The Complete Guide to MMA Rashguards: Why Every Fighter Needs One

If you have ever been in an MMA gym or watched Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners roll, you’ve probably noticed the stretchy, tight shirts underneath their gear or during training. Those aren’t cool workout tops – those are rashguards, and they’re now an essential piece of equipment for every serious martial arts fighter.

What is a Rash Guard?

A rashguard is a tight-fitting athletic shirt made of stretchy, moisture-wicking material like polyester, spandex, or nylon blends. First used by surfers to protect against board rash and the sun, they have been adopted in combat sports and serve several critical purposes.

Unlike your average tank top or t-shirt, a quality MMA rashguard is designed not to shift when you’re doing high-intensity physical activity. It features flatlock seams to prevent chafing, compression fits that cling to your body in motion, and fabrics that dissipate sweat and friction like superheroes. You’ll find them in long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions, often designed for no-gi BJJ tournament regulations.

What Are the Benefits of Rashguards?

A good MMA rashguard offers a whole range of benefits that go beyond looking cool. It supports your muscles, reduces the risk of injury, and provides comfort as well as protection.

Protection Against Cuts and Scrapes

One of the most significant reasons combat athletes swear by MMA rashguards is the protection they offer against mat burn and skin abrasion. When you’re rolling around for hours on mats or being tossed around in grappling practice, your skin takes a beating. The constant friction that comes with being in contact with training partners and equipment will leave you looking like you wrestled a cheese grater.

Rashguards have a protective layer between your skin and all these rough surfaces. The smooth fabric glides over mats and doesn’t catch or tear like cotton shirts do. That means fewer cuts, scrapes, and that dreadful burning sensation you get from too much interaction with the mat. 

Hygiene and Infection Prevention

MMA, BJJ, and grappling are intense combat sports where close contact with sweaty opponents and shared mats create the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to thrive. Rashguards give a sanitary layer that protects both you and your training partners from getting skin infections.

The sweat-wicking capability of these training tops pulls sweat off your skin and dries it quickly. This keeps you cool and doesn’t allow nasty microorganisms to take hold. Many designs contain antimicrobial treatments that fight off bacteria and stinky germs. If you consider the potential consequences of staph infections or ringworms, shelling out the cash for a good rashguard seems like a no-brainer.

Temperature Regulation and Comfort

MMA or BJJ training can be extremely demanding on your body’s temperature regulation system. You’re comfortable and cool for a minute, then overheating from intense sparring the next. Proper rashguards help by wicking sweat away from your skin and providing airflow.

The compression fit also has a soothing massaging effect that can increase the blood flow during training. This reduces muscle fatigue and keeps you feeling fresh during long training sessions. 

Enhanced Performance and Mobility

A training top that fits perfectly will feel like a second skin. Unlike loose shirts that restrict movement or get caught in transitions, fitted rashguards provide unrestricted freedom of movement without hindrance. This is especially critical when you’re working on complex techniques that require precise body positioning.

The compression component also provides light muscle support, which can help with proprioception – your awareness of your body’s position in space. This can translate into better application of the technique and reduced risk of injury during training.

Mental Benefits and Confidence

Looking the part when you’re rolling on the mats plays a role, too. A sleek rashguard can give you a psychological boost and make you feel more professional and serious about working out. Fighters tend to get attached to their favourite MMA gear, feeling like they are an extension of their fighting persona.

The psychological factor shouldn’t be underestimated. If you feel comfortable and look good, you’re more likely to train hard and push yourself to the limits. It’s one less distraction to keep you away from high-level training.

Choosing the Appropriate Rashguard

Not all martial arts rash guards are created equal. Look for established brands that have a history of producing combat sports gear. Pay attention to the combination of fabric, the way the seams are constructed, and the fit. A solid model will fit snugly but not be excessively tight with flatlock seams that won’t irritate your skin during hours of training.

Consider your particular needs as well. If you compete in no-gi BJJ, you’ll need to make sure your choice is competition-approved. When training in MMA, durability and grip inhibition may be your highest concerns.

The Bottom Line

Rashguards have evolved from a nice-to-have accessory to a foundational piece of equipment for serious BJJ and MMA enthusiasts. They offer protection, hygiene benefits, performance enhancement, and peace of mind that’s invaluable. Whether you are just starting your martial arts journey or you are an experienced fighter, investing in quality pieces can help you boost your overall performance.