BJJ model, all for underneath $40, we love the Fuji Commonplace Jiu Jitsu Rashguard. Made with 100% nylon, this garment is heavy-duty and gained’t make an enormous dent in your pockets. And whereas the design could be very easy, the rash guard complies with the IBJJF rating necessities. We’d suggest this rash guard to anybody beginning their jiu-jitsu journey and on the lookout for a reliable garment at a comparatively low value.
What we preferred:
- Ranked for IBJJF competitors
- Totally sublimated graphics
- Low value from a revered model
What we didn’t like:
- Overly easy design
- Nylon materials might be too scorching
What we preferred:
- Easy but elegant design
- From a prime BJJ model
- 80% polyester/ 20% spandex mix for sturdiness
What we didn’t like:
- Solely obtainable in two colours
- White rash guard may be see-through when moist
What we preferred:
- Accessible in 4 colours
- Polyester/elastane materials is dependable and sturdy
- Inside silicone band on waist to stop using up
What we didn’t like:
- Not ranked for IBJJF competitors
- Runs small, some reviewers complain it’s too tight
What we preferred:
- Easy, timeless design
- Complies with IBJJF rating necessities
- Flatlock stitching
- Mesh underarms to maintain you cool
What we didn’t like:
- Some reviewers complain it’s too tight across the neck
- Runs small and really tight
What we preferred:
- One of many oldest manufacturers in BJJ
- Distinctive paintings
- Thick materials ensures sturdiness
What we didn’t like:
- Excessive price ticket
- Not ranked for IBJJF competitors
What we preferred:
- Low price ticket
- Complies with IBJJ rating necessities
- Underarm mesh panel
What we didn’t like:
- Supplies and stitching are much less sturdy than higher-end rash guards
What we preferred:
- Extraordinarily low value
- Ranked for IBJJF competitors
- Flatlock stitching
What we didn’t like:
- Runs small, reviewers complain it’s too tight
- Low-quality threading and sturdiness
- Graphics are sublimated however will crack after a number of makes use of
