What Is a BJJ Rash Guard? The Complete Guide to Rash Guards for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

If you’ve ever stepped onto the mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training, you’ve likely noticed athletes wearing sleek, skin-tight shirts that look a lot like compression tops. Those are rash guards — and they’re one of the most essential pieces of gear in modern grappling. But what exactly is a BJJ rash guard, and why does it matter? This complete guide from RashGuards.ph breaks down everything you need to know — from what rash guards are made of, to how to choose the right one for your training, to how they’re made by professional manufacturers like us here in the Philippines.

A rash guard is a close-fitting athletic shirt designed to protect your skin from irritation, friction, and bacteria.
Originally used by surfers to prevent chafing and sunburn, rash guards quickly found their way into combat sports — especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — because of their durability, flexibility, and hygiene benefits.

In BJJ, rash guards are typically made from a blend of spandex, polyester, and nylon, giving them the perfect balance of stretch, compression, and moisture-wicking performance.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, constant grappling contact can cause skin friction, mat burns, and exposure to bacteria. A rash guard helps prevent all of that while improving performance. Here’s why they’re so important:

1. Hygiene and Protection

BJJ mats can harbor bacteria such as staph and ringworm. A rash guard acts as a protective barrier between your skin and the mat — reducing the risk of infection.

2. Compression & Muscle Support

The snug fit provides light compression, which improves blood flow, reduces muscle fatigue, and speeds up recovery.

3. Friction Reduction

During rolls and scrambles, rash guards prevent mat burns and minimize friction against your partner’s gi or skin.

4. Temperature Regulation

High-quality rash guards help wick away sweat, keeping you dry and cool during intense sessions.

5. Team & Brand Identity

BJJ academies and brands often use custom rash guards to showcase their logo, team colors, and sponsors — making them part of the sport’s visual identity.

At RashGuards.ph, we’ve tested multiple materials over the years and found the most reliable combination to be polyester-spandex blends.

Rash guard manufacturing is a technical process that combines textile engineering, sublimation printing, and precision sewing. Here’s how professional manufacturers like Tancorp Manufacturing do it:

1. Fabric Selection:
   High-quality spandex blends are chosen for flexibility and color retention.

2. Sublimation Printing:
   Graphics and logos are heat-transferred into the fabric — not printed on top — ensuring designs never crack or fade.

3. Cutting & Sewing:
   Laser-cut panels are assembled using flatlock machines, which create strong, smooth seams ideal for grappling.

4. Quality Control:
   Each piece undergoes stretch, wash, and colorfast testing before shipment.

Global brands like Hayabusa, Tatami, and Venum have built strong reputations for quality rash guards — but did you know that many top-tier fightwear products are made in Asia, including right here in the Philippines?

By working directly with manufacturers like Tancorp Manufacturing, brands can:

• Customize their own rash guard designs

• Reduce costs with factory-direct pricing

• Avoid tariffs from China imports

• Ensure ethical and sustainable production

Other websites with operations based in the Philippines like Kit Designer, cater to those needing smaller quantity orders and a wide range of pre-made BJJ templates to choose from. This is why the Philippines is becoming a rising player in BJJ apparel manufacturing — combining craftsmanship, flexibility, and fast turnaround.

At RashGuards.ph, our mission is to help athletes, brands, and academies understand what makes a great rash guard — and to connect them with the best tools and manufacturers to bring their designs to life.