Best BJJ Rash Guard: Hayabusa Marvel Hero Elitte Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard
Best BJJ Rash Guard for Fighters on a Budget: LAFROI Men’s Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Rash Guard
A good BJJ rash guard should fit you like a glove, protect you from mat burn, and wick away sweat. And during that whole time, it should be breathable, so that you don’t feel like you’re training in a sauna!
In order to make this list, I’ve poured through hundreds of user reviews and combined them with the knowledge gained from my 15 years of martial arts experience. So no matter how experienced (or inexperienced) you are, this review will definitely help you find what you’re looking for!
1. The Best BJJ Rash Guards
Hayabusa Marvel Hero Elitte Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard
LAFROI Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Baselayer Skins Performance Fit Compression Rash Guard
Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Compression Training Rash Guard
Elite Sports Jiu Jitsu BJJ Rash Guard
ATHLIO UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
Roar BJJ Rash Guard
Venum Gladiator 3.0 Long Sleeve Rash Guard
TSLA UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard
HUGE SPORTS Splice UV Sun Protection UPF 50+ Skins Rash Guard Long Sleeves
2. What To Look For in the Best BJJ Rash Guard?
2.1. Long Sleeve Rash Guard vs Short Sleeve Rash Guard For BJJ
2.2. Material
2.3. Breathability
2.4. Flatlock Stitching
2.5. Fourway Stretch Fabric
2.6. Rubber or Silicone Waistband
2.7. Multipanel Construction
2.8. Price
2.9. IBJJF Compliant
2.10. Extra Features
2.11. Sublimated Graphics
3. Frequently Asked Questions
3.1. What’s the difference between a compression top and a rash guard?
3.2. Do rash guards stretch over time?
3.3. Should a rash guard be tight?
1. The Best BJJ Rash Guards
Hayabusa Marvel Hero Elitte Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard
Hayabusa is one of the best-known brands in combat sports. And their Marvel-themed rash guards are a great example of why that is.
They’re made of 84% polyester and 16 elastane which gives them a great fit. They’re also surprisingly breathable, making sure you don’t get distracted during your training.
The construction of the Marvel Hero Elitte Rash Guard is also very high quality. It has flatlock seams and reinforced stitches, making it very durable. This is especially important if your gym has tatamis with a rougher surface that can usually damage your rash guard.
In terms of downsides, the main one here is the price. Like most of Hayabusa’s gear, this one is also on the high end. But in terms of quality, I think it’s definitely worth it. Also, I really like the designs – some of them are really flashy, while others are much more understated. So regardless of your particular taste, you’ll definitely find something you like.
Pros:
- Very durable
- High breathability
- Good fit (especially for tall and thin people)
Cons:
- High price
- Runs a bit small
LAFROI Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Baselayer Performance Compression Shirt Rash Guard
LAFROI’s Long Sleeve Compression Rash Guard is a very affordable and durable option. It’s made from 80% nylon and 20% spandex, making it very stretchy. So, it’ll definitely be a very good fit.
In addition to having a good fit, it’s also surprisingly breathable – a very important quality for BJJ gear.
In terms of issues, some users have found that these rash guards don’t last very long. After a few months of consistent use, you may need to replace it. But given the low price, it’s definitely above-average.
Pros:
- Cost-friendly
- Fits well
- Breathable
Cons:
- Some users had issues with durability
Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Compression Training Rash Guard
The Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard is a great IBJJF-compliant ranked rash guard. Especially if you’re on a budget.
The best part of this rash guard is that it will not ride up your waist while you’re grappling. It can be annoying to have to keep pulling your rash guard down, especially in competition. For such a low price, this is a great feature.
The rash guard does have some issues. Firstly, the fit is a little bit inconsistent. It’s not as form-fitting as most rash guards.
The material is moisture-wicking but not completely effective for BJJ. You still might find yourself with mat burn after your NoGi rolls, even in places that the rash guard covers.
Pros:
- Cost-friendly
- IBJJF compliant
- It will not ride up
Cons:
- It may still result in mat burn
- Ill-fitting on some people
Elite Sports Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Rash Guard
Elite Sports sells a great ranked BJJ rash guard. The long-sleeved rash guard uses the same high-quality material as pricier products do, which means more bang for your buck!
This rash guard will come quickly, which we all know comes in handy if you need a ranked rash guard before stepping on the mats for a last-minute competition.
The fit on these rash guards is also ideal. It conforms to people of all sizes without being too tight. They’re perfectly comfortable to roll in without your partner getting their fingers and toes stuck in the slack.
However, be wary of their size chart. It’s not the most accurate. Stick to a rash guard size that you normally purchase for the best fit.
Pros:
- High-quality material
- IBJJF compliant
- Fits well
Cons:
- Incorrect size chart
ATHLIO UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
The ATHLIO long sleeve compression shirt is not a rash guard specifically for BJJ. But it will work just as well on the mats as it will in the water.
The material is comfortable and smooth while also very form-fitting if you get the right size. The rash guard is very breathable, which I know that I need to wear under a heavy gi.
Keep in mind that this rash guard is not ranked, so it’s not ideal for an IBJJF event. Also, the rash guards run small, so remember that when purchasing one.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Breathable material
Cons:
- Runs small
- Not ranked
Roar BJJ Rash Guard
Roar has a great variety of BJJ rash guards with many different designs. Their high-quality poly-spandex rash guards come in a range of lion-centric designs.
We all want to feel like a lion on the mat, and Roar provides the gear for that. It has a 4-way stretch fabrication. This allows your rash guard to be flexible enough to accommodate your game.
The price is good for a solid rash guard that is IBJJF compliant, but the rash guard is not known to hold up for long. Consistent use may lead to threads coming undone after a few months.
Pros:
- Cool rash guard designs
- Flexible fabric
Cons:
- Not very durable
Venum Gladiator 3.0 Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Venum is very well established when it comes to combat sports gear. And their Venum Gladiator Long-Sleeve Rash Guard is a good example of why. It’s made of 87% polyester and 13% spandex with reinforced seams. This makes it very durable, yet stretchy enough for a comfortable fit.
It’s also a compression shirt, which means it improves your blood flow while you train.
It’s a high-quality rash guard, with a a rubber waistband that prevents it from riding up as you drill and roll.
In terms of downsides, it runs a little small, so adjust your usual size accordingly if you decide to buy it.
Pros:
- Compression shirt
- Rubber waistband
Cons:
- Runs very small
TSLA UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
TSLA’s Long Sleeve Compression Shirt is a great choice to support your muscles and stimulate blood flow.
The polyester and spandex fabric is great quality for BJJ, and the fit is ideal for people with a range of body sizes.
If you order this rash guard in black, be aware that it’s not very flexible. The black rash guard will often develop white stretch marks after particularly gruelling rolls.
Pros:
- High-quality fabric
- Fits well
Cons:
- Prone to stretch marks
Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard
The Gold BJJ Foundation rash guard is a ranked rash guard that comes with long sleeves or short sleeves.
Gold makes this product for BJJ, so you can be sure that it’s mat-grade. The flatlock stitching makes it extra comfortable, and the moisture-wicking material is perfect for the extra sweaty rolls. Not to mention, they’re very durable and they last long.
These rash guards run very small and the rank colors fade quickly.
Pros:
- Ranked
- Flatlock stitching
- Moisture-wicking
- Durable
Cons:
- Runs small
- Rank colors fade fast
HUGE SPORTS Splice UV Sun Protection UPF 50+ Skins Rash Guard Long Sleeves
This HUGE SPORTS rash guard is very budget-friendly. It comes in a variety of different designs that are sure to give you some style points on the mats.
These rash guards are high-quality, but on a lot of people, they fit loosely around the waist. They also run a bit small, as it seems a lot of rash guards that aren’t specifically for BJJ often do.
Pros:
- Cost-friendly
- Different designs
Cons:
- Loose fit around the waist
2. What To Look For in the Best BJJ Rash Guard?
The most important factors are material quality, stretchability, and breathability. It’s also good if the rash guard has flatlock stitching (because it helps with durability) and multipanel construction. Of course, there are other important factors, as well.
2.1. Long Sleeve Rash Guard vs Short Sleeve Rash Guard For BJJ
Some people prefer long sleeve rash guards, while others prefer to wear short sleeves on the mats.
Either long sleeve or short sleeve works well for BJJ. I know that for training, I prefer to wear long sleeves both under my gi and for NoGi to avoid mat and gi burn on my arms.
However, a lot of people prefer to wear short sleeves for NoGi because exposing your bare arms makes you more slippery. For NoGi, being slippery enough to quickly strip a grip is a big advantage.
2.2. Material
It’s important to consider material when purchasing a rash guard. The material of most rash guards is either a combination of spandex and nylon or polyester.
Both materials are good for rash guards, so it’s up to you! I find that polyester and elastane are both the most comfortable and durable, but your experience may differ. Just experiment and see what works best for you!
2.3. Breathability
BJJ can get hot and sweaty, especially when you’re wearing a four-pound gi on top of a rash guard and spats. So, it’s important to have a breathable rash guard to wear under the gi.
Even if you’re just wearing a rash guard to NoGi, it should still be airy and comfortable enough, so you don’t think too much about it while rolling.
Unfortunately, the materials most commonly used in rash guards aren’t known for their breathability. The best rash guards are both thin enough to give you good breathability, but durable enough to withstand all the rolling and general wear and tear of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu workout.
2.4. Flatlock Stitching
Flatlock stitching holds two pieces of fabric together without using a typical clothing seam.
Flatlock stitching is useful for BJJ rash guards because it won’t cause skin irritation with excessive fabric overlap. A typical seam with a single thread can cause a rash or irritate your skin, which is what wearing a rash guard intends to prevent.
Flatlock stitching also means that the seam will be less bulky. The less that you notice the clothing that you’re wearing while you roll, the more comfortable both you and your partner will be. So, flatlock stitching is ideal for both Gi and NoGi.
2.5. Fourway Stretch Fabric
Fourway stretch fabric has the perfect amount of stretch and recovery for BJJ. I know that when I fold myself in half doing a Berimbolo, I like my rash guard to stretch with me and return to perfect shape when I stand up to get my hand raised.
Fourway stretch fabric is a very durable material for rash guards. It will return to its natural, form-fitting shape after all the wear and tear that a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match puts it through.
2.6. Rubber or Silicone Waistband
Few things are more annoying than when a rash guard begins to ride up your waist while drilling or rolling.
Some companies use rubber or silicone waistbands at the bottom of their rash guard so that it doesn’t ride up. This gives you one less thing to think about while you’re training.
2.7. Multipanel Construction
If you prioritize mobility, then it’s worth looking into a rash guard with multipanel construction.
Since these rash guards use multiple pieces of fabric in their construction, they’re easier to move in than those that use a few pieces of a larger fabric.
2.8. Price
Yes, cost-efficient BJJ gear is always nice. Since most people who train often have to have multiple rash guards, spats, and gis to switch out between training sessions, it’s nice to keep the price low.
Keep in mind that a lot of the time, you get what you pay for. Some pricier rash guards are more durable, allowing you to train and compete in them for longer.
2.9. IBJJF Compliant
If you plan to compete at an IBJJF tournament, whether it’s an open or a major, be sure that your rash guard meets the organization’s requirements.
There are a few rules regarding graphics and logos, but the main concern is that the rash guard displays your rank. Consult the IBJJF website for specific rules regarding dress.
2.10. Extra Features
Some rash guards have additional features that make them perfect for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In particular, antimicrobial fabrics are especially useful on the mats.
Fungal and bacterial infections are common amongst teammates and competitors alike. You should take precautions to avoid them, especially during an outbreak. Having a few rash guards with antimicrobial fabrics can be a smart move.
Other features include breathable mesh fabric in the armpit area to avoid a permanent stench. Also, some companies offer cool limited edition designs that will guarantee that you’re the most stylish person on the mats.
2.11. Sublimated Graphics
Most companies sublimate their graphics so that their stylish designs stay on the rash guard. So, if you’re the type who likes flashy designs, you need to make sure the graphics use sublimation instead of stencilling or some other low quality printing method.
With rash guards, you can even hire certain companies to sublimate your own design onto a rash guard. This option is useful for school owners or athletes who want to add personal flair to their gear.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best BJJ rash guards.
3.1. What’s the difference between a compression top and a rash guard?
Compression tops increase circulation and support the muscles, while rash guards protect the skin from mat burn while providing a more relaxed fit. In practice, both can be used for BJJ.
3.2. Do rash guards stretch over time?
A good-quality rash guard won’t permanently stretch over time. However, not every rash guard has flexible fabric that recovers easily. If you read that a rash guard stretches over time, it might be inevitable. It’s still best to invest in a high-quality and durable product.
3.3. Should a rash guard be tight?
A rash guard must be as tight as possible for BJJ while still being comfortable. If it’s not, then either your fingers or your partner’s fingers and toes might get stuck in the slack of the fabric. Aside from ruining a roll, this can have injurious results.
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