Best BJJ Rash Guards (2024) Bought & Tested On The Mats

March 28, 2024

New BJJ rash guards for a practitioner is like getting an early Christmas present, sitting giddy at work, and waiting for your phone notification to confirm your rash guard delivery. But you know what kills that joy instantly? When you receive a rash guard that doesn’t fit properly or is made of low-quality materials.

I went through precisely that when purchasing the rash guards in this review. I've also tested all of these rash guards on the mat, so I can provide the most informed opinion to give you the best BJJ rash guards available.

Our Top Rated BJJ Rashguards

Best BJJ Rash Guard: XMartial BJJ Rash Guard

Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard: Revgear Bionic Compression Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard For Big Guys: Iron Neck SoftAF Rash Guard

Best Women's BJJ Rash Guard: XMartial Women's BJJ Rash Guard

Best IBJJF Legal Rash Guard: Gold BJJ Rash Guard

Best Hayabusa BJJ Rash Guard: Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard On Amazon: Sanabul Essential Rash Guard

Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard On Amazon: Elite Sports BJJ Rash Guard

Best Surf Rash Guard For BJJ: LAFROI Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard

XMartial Mens Rash Guard

Use "SWEETSCIENCE" at checkout for 10% OFF at XMartial

XMartial BJJ Rash Guard

85% Overall
  • Moisture wicking material and fits comfortabl.y
  • Anti-slip gel waistband.
  • 80% polyester, 20% spandex.
95%
Fit
95%
quality
75%
cost

Why We Picked It

This is the highest quality rash guard I've worn. It's why I've co-branded Sweet Science of Fighting rash guards with XMartial because I love them THAT much. The anti-slip gel wasitband that keeps it from rolling up during hard scrambles and perfect fitting sleeves make it my go-to rash guard for every day training.

The material is high-quality and durable while allowing enough stretch to be comfortable. Whereas some rash guards like the LAFROI brand feels like a beach rash guard for surfing.

While that is how the BJJ rash guard originated, the unique blend of 80% polyester and 20% spandex with XMartial create a different, more comfortable feeling. 

Compared to budget rash guard options like Elite Sports and Sanabul, XMartial rash guards are thicker because of the higher quality material.

The stitching isn’t heavily exposed like cheaper rash guards where they start to unravel quickly and, instead, use a flatlock stitching design.

I have had rash guards like that in the past that come apart. Regarding their fit, they fit true to size. I'm a size L for all my tops and bottoms, and the same with XMartial. Their size chart puts me slightly into XL, but L fits best for me.

Their designs are sublimated, so you don't need to worry about cracking or fading of the design. You can also create your custom design with them. To top it all off, they offer a one-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. That's how much they back their rash guards.

You can also read my in-depth guide with more pictures in my XMartial Rash Guard review.

 

Pros & Cons

  • Anti-slip gel panel inside the waistband, so it doesn't ride up or twist while rolling.
  • Epic designs, including making custom designs.
  • High-quality material with the right amount of stretch, making it extremely comfortable.
  • Flatlock stitching so it doesn’t come apart.
  • Fits true to size.
  • One-year warranty.
  • 100% money-back guarantee.
  • Not IBJJF legal if you compete in that federation.

Best For

Jiu-jitsu athletes who want to look stylish in the gym with funky designs while having a high-quality rash guard. If you compete mainly under IBJJF rulesets, you may need to choose an IBJJF legal design.

 
Best BJJ & MMA Rash Guard

Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard

Revgear Bionic Compression Rash Guard

Use "SWEETSCIENCE" at checkout for 10% OFF at Revgear

Revgear Bionic Compression Rash Guard

82% Overall
  • 80% nylon, 20% spandex.
  • UltraDry moisture-wicking fabric.
  • Tapered waist
80%
Fit
75%
quality
90%
cost

Why We Picked It

The highest quality budget rash guard you can find. Sure, there's cheaper. But you don't get the same feel as you do with Revgear. Their moisture wicking fabric and tapered waist make it comfortable and fits like a glove.

And it feels epic. For the $30 price tag, you're getting excellent quality for the price. It is made from UltraDry moisture-wicking fabric with TruFlow side ventilation making the rash guard feel cool when wearing it.

While it doesn't have an anti-slip waistband, it has a tapered waist keeping it sitting tight, and you don't have a baggy midsection like cheaper rash guards have. It fits true to size so you don't need to guess up or down a size.

The designs are lacking but if you're after a minimal aesthetic, Revgear has your back. You can read my in-depth breakdown in my Revgear Bionic Rash Guard review.

 

Pros & Cons

  • Comfortable moisture-wicking material keeping you dry.
  • High-quality DuraStitch stitching so it doesn’t fall apart with use or washing.
  • Fits true to size, so you don't need to guess up or down a size.
  • Budget friendly giving you a high-quality ras
  • No anti-slip waistband to prevent it riding up.
  • Not IBJJF legal if you compete in that federation.

Best For

Beginner or budget conscious BJJ practitioners who want a high functioning rash guard without forking out for a premium design and materials.

 
Revgear Bionic BJJ Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard For Big Guys

Iron Neck SoftAF Rash Guard

75% Overall
  • Loose waistband giving more room for bigger guys.
  • Softest rash guard on the market.
  • 85% polyester and 15% spandex.
80%
Fit
80%
quality
70%
cost

Why We Picked It

Iron Neck nailed the material combination to make a genuinely soft rash guard. Hence the term SoftAF is part of their rash guard name. I have a previous rash guard from an older BJJ club I trained at, which is made from the same material combination: 85% polyester and 15% spandex.

This seems to be the sweet spot for a soft and cooling feeling on the skin. My favorite color is the olive green, and the designs are straightforward, which I'm a fan of. They have flatlock stitching, so they won't unravel easily with use, and they fit true to size.

I'm a size L, and you can see the fit in the photos of me wearing the rash guard. You may be skeptical about a neck training device company getting into the rash guard game.

But they have a considerable combat sports fan base, so it makes logical sense. I'm glad they've taken the same quality of work from the Iron Neck to the rash guards.

Pros & Cons

  • It is SoftAF and feels cool against the skin.
  • Simple designs for the minimalist.
  • Flatlock stitching so it doesn’t come apart.
  • Fit true to size.
  • Not IBJJF legal.
  • No anti-slip waistband, so it can ride up when rolling hard.

Best For

If you are a bigger guy around your midsection, the loose fit is perfect for you. Further, if you train in hot climates, this is the coolest feeling rash guard I've worn.

 
Iron Neck BJJ Rash Guard

Best Women’s BJJ Rash Guard

Best Womens BJJ Rash Guard

Use "SWEETSCIENCE" at checkout for 10% OFF at XMartial

XMartial Women’s Rash Guard

85% Overall
  • Specific women's cut to fit the female figure.
  • 80% polyester, 20% spandex.
  • Anti-slip gel waistband.
95%
Fit
95%
quality
75%
cost

Why We Picked It

Lucky for us, the best BJJ rash guard company Xmartial also does women’s rash guards. Many brands on this list only manufacture unisex rash guards. However, women's body shapes are different from men, so a women's cut fits better.

The main difference is the women's sizing and the outward taper toward the waist, so it doesn't sit baggy around the midsection. You get the same great features as the men's XMartial rash guard, such as sublimated designs, anti-slip gel waistband, strong fabric, and flatlock stitching.

Pros & Cons

  • Women's sizing and cut, so it tapers outward toward the waist.
  • Anti-slip gel panel inside the waistband, so it doesn't ride up or twist while rolling.
  • Epic designs, including making custom designs.
  • High-quality material with the right amount of stretch, making it extremely comfortable.
  • Flatlock stitching so it doesn’t come apart.
  • One-year warranty.
  • 100% money-back guarantee.
  • Not IBJJF legal if you compete in that federation.

Best For

Women wanting a high-quality rash guard manufactured specifically for the female body. This means no baggy midsection from a men's rash guard.

 
XMartial Women's Rash Guard

Best IBJJF Legal Rash Guard

Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard

80% Overall
  • Ranked rash guards for IBJJF competition
  • 80% polyester, 20% spandex.
  • Anti-slip gel waistband.
75%
Fit
90%
quality
80%
cost

Why We Picked It

I'm going to come out the gate with a minor complaint about the Gold BJJ Rash Guard. It runs small to your normal size. I purchased a large and couldn't take it off without help (or get it on, for that matter). So, if you like this rash guard, buy a size up and double check the size chart.

Besides that, I love the simple design and feel of this rash guard. They even have camo designs in your belt color. However, this specific design isn’t IBJJF legal if you compete in that federation.

The material feels cool against the skin and feels very light. Further, the design is sublimated onto the rash guard so it won’t crack, peel, or flake. Finally, the stitching is a smooth flatlock design, so you don't feel it while rolling, and it won't come apart with use.

Pros & Cons

  • Reinforced flatlock stitching so it won’t unravel after use.
  • Mainly polyester material making it very strong.
  • Sublimated design so it won’t crack and peel.
  • Need to size up from your regular size to get the right fit.

Best For

Best for IBJJF competitors or anyone who trains in a gym requiring ranked rash guards.

 
Gold BJJ Rash Guard

Best Hayabusa BJJ Rash Guard

Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard

75% Overall
  • Tight fitting with less stretch.
  • 94% polyester and 6% elastane band.
  • Anti-slip gel waistband.
70%
Fit
90%
quality
60%
cost

Why We Picked It

Hayabusa is well-known for high-quality martial arts equipment. They've taken that reputation into their rash guards. I did not doubt that I would love the quality of this rash guard before purchasing, and that was confirmed when putting it on.

It is 94% polyester and 6% elastane band. While it is much less elastic, it still stretches adequately where it feels comfortable to wear. It has reinforced flatlock stitching and an anti-slip waistband like the XMartial rash guards.

The Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard fits true to size, so buy your normal shirt size. The design is damn epic, too, with the combination of blue and green changing depending on your viewpoint. Overall, you won’t be disappointed having this rash guard in your closet.

You can read my full in-depth review with more pictures in my Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard review where I state this would be my second choice rash guard for the high-end quality.

Pros & Cons

  • Reinforced flatlock stitching so it won’t unravel after use.
  • Mainly polyester material making it very strong.
  • Anti-slip waistband, so it doesn't ride up while rolling.
  • Can feel too tight fitting/restrictive for some.
  • Not IBJJF legal.

Best For

Best for BJJ practitioners who want a very tight and secure fitting rash guard. This thing does not move once it's on. And is the least stretchy rash guard on this list which some may like.

 
Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard On Amazon

Sanabul Essential Rash Guard

75% Overall
  • Loose waistband.
  • 85% polyester and 15% spandex.
  • IBJJF legal.
70%
Fit
60%
quality
90%
cost

Why We Picked It

For an Amazon BJJ rash guard, I am very impressed. The stitching is well done, and the material doesn't feel cheap or poorly manufactured. It is made from 85% polyester and 15% spandex. This budget rash guard by Sanabul is also IBJJF legal, so you can buy your belt color to compete.

It fits true to size as I'm a large, and it fits me perfectly. The designs are great for anyone after a minimalist rash guard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an anti-slip waistband so it rides up during hard rolls.

Further, the waistband is loose which is a feature in rash guards I don’t like.

But for the price, some key features will be missing, which is understandable. You're paying for an entry-level rash guard. You can see this when you hold the rash guard up to the light. You can see through it slightly, showing relatively thin fabric.

However, it’s still a solid rash guard to have in your wardrobe for low-intensity BJJ training days where you are mainly drilling. You can read my in-depth breakdown with more pictures in my Sanabul Essentials Rash Guard review.

Pros & Cons

  • Great quality for the price with fast Amazon shipping.
  • Simple designs for the minimalist.
  • IBJJF legal
  • Fit true to size.
  • No anti-slip waistband and is loose so it rides up when rolling hard.
  • Thinner see-through fabric.

Best For

Best if you need something fast delivered to your door at a budget price. Also a good option for beginners who aren't sure if they'll still be on the mats in a years time.

 
Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard

Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard On Amazon

Elite Sports BJJ Rash Guard

70% Overall
  • Cheapest rash guard you'll find.
  • 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
  • IBJJF legal.
65%
Fit
50%
quality
95%
cost

Why We Picked It

The Elite Sports BJJ/MMA Rash Guard feels like its cost… budget. That doesn't make it a bad rash guard per se. But if you're looking for something that will last longer and is more aesthetically pleasing, go for XMartial.

It's made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex. It seems the amount of material they use is less than other brands, as the rash guard feels thin compared to XMartial. Interestingly, they state they have an anti-slip waistband. But there’s no gel pad to make it anti-slip.

Instead, it’s a thick elastic waistband that keeps the bottom of the rash guard tight. After training in this, the anti-slip waistband only partially stops the rash guard riding up. Instead, it folds up and still needs readjusting.

But for the price, it's a great beginner rash guard that you can use to compete in the IBJJF.

Pros & Cons

  • IBJJF legal.
  • Simple minimal designs.
  • The anti-slip waistband doesn't stop the slipping.
  • Feels lower quality than other rash guards on this list

Best For

If you're starting jiu-jitsu and not sure if you'll stick to it, this will work for you. Also, if you just need a rash guard under your Gi, this cheap option does the trick.

 
Elite Sports BJJ MMA Rash Guard

Best Surf Rash Guard For BJJ

LAFROI Rash Guard

80% Overall
  • Feels like a beach/surfing rash guard.
  • 80% nylon and 20% spandex
  • Fits true to size.
70%
Fit
75%
quality
95%
cost

Why We Picked It

It must be the material combination that makes the LAFROI rash guard feel like a surfing rash guard. It’s 80% nylon and 20% spandex which is different from the other rash guards on this list. That doesn't make it bad per se, and you can still use it for BJJ.

One thing they have going for them is the epic sleeve design. Wear one of these if you want to see how you'd look with a tattoo sleeve. It's comfortable, fits true to size, and stretches well. It does not have an anti-slip waistband, but you can't expect this feature for the price.

The fact that a kid was wearing this at the pool in Cobra Kai confirms my suspicions about the LAFROI rash guard being more of a surf rash guard.

Pros & Cons

  • Awesome sleeve designs.
  • Comfortable and lightweight.
  • No anti-slip waistband to stop the slipping.
  • Not IBJJF legal.
  • Feels like a beach rash guard.

Best For

If you want hybrid rash guard for the beach and BJJ, this is your pick. Other than that, it's a budget option if you're cash strapped.

 
LAFROI BJJ Rash Guard

How To Pick The Right BJJ Rash Guard

Material

I recommend going for a polyester spandex or elastane mix. These material combinations feel best on the skin and are sweat-wicking. 85% polyester and 15% spandex seem to be the sweet spot for the soft and cool feeling but 80% polyester and 20% spandex is also a great blend that XMartial uses.

However, other combinations give the rash guard a thicker less stretchy feel such as Hayabusa. Avoid material blends like 80% nylon and 20% spandex, as they can feel like beach rash guards.

Short Or Long Sleeve

Wearing short or long sleeves is a personal preference. If you live in cold or hot climates, that may dictate wearing short or long sleeves. With most BJJ gyms now having air conditioning, you can wear long sleeves all year round if you please.

When competing, I recommend wearing short sleeves. It reduces friction, making it harder for your opponent to control certain positions or submissions.

Waistband

Only a couple of brands I have seen have an anti-slip gel waistband. I would opt for these brands as their rash guard quality is typically better since they went the extra mile for this feature. It saves you from pulling your rash guard down during a roll that you don't want to worry about during competition!

Design

You’ll be hamstrung by design if you compete in IBJJF. Here is what constitutes an IBJJF legal rash guard:

  • Both genders must wear a shirt of elastic material (skin tight) long enough to cover the torso to the waistband of the shorts, colored black, white, or black and white, and with at least 10% of the rank color(belt) to which the athlete belongs. Shirts 100% the color of the athlete's rank (belt) are also permitted.
  • Note: For black belts, a small red area will be tolerated but must not decharacterize the athlete's rank color.

But, if you're training or competing in other BJJ tournaments, the world is your oyster regarding rash guard design. Of the many brands in the BJJ sphere, XMartial has the greatest number and coolest-looking designs I have found.

Brand

Trusted brands are always a safe option when buying rash guards. XMartial has catapulted themselves into this position boasting 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot. You also can’t go wrong with other well-known brands like Hayabusa.

Some brands are known for creating budget fight gear, like Sanabul and Elite Sports. This doesn't make them bad. They can be great for beginners getting into the sport who are still determining how long they will pursue it.

Frequently Asked BJJ Rash Guard Questions

Are Tatami Rash Guards Good?

Tatami is a well-trusted brand that makes high-quality fight gear. However, I have yet to try the Tatami rash guard, so I cannot say whether they are good. Typically, most rash guards serve their purpose, with cheaper rash guards often being thinner than higher-quality rash guards.

Should A BJJ Rash Guard Be Tight?

A BJJ rash guard should be tight. But there’s a difference between tight and suffocating. I had this problem with the Gold BJJ Camo Rash Guard as it didn’t fit true to size. The large was much smaller than other brands leading to not being able to take it off without help.

You're good to go if the rash guard is against your skin without any loose areas like a t-shirt would have.

Should A BJJ Rash Guard Be Loose?

A BJJ rash guard shouldn't be loose. That'd be like wearing a t-shirt. The problem is getting hands, fingers, and feet caught when rolling. Be a good training partner and wear something skin-tight.

Why Wear A Rash Guard For No-Gi BJJ?

Many submission grappling competitions don’t require you to wear a rash guard and allow you to compete topless (if you’re a male). However, it’s typically best to train in a rash guard out of courtesy to your fellow training partners.

Further, you need to check with your gym owner if you're allowed to train with no shirt. But a rash guard reduces skin-to-skin contact, potentially reducing your risk of infection. Further, if you are a hairy human, it will stop your body hair from being pulled!

And don't forget mat burn. You don't want to feel that on your shoulders and back.

Does BJJ Rash Guard Color Matter?

Rash guard color only matters when it’s IBJJF legal. It should correspond to your belt color when competing and training. So don’t wear a brown IBJJF rash guard as a lower belt.

If you aren't competing in IBJJF, rash guard color typically doesn't matter. But it still doesn't make sense to wear an IBJJF legal rash guard with the belt color you're not. When it comes to design, you can wear anything when training, depending on your BJJ school.

You must check their rules when competing in submission grappling or other BJJ tournaments to see what is permitted. Often, anything goes, so get as fancy with your designs as you like.

What’s The Best Material For Rash Guards?

Rash guards are predominately made from polyester or nylon and spandex. Typically around 80-95% polyester and 5-20% spandex. This gives the stretchy attributes while ensuring it doesn’t rip.

Summary

I recommend your next rash guard to be an XMartial rash guard. They are of excellent quality and have many epic designs to fit your personality. Added features like the anti-slip gel pad and sublimated designs make them worth the price.

XMartial Mens Rash Guard

XMartial Rash Guard

Best BJJ Rash Guard

About the author 

James de Lacey

I am a professional strength & conditioning coach that works with professional and international level teams and athletes. I am a published scientific researcher and have completed my Masters in Sport & Exercise Science. I've combined my knowledge of research and experience to bring you the most practical bites to be applied to your combat training.


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