If you are an athlete training regularly, whether it’s BJJ, MMA, surfing, or gym workouts, you must know the value of a quality Rash Guard. Rash Guards are designed to provide benefits such as protection from abrasion and friction, as well as preventing injury and sunburn. It has now become an important part of competitions and training. But what truly decides how durable, stretchy, and comfortable your rash guard will be? The fabric and quality material will be a crucial part to know, as it decides the functionality of the rash guard.
Let’s discuss what fabric material is the best and what you need to know to select the best fit Rash Guard for you.
What fabric is the Rash Guard made of?

After knowing what Rash guards purpose is, you must know about its fabric. The fabric in the Rash Guard decides everything, from breathability to compression, from how durable it will be to how well it can fit during performance. For this reason, most of the Rash Guards are made up of a combination of fabrics to provide maximum benefits like flexibility, long-lasting, and moisture control. Mainly, three types of materials are used:
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Spandex or Lycra
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Nylon
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Polyester
Types of fabric used in Rash Guards:
Although there are different materials used in both Men’s and Womens Rash Guards, each material has unique characteristics and provides a unique set of benefits. Let’s discuss some fabric materials we usually see in a Rash Guard:
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Spandex or Lycra:
What makes the Rash Guard flexible is this material. The material balances comfort and flexibility and allows movement in a full range. The properties of this material make it a necessary part of every Rash Guard.
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Nylon:
Nylon is a type of material that adds strength to the fabric and provides resistance to frictional injury. The fabric is soft in feel and is known for its moisture control ability. It is mostly used in water sports activities to enhance performance in water.
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Polyester:
Being lightweight, durable, and with quick-drying properties, the polyester material is one of the most common types of material used in Rash Guards. It offers resistance to wear and tear and also offers breathability during intense training.
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Combination Materials:
Almost every Rash Guard is made of a combination of two fabrics that have already been discussed. Here is the combination of materials:
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Polyester & Lycra Blend
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Nylon & Lycra Blend
What Material is best for Rash Guards?

No hard & fast rule makes the single material the best among all. It totally depends on your use and the type of sports activity you are engaged in. So, it is best to identify what you need in your performance and choose accordingly.
Rash guard fabric guide for athletes:
For high-intensity training like BJJ and MMA, the polyester and spandex blend can benefit you the most, as it can provide the right amount of compression and comfort with durability. For example, for BJJ athletes, a combination of 80 to 90% polyester and 10 to 15% spandex is often used to provide the desired benefits.
For surfing and water sports, nylon is preferred for its quick-drying properties, and a blend of 80 to 90% nylon and 10 to 20% spandex is used. Such Rash Guards feel soft against the skin and provide excellent water resistance.
For gym and casual wear, a balanced combination of fabrics can be used, which is comfortable and functional for outdoor training. Kids Rash guards must offer toughness to bear abrasion and friction during intense stretching, and must offer durability even after frequent washes.
Why is choosing the Rash Guard material necessary?
Choosing the Mens Rash Guards material should be the first concern, as it directly affects the performance. Choosing the right Rash Guard is necessary for the following reasons:
Stretchability: It helps give you the freedom to move without any restriction.
Durability: The longer the Rash Guard can be used, the greater the durability, and it depends on the quality of the material used in its making.
Compression: The fit provides the compression that supports muscles during performance. The right amount of compression in Rash Guards improves overall performance throughout the session.
Comfort: The more comfort, the more you will focus on improving your form.
Moisture Control: For water sports, moisture control is essential, as it can affect performance.
Investing in a quality fabric is recommended, as the poor quality might lose its elasticity, fade, or even lead to wear and tear after some washes.
Differences between rash guard materials:
Here are some of the differences in different materials and the comparisons of their features:
|
Feature |
Polyester |
Nylon |
Spandex |
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Durability |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Stretch |
Medium |
High |
Very High |
|
Moisture-Wicking |
Strong |
Strong |
Moderate |
|
Feel |
Slightly Firm |
Soft & Smooth |
Elastic |
|
Sports Activities |
BJJ, MMA, gym |
Surfing, Watersports |
Added Stretch |
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right fabric for your Rash Guard is very important for your comfort and performance in sports. The materials used, like spandex, nylon, and polyester, each have their own unique benefits. Spandex adds flexibility, nylon offers strength and quick drying, and polyester is lightweight and durable. Depending on the sport you practice, different blends of these fabrics can give you the best results. Remember, a good Rash Guard should allow you to move freely, be durable, and keep you comfortable while training. By understanding these materials, you can make a better choice that helps you perform at your best.
FAQs:
Which activities can be performed with a Rash Guard?
A Rash Guard supports activities like surfing, BJJ, MMA, and intense gym training.
Is the BJJ Rash Guard built differently?
Yes, BJJ Rash Guards are built differently, as they need to be tough for grappling. They are usually made of a mixture of polyester and spandex for their toughness and flexibility.
Which fabric is considered best for the Rash Guards?
The Rash guards must be selected according to the type of sports activities, but the ones that are made of a blend of materials are considered the best.
