BJJ Rash guards are basically a requirement for long term training of Gi or no Gi BJJ. Cotton shirts quickly become stinky and unwearable when rolling. Plus they soak up sweat, becoming waterlogged and heavy. Furthermore, loose billowy T-shirts can get caught up and snagged on your limbs and face during rolling.
A proper BJJ rash guard will wick the sweat away while staying tight to your body, and get less stinky than cotton.
In a Hurry? Here’s our Top Pick!
Table of Contents
Choosing a Rash Guard
There are many good BJJ rash guards on the market. The main considerations are the material of the weave, the appearance of the rash guard, and the presence of additional features such as elastic on the wrists and waist.
Weave materials are either spandex-polyester or 100% polyester. The feel of each blend is a bit different. I prefer spandex-polyester, although 100% polyester is considered more comfortable and tends to be more expensive. Its also worth considering if you are allergic to spandex when picking the material.
Rash guard designs range from minimalistic branding to stunning artistic illustrations. Ultimately, the look of your BJJ rash guard is a matter of personal preference. It’s worth noting that some schools and competitions may have restrictions on allowed rash guard designs.
Things such as elastic on the wrists and waist to prevent rolling up are always a great added feature to BJJ rash guards. Other possible features include anti-microbial fabric and flat stitching, both of which improve your experience training in your rash guard.
Best BJJ Rash Guard Reviews
The following is a list of 5 of the best options for your next BJJ rash guard with a breakdown on each brand and style.
Elite Compression Rash Guard
- durable polyester spandex
- sublimated graphics
- flat lock stitching
- IBJJF approved
- available in different colors
The Elite Compression short/long sleeve compression rash guard is a go-to for both beginning and experienced grapplers. The flat lock stitching holding the polyester-spandex weave ensures this rash guard will hold up during your hardest training sessions without chaffing.
To prevent the annoyance of your waist and sleeves rolling up or expanding, the Elite Compression rash guard has sewn-in anti slip bands at the sleeve and waist.
You may also experience improved recovery and performance, as the compression weave is designed to improve blood flow throughout your training session.
I personally own both white and red Elite Compression BJJ rash guards that I cycle through each week, and they are still some of the most comfortable rash guards I own.
The Elite Compression short sleeve BJJ rash guard is available in a number of different colors.
Overall, the Elite Compression short sleeve compression rash guard is one of the best values on the market and a great pick for your first BJJ rash guard.
At the time of writing this review, there’re over 500 reviews on Amazon, with majority being positive – click here to read them.
Be sure to check out our list of Best BJJ Gi for Beginners, for more great items like this.
PROS
- Affordable
- Durable
- Multiple color options
CONS
- Only available with prominent Elite logo
Hayabusa Metaru Rash Guard
- long sleeve
- spandex and polyester weave
- silicon hem
- IBJJF legal
The Hayabusa Metaru BJJ Rash Guard is a premium long sleeve BJJ rash guard for dedicated BJJ students. Hayabusa’s advanced compression is designed to optimize your physical performance through better circulation.
The elastane-polyester material wicks away sweat in order to help regulate your body temperature during intense rolling. The edges are silicon hemmed to ensure the rash guard stays place during rolls of any intensity.
Personally, my biggest issue with poorly made rash guards tends to be that the sleeves don’t stay down and the waist gets pulled up. Even other premium rash guards have given me this issue, but the Hayabusa Metaru BJJ Rash Guard stays tight on my wrists during intense grip fighting.
All Hayabusa gear is designed with IBJJF tournament rules in mind, and the premium comfort of the Hayabusa Metaru BJJ Rash Guard frees you from distraction leading up to your matches.
Available in several colors including blue, green, and red, the Hayabusa Metaru is a staple competition BJJ rash guard that is perfect for any match or training session.
One thing to note, the size run a tad small, so order one size up than your normal size.
At the time of writing this review, there’re over 110 reviews on Amazon, with majority being positive – click here to read them.
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PROS
- Quality weave
- Silicon hem
- Eye catching design
- Comfortable fit
- Thick material that keeps you drier
CONS
- Pricier than competition
- Size runs small
Sanabul Essentials Rash Guard
- long sleeve
- spandex and polyester weave
- minimalist design
- IBJJF legal
If you prefer a minimalist BJJ rash guard design you cannot go wrong with the Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve Compression BJJ Rash Guard.
Sporting a small logo and solid color sleeves, the Sanabul Essentials BJJ Rash guard offers a sleek, premium quality at an affordable price. The gradual compression material will not restrict your movement compared to cheaper-made compression brands.
In addition, the weave is very breathable and fast drying. The design includes a unique underarm mesh panel that more effectively wicks sweat from the body.
Unlike other low end rash guards I have used in the past, the Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve Compression BJJ Rash Guard has retained its compression after years of being used on the mats and washed.
The main body of the rash guard is black and the sleeves come in standard colors including all black. The Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve Compression BJJ Rash Guards are IBJJF legal and perfect for training and competition alike.
At the time of writing this review, there’re over 840 reviews on Amazon, with majority being positive – click here to read them.
Be sure to check out our list of Best Boxing Gloves for Sparring, for more great items like this.
PROS
- Affordable
- Breathable material
- light weight and comfortable
- Minimalist design
CONS
- Not as durable
Raven Fightwear Nordic Rash Guard
- sublimated Norse myth graphics design
- rubber waist lining to prevent rolling up
- flat lock stitching
For those looking for a fearsome looking rash guard, the Raven Fightwear Men’s Nordic BJJ Rash Guard is a great option. The design features a prominent double eagles, inspired by Norse mythology on the front, and Norse style patterns over the chest, arms and back.
This particular design is available in 7 different color schemes. Embrace the Norse Gods and enter Valhalla, when you throw on this rash guard and step on the mats. Available in multiples sizes to suit all body types.
What I like most about this rash guard, other than the cool design of course, is the elastic bottom strap. It prevents the rash guard from rolling upwards, even when you move around a lot. It’s a smart idea I wish more brands would implement.
At the time of writing this review, there’re over 100 reviews on Amazon, with majority being positive – click here to read them.
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PROS
- Impressive design
- Comfortable material
- Available in multiple sizes
CONS
- A little baggy on the arm
Fuji Baseline Ranked Rash Guard
- sleek FUJI design
- IBJJF legal
- Anti-microbial
- long sleeve
- reinforced stitching
The Fuji Baseline Ranked Long Sleeve Rash Guard, offers a quality training and competition rash guard with the sleek FUJI logo and minimalistic design.
Fuji is known for quality and this one is no different, it’s great value overall with comfortable, anti-microbial weave at middle-range price.
The anti-microbial fabric keeps you comfortable and while further the chances of you being the dirty sock smelling guy (please… please still shower).
The Fuji IBJJF Freestyle Long Sleeve Rash Guard comes in sleek white, soft purple, deep blue, gold brown and dark black.
One thing we like about this Fuji rash guard, is the super comfortable fit, and that fact that how easy it is to put it on and take it off, even when you’re drenched in sweat.
At the time of writing this review, there’re over 85 reviews on Amazon, with majority being positive – click here to read them.
For more great gear like this, check out our list of the Best Judo Gi for Beginners.
PROS
- Sleek minimalist design
- Anti-microbial fabric
- Comfortable fit
- Durable
CONS
- Sizes run a tad smaller
FAQ’s about BJJ Rash Guards
Are short sleeve or long sleeves better?
Long sleeves offer a bit more protection from mat burn and bacteria, but some people find them restricting. I typically wear long sleeves.
How do I wash my rash guard?
Machine wash cold and then dry on low heat. You can use a bit of vinegar in the laundry to help deodorize.
Do you wear a rash guard under a Gi?
Many do, some don’t. Personally I think it’s preferable to have one on, but it isn’t typically required and some people do not like wearing anything under the gi top.
Wrap Up
You cannot really go wrong with any of the listed rash guards in this article.
I recommend picking one you really like based on the design to start with, as it is something you will be wearing every time you roll. Plus you can wear it when going to the gym or even as a casual wear.
Eventually though, you will need to own several, especially if you’re training BJJ, or going to the gym couple times a week, so you aren’t beholden to one BJJ rash guard style.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy training.
