A rash guard is a shirt made of spandex and nylon or polyester that, as the name implies, protects the wearer against rashes caused by abrasions.
In Jiu-Jitsu, you will typically find short sleeve and long sleeve rash guards. Short sleeve rash guards are cooler because the arms are left uncovered; however, as a result, they leave more skin areas subject to abrasions and mat burn.
Image Above: A group of girls from the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu academy wearing long-sleeve rash guards.
Image Above: Two jiu-jitsu practitioners wearing short-sleeve rash guards while sparring.
Rash guards are worn as an athletic shirt in no-gi BJJ to protect the upper body from abrasions and mat burn. They can also be worn in traditional BJJ under the gi to reduce chaffing. Rash guards are popular in Jiu-Jitsu because they are light, allow mobility, and breathe easily.
Ever had the issue of not knowing belt rank in no-gi jiu-jitsu? Well, good news. The Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard fixes that issue by offering rash guards in white, blue, purple, brown, and black.
Price: $40
Retailer: Amazon
Ranked Colors. Belt levels will never be an issue in no-gi BJJ again with five colors.
IBJJF Certified. Competition rules require at least 10% of your rash guard to be the color of your belt rank. Not an issue here.
Moisture-Wicking. This rash guard keeps you cool.
Sizing. Sizes tend to run a little small.
Click Here to Buy the Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard on Amazon
Looking for a no-frills rash guard that gets the job done on a budget? The Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard may be what you're looking for. It offers what you need a reasona
Price: $22
Retailer: Amazon
Good for Multiple Activities. With SPF 50 protection, you can wear this outside of jiu-jitsu.
Treated Fabric. The treated fabric allows this gi to last longer.
IBJJF Certified. Competition rules require at least 10% of your rash guard to be the color of your belt rank. Not an issue here.
Sizing. Sizes tend to run a little small.
Click Here to Buy the Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard on Amazon
There are more male BJJ practitioners than females. Therefore, rash guard sizing tends to be tailored to men. However, the Raven Fightwear Women's Nordic is explicitly tailored to women's sizing.
Price: $50-$60
Retailer: Amazon
Sized for Women. Most rash guards are designed for men, but not this one, it was made with the ladies in mind.
Durable. Reinforced flatlock stitching keeps this rash guard intact.
Beautiful. With unique designs this design will rash guard will help you look your best.
Coloring. Does not currently offer white and brown rash guards.
Click Here to Buy the Raven Fightwear Women's Nordic Rash Guard on Amazon
Looking for a rash guard that is sized specifically for kids? The Sanabul Kids Essential has you covered.
Price: $17-$30
Retailer: Amazon
Non-Irritating and Durable. This gi will protect your child from itching and tearing.
Sun-Protection. Offering SPF 50, your child can wear this outside too.
Kids Sizing. This rash guard is made specifically for kids, so you can make sure it fits right.
Colors. Limited color selection.
Click Here to Buy the Sanabul Kids Essentials Long Sleeve Rash Guard on Amazon