Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post, nor do we receive any commission on sales.
At Jiu Jitsu World, our mission is to provide valuable insights backed by extensive experience in the martial arts community. With years of dedication to analyzing the nuances of BJJ gear, including durability, fit, and style, our team has meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide to the top No-Gi Rash Guards for BJJ practitioners.
You’ll notice a theme throughout our list of best rash guards: we like simple, minimalist designs. One of the hardest things when starting in BJJ is to find a rash guard that doesn’t look like a third-grader’s anime coloring book or isn’t covered in horrible BJJ puns, so we’ve taken the time to weed out any gaudy, over-the-top designs.
These selections have endured rigorous testing, sweat, and repeated washes to ensure they meet our standards of excellence. Join us as we explore the elite options that have earned their place on our list.
The Best BJJ Rash Guards, at a Glance
Here are the highlights. You can find our criteria and more in-depth info about each rash guard below.
- The Best BJJ Rash Guard Overall: Origin Ranked SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard, $68
- The Best BJJ Rash Guard for Beginners: RVCA VA Sport SS Rash Guard, $50
- The Best Ranked BJJ Rash Guard for Competition: Phalanx Ranked Rash Guard, $60
- The Best Minimalist BJJ Rash Guard: Jiujiteiro Core Half Sleeve Rash Guard, $50
- The Best BJJ Rash Guard for Big Guys: Tatami Nova Long Sleeve Rash Guard (Up to 3XL), $39
- The Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard: Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard, $25
- The Best Made-in-USA BJJ Rash Guard: Origin Branded SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard, $68
- The Best Funny BJJ Rash Guard: B-Team Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guards, $59
- The Best BJJ Rash Guard Alternative: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Short Sleeve, $30
How We Chose the Best BJJ Rash Guards
When selecting the best BJJ rash guard, several key criteria should be considered. Firstly, prioritize the fit, ensuring that the rash guard conforms comfortably to your body without being too tight or restrictive, allowing for full range of motion during training. Next, pay attention to the fabric composition, opting for materials like polyester, spandex, or nylon for durability, moisture-wicking properties, and flexibility.
Consider features such as reinforced stitching, flatlock seams, and elastic waistbands for added comfort. Lastly, choose a design that reflects your personal style while also considering factors like colorfastness and sublimated graphics that won’t fade over time. By evaluating these criteria, you can find the ideal BJJ rash guard.
Fit
Fit is an individual preference, but quality manufacturing makes a big difference.
Fabric
Picking the right fabric will determine how well your rash guard wicks sweat and how quickly it dries.
Features
Some include features like elasticated waistbands and sublimated designs that elevate performance.
Design
In general, we prefer rash guards that have a clean and refined look, but there are a few funny ones we’ll allow.
The Best BJJ Rash Guard Overall: Origin Ranked SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard
Origin Ranked SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Competition Legal
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Made in USA
- Polyester/Elastane Blend
- Moisture Wicking
If you were only going to own one rash guard, this would be it. The quality is incredible, it’s durable, it’s made in the USA, and it’s competition-legal. Yes, it’s one of the more expensive options, but you get what you pay for with this one.
The Best BJJ Rash Guard for Beginners: RVCA VA Sport SS Rash Guard
RVCA VA Sport SS Rash Guard
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Polyester/Elastane Blend
- Raglan Sleeves
This is a great introductory rash guard for beginners or athletes of any level. The design is subtle and versatile, so you could wear it to roll in or go surfing.
The Best Ranked BJJ Rash Guard for Competition: Phalanx Ranked Rash Guard
Phalanx Ranked Rash Guard
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Competition Legal
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Flatlock Stitching
- Sublimated Designs
Available in all belt ranks from white to black, the Phalanx Ranked Rash Guards are made of a super comfortable material, fit true to size, and are IBJJF competition legal.
The Best Minimalist BJJ Rash Guard: Jiujiteiro Core Half Sleeve Rash Guard
Jiujiteiro Core Half Sleeve Rash Guard
- Fit: Runs Slightly Small
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Polyester/Spandex Blend
- Quick-Drying
- Soft Material
In keeping with its brand design ethos, Jiujiteiro makes our favorite minimalist rash guard in an incredibly comfortable and high-performance fabric.
The Best BJJ Rash Guard for Big Guys: Tatami Nova Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Tatami Nova Long Sleeve Rash Guard (Up to 3XL)
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 3XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Moisture-Wicking
- Heavy Duty
With a wide range of sizes, the Tatami Nova is our recommendation for bigger grapplers. It offers a simple and clean all-black design in a high-stretch material that will help keep you dry.
The Best Budget BJJ Rash Guard: Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve Rash Guard
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Competition Legal
- 100% Polyester
Everything you need, nothing you don’t. They even have ranked options if you plan to compete.
The Best Made-in-USA BJJ Rash Guard: Origin Branded SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard
Origin Branded SS Comfort Fit Rash Guard
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Made in USA
- Polyester/Elastane Blend
- Moisture Wicking
Incredible quality and durability. Between their two size options, “Compression” and “Comfort Fit,” we prefer the Comfort Fit for training scenarios. It is tight enough to avoid loose fabric but still very comfortabe.
The Best Funny BJJ Rash Guard: B-Team Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guards
B-Team Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guards
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Made in USA
- Polyester/Elastane Blend
- Moisture Wicking
With more options including “Plan B,” “Nose Beers,” and “Only Fans,” the B-Team makes the funniest BJJ rash guards that are somehow not cringe.
The Best BJJ Rash Guard Alternative: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Short Sleeve
Nike Pro Dri-FIT Short Sleeve
- Fit: True to Size
- Sizes: Up to 2XL
- Short & Long Sleeve Options
- Quick Dry
- Moisture Wicking
If you want something from outside the Jiu-Jitsu world, the Nike Pro series is the best option. These shirts do not have the compression feel of a true rash guard, but they are lightweight, very stretchy, and will perform the function of a rash guard in training.
Think we missed a rash guard from our list? Leave us a comment and we’ll include it in a future review!
Common BJJ Rash Guard Questions
What are BJJ rash guards made of?
BJJ rash guards are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester, spandex (Lycra or Elastane), and nylon, chosen for their durability, flexibility, and moisture-wicking properties. Polyester provides durability and moisture-wicking capabilities, while spandex adds stretchiness for unrestricted movement. Nylon is lightweight and quick-drying, making it another great option. Many rash guards feature compression technology to create a snug fit that won’t catch the hands, fingers, or toes of your training partners. Sublimated designs ensure vibrant colors and durability even after extensive use.
Short sleeve vs. long sleeve rash guard: Which is better?
Short-sleeve rash guards offer greater breathability and are ideal for warmer environments or intense workouts where ventilation is crucial. On the other hand, long-sleeve rash guards provide more coverage and protection against mat burns and abrasions, making them suitable for cooler climates or practitioners who prefer added protection during grappling sessions.
How should a BJJ rash guard fit?
A BJJ rash guard should fit snugly against the body without being overly tight or restrictive. The sleeves and torso should conform to your body shape without excess fabric bunching up. The rash guard should allow for a full range of motion without feeling constricted during movement. Pay attention to the length of the sleeves and torso to ensure they provide adequate coverage without riding up during training. If competing in IBJJF, your rash guard must be skintight and long enough to cover the torso all the way to the waistband of the shorts.
How do I care for my rash guard?
To properly care for your BJJ rash guard, start by washing it in cold water immediately after each use to remove the sweat and oils. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can degrade the fabric and affect its moisture-wicking properties. Machine wash your rash guard with like colors on a gentle cycle using mild detergent, and air dry it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage. Avoid ironing or drying your rash guard in a dryer, as high heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric. With proper care, your rash guard will maintain its quality and performance for many training sessions.
How often should I replace my BJJ rashguard?
The frequency of replacing your BJJ rash guard depends on several factors, including the intensity and frequency of your training, as well as the quality of the rash guard. Generally, you should consider replacing your rash guard when you notice signs of wear and tear, such as stretched-out fabric, loss of elasticity, fading colors, or noticeable deterioration in moisture-wicking properties. For regular practitioners who train multiple times per week, replacing your rash guard every 6 to 12 months is a good guideline to ensure optimal performance and hygiene on the mats.
Why do you need a rash guard for BJJ?
In BJJ, wearing a rash guard serves multiple purposes: it reduces chafing and mat burn, wicks away sweat and moisture for quick drying, and provides snug-fitting clothing that prevents partners from catching their feet or toes in loose shirts. Rash guards offer protection against skin abrasions during grappling while maintaining comfort and minimizing distractions during training sessions.
Why wear a rash guard for BJJ?
Wearing a rash guard for BJJ offers several benefits, including protection against skin abrasions, reduction of chafing and mat burn, and the ability to wick sweat and moisture away for quick drying. Additionally, rash guards provide snug-fitting clothing that prevents partners from catching their feet or toes in loose shirts, enhancing safety and comfort during training and competition.
What are Ranked BJJ rash guards?
A ranked BJJ rash guard typically refers to a rash guard worn by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners that incorporates the color of their belt rank into the design. Ranked rash guards often feature the color of the practitioner’s current belt rank as a trim or stripe along the sleeves, collar, or sides of the rash guard. This allows fellow practitioners and instructors to easily identify the wearer’s skill level and rank during training sessions or competitions. Ranked rash guards are part of the required uniform under IBJJF competition rules.
Why are BJJ rash guards so ugly?
This is a great question, and we’re really not sure. But we’ve done the work of finding all of the best-looking BJJ rash guards on the market and provided them in a single article for you here.