Before rash guards existed, BJJ practitioners would often wear cotton t-shirts that could become very uncomfortable after hours of rolling. Many people who wear a cotton t-shirt under Jiu Jitsu Gi’s also find it very uncomfortable as well.
I always recommend wearing rash guards in Gi or No-Gi because of the sweat-wicking technology found in rash guards. But not all rash guards are made the same! Here are my favorite Jiu Jitsu rash guards in 2023…
Why You Should Wear a Rash Guard
The rash guard is almost necessary in no-gi grappling because of the benefits it brings. However, it’s also very useful even under the gi. Although some people feel less restricted without a rash guard, it still holds many benefits when compared to a cotton t-shirt or any other compression shirts. I personally believe that you should wear whatever is most comfortable for you, however here are the benefits of wearing a rash guard:
- Muscle Compression helps prevent injury. There have been many studies on the correlation between wearing a rash guard during rolling can help speed up injuries due to the compression of the muscles. Just as there are compression braces that reduce injuries of the knees, ankles and elbows, rash guards can also reduce the occurrence of minor injuries.
- Reduce the spread of bacteria. When you’re rolling around, especially in a gi, it’s common practice to open the gi in order to destabilize your opponent, setup for gi chokes, or to use as leverage for a pass. During intense rolling sessions the gi will naturally open, exposing your opponent’s chest. This exposes much more skin surface area and increases the chance of bacteria exchange (which is a big no-no).
- Wick away moisture for better grips. I often find myself resetting my gi and re-aligning my belt after every few minutes of rolling. The more I roll, the more sweat accumulates. This increases the chances of me transferring that sweat to my hands in between rounds. This can be a serious disadvantage when trying to take advantage of an opponent in a submission such as a Kimura or arm bar. Sure, being sweaty can work to your benefit by slipping out of submissions, but more than likely it will work against your favor. Wearing a rash guard, will help alleviate some of that sweat transfer.
- Prevents mat burn. This is one of the original purposes of wearing a rash guard. When rolling no-gi, skin contact on your typical BJJ mat can cause friction scars which hurt like hell. Although the gi provides a barrier between the mat and your skin, it can worsen friction from rolling. The weave patterns on gi’s are specially designed to be strong and allow for griping, but it also creates a lot of unwanted friction. This is especially true for elbow passes or any other movements that require you to plant part of your arm on the mat. Wearing a rash guard can help avoid some of that friction as it’s surface is a lot smoother than your skin.
The Best BJJ and MMA Rash Guards for 2023
Based on the criteria above, here are my top picks for rash guards.
Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard
Guru’s Choice! Guru Score: 10/10
Pros:
– Available in short and long sleeve
– Ranked BJJ rashguard, so you can match to your belt rank
– IBJJF Legal for competition
– Underarm panels so you don't overheat
Cons:
– Very form-fitting, size up if you don't like a tight rash guard
Guru Score: 9.5/10
Gold BJJ’s Foundation rash guard is pretty much the perfect everyday rashguard: it’s available in short and long sleeve, comes in all belt colors, and is made from lightweight, ultra strong, and breathable material.
The fabric in this rash guard is made with a moisture wicking blend that feels incredible. It’s the perfect rash guard for gi or no-gi jiu jitsu, wrestling, MMA. They even added mesh underarm panels for extra breathability, so you don’t overheat during tough training sessions.
The Foundation rash guard uses sublimated printing (instead of screen printing) which won’t flake, peel, or crack. This rash guard will look new even after a bunch of washes.
If you’re at all thinking about competing, you’re going to want an IBJJF legal rash guard like this one. IBJJF requires that at least 10% of your rashguard is the color of your belt rank – and honestly, this is just a nice touch when you’re rolling no-gi anyways so your partner knows your approximate skill level.
Hayabusa Geo Short Sleeve
Most Compression – Guru Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
– Helps optimize body temperature
– Maintain maximum muscle function
– Breathable compression to support circulation
Cons:
– Can be expensive
Guru Score: 9.5/10
Hayabusa gear is top notch. The Geo short sleeve rash guard is a nice minimalist rash guard that is great for both Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
The Metaru Charged collection is 100% compliant with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and competition regulations, which require apparel colors to match the belt of the athlete.
Origin “The Path” Rash Guard
Best USA Made Rash Guard – Guru Score: 10/10
Origin is one of the few Jiu Jitsu companies that actually makes their gear in the USA. You’ve probably heard of them on the popular Jocko podcast. Jocko Willink is one of the owners of the brand, and their mission is to bring manufacturing back to America.
Features include:
- Origin’s unique WarpWick material
- Fully sublimated printing that won’t flake
- UPF 50+ for sun protection
- Made in Maine, USA
The WarpWick rash guard fabric is really slick. It stretches in all directions, and is seriously heavy duty.
Anthem Athletics Helo-X
Guru Score: 9/10
Pros:
– Multiple styles and colors to choose from
– Moisture-wicking material
– Long & short sleeve available
– Good return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Fits somewhat small
Guru Score: 9/10
Anthem Athletics Helo-X is one of the most underrated rash guards on the market today. The reason you might’ve never heard of them is that they don’t pay for celebrity endorsements (helps them keep your cost lower!). These rash guards are made from lightweight, ultra-strong, moisture-wicking, compression material. The best part about these awesome looking rash guards are that the graphics and logos will never crack or peel.
Optimized for the highest level of athletic performance in BJJ (camo color options IBJJF approved), MMA, catch wrestling, no-gi, and submission grappling. Be sure to follow the size-chart provided on Amazon for the best fit.
Fuji Freestyle Rash Guard
Guru Score: 9/10
Pros:
– Short & long sleeve available
– Anti-microbial fabric
– Reinforced stitching
– Excellent return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Can be expensive
Guru Score: 9/10
The Fuji Freestyle rash guard has a great design and excellent durability. This rash guard is made of high quality material which is super comfortable and perfect for training and competition. The reinforced stitching guarantees that your rash guard will stand the test of time.
The Fuji Freestyle is IBJJF approved with various colors. It’s available in all belt colors and also available in short or long sleeve depending on your personally preference. This rash guard is perfect no matter if you’re a beginner or a pro. The best part is the anti-microbial fabric included in the rash guard that makes it safe from various bacteria and fungi.
Sanabul Essentials Rash Guard
Best Budget Buy – Guru Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
– UV SPF 50 protection
– Ventilated mesh underarm area
– Inexpensive rash guard
– Great return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Can fit small
Guru Score: 8.5/10
The Sanabul Essential rash guard provides you with all the features you’re looking for in a simple yet elegant design. Whether you need to show your Jiu Jitsu rank (IBJJF competition approved) or just want to match the rest of your outfit, Sanabul has what you need. The Essential series rash guard also includes other features not commonly found in this product category, such as anti-microbial and anti-odor fabric treatments.
Sanabul essentials rash guard includes UV SPF 50 protection for outdoor activities such as surfing! This also includes a ventilated mesh underarm area to help disperse heat. Amazing stretch material with graduated compression in the arms and upper torso for improved blood flow throughout muscles. This rash guard is great for MMA, BJJ, Circuit training, surfing or any other exercise.
Tatami Fighting Rash Guard
Guru Score: 9/10
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Tatami Fighting is one of the most respected names in Jiu Jitsu. I felt required to include the thinking monkey design rash guard on this list because of the quality Tatami Fighting brings to the table. The design is great and won’t fade away thanks to the sublimated digital print.
This rash guard provides protection around scratches or rashes so that your skin is safe in secure in this bad boy. The flat lock seams makes this rash guard super comfortable and durable as well. Tatami Fighting gets a 9 out of 10 on our Guru Score thanks to their amazing design and high quality rash guard.
Elite Sports Rash Guard
Guru Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
– Inexpensive rash guard
– Lightweight and comfortable
– IBJJF approved rash guard
– Excellent return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Not as durable
Guru Score: 8.5/10
The Elite Sports rash guard has been battle tested by the world’s best athletes. It’s a multipurpose rash guard which means it can be used for MMA, BJJ, Cross Training, and even Surfing. This rash guard is great for better blood flow because it’s so lightweight! New honeycomb material was added under the arm and back for added strength.
This rash guard has flat lock stitching and is made from a blend of polyester and spandex. The Elite Sports rash guard also comes with antimicrobial and anti-fungal treatment, so that you’re positive your skin is safe from infection. The fully sublimated graphics make the color long lasting no matter how many washes. The best part about this rash guard is the inexpensive price!
What’s the Difference Between Rash Guards and Compression Shirts?
Many people are surprised to find out that rash guards and compression shirts are not the same thing. In fact, all rash guards are not created equally, which is why we’ll review some rash guards below.
Typical compression shirts are made of four panels and are not designed for constant contact and friction. Movements are restricted while wearing a compression shirt when compared to a rash guard. A compression shirt is also much more likely to ride up your abdominal and back while rolling, which is super uncomfortable (you’ll end up adjusting your compression shirt during rolls).
On the other hand, good rash guards are constructed with a minimum of six panels (as compared to four in compression shirts). The stitching in rash guards is much more durable and built to resist sleeve pulls and stretching (similar to how gi’s are constructed).
Bottom line is that rash guards are much more durable than compression shirts. I highly recommend picking up a few pairs of rash guards if you’re a serious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner. You’ll save time and money by investing in a few quality rash guards rather than continually buying cheap compression shirts that will get ruined within weeks of rolling.
Rash Guards were originally designed for surfers to wear underneath their wetsuits to stop chafing (gross right). However, as surfers started moving into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu culture, so did their rash guards. So I guess you have those Cali surfers to can thank for all your comfortable roll sessions.
Don’t Forget to Buy the Right Color Rash Guard
You’ve probably noticed a common color theme of white, blue, purple, brown, black, and red rash guards. When competing in IBJJF events and tournaments, you’re required to wear the color of your proper BJJ belt ranking. So before you buy a rash guard for competition, keep in mind that when you enter a No-Gi IBJJF competition you’re required to wear a rash guard that is at least 10% of your ranked color.
If you don’t currently practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but would like to try it out, read our article on the 10 ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will change your life.