Rash Guards vs Compression Shirts: Long & Short Sleeve Guide

Maybe at first, you may not realize that a Rash guard and a compression shirt are two different things, as they look very similar. Both the rash guards and compression shirts are made for completely different reasons. Rash guards are designed for abrasion resistance and sun protection, while compression shirts improve performance, protect the muscles, and minimize the risk of injury.

Another important thing is to decide whether you need a long-sleeve rash guard or a short-sleeve one. However, it can be your personal choice, and you can decide based on your performance and comfort. Let’s compare rash guards with compression shirts and long-sleeve rash guards with short-sleeve rash guards to make you understand better.

What are Rash Guards?

You may be thinking, What is a rash guard and what is its purpose? A Rash guard or a rashie is a performance-friendly shirt that was originally made for surfers with stretchable material and quick-drying fabric like spandex, polyester, or nylon. As the name suggests, Rash guards prevent rashes from friction and protect the skin from sunburn or mat abrasions.

Rash guards have now been used in multiple sports like MMA, BJJ, and are also an important part of gym workouts for performance enhancement.

Long sleeve vs short sleeve rash guard

It’s not like there is a major difference between a long-sleeve and a short-sleeve rash guard, but they are slightly different in their sleeve length. Each sleeve length offers unique benefits as discussed below:

Benefits of Long-Sleeve Rash Guard:

Long-sleeve Rash Guard has sleeves that cover all your arms up to the wrist bone. Here are its benefits:

It offers full-arm protection against sunburns and abrasions.
The body temperature remains bearable, especially in cold water or air-conditioned environments.
It is ideal for a person who takes their hygiene level seriously and wants less direct skin-to-skin contact.
It is preferred for outdoor activities like surfing and running in direct sunlight.

Drawbacks:

It may not be suitable for warmer weather conditions.
It can restrict the movement, as the rash guard is slightly tighter on the arms.
It may have a higher cost compared to short-sleeve rash guards.
You may need a longer time to adjust to it.

Benefits of Short-Sleeve Rash Guard:

Short-sleeve Rash Guards have sleeves up to their biceps and have the following benefits:

A short-sleeve Rash guard can easily be worn under hot weather conditions.
It helps you move more easily during performance and training.
It feels lighter and may require less time to adjust to it.
It is suitable for strength training and MMA, as these sports may not need arm protection.

Drawbacks:

If you are wearing it in summer, it may provide less protection against the sun and abrasions.
May not be suitable for grappling sports
For colder environments, you may not get the right amount of warmth.
Due to increased skin contact, there may be exposure to sweating of the opponent, which increases the chances of infections.
Your arms may not get the compression fit.

Long sleeve or short sleeve rash guard: Which one is best?

Choosing between a long-sleeve and short-sleeve Rash guard is your personal choice, but you should consider some of the factors before making your choice. Here are the important points:

You must prefer your comfort as it can greatly affect your performance and movement accuracy. If a short-sleeve Rash guard allows you the comfort you need, then it will be your personal best.
Specify the type of training or sports you are about to enter, as this will help you in making the right choice. For instance, for BJJ training, a longer-sleeved Rash guard may provide an easy grip, as compared to the other one.
For lesser skin-to-skin contact for hygiene purposes and to reduce chances of skin infection, long-sleeve Rash guards are preferred.
You can also choose according to the climate you live in. For warm weather, short-sleeve Rash guards are best to keep you cool.

Is there any difference between Women's and Mens Rash guards?

The difference between Mens and Womens Rash guards is mainly in the design, structured cuts, and fit. Mens Rash Guard is built with broader shoulders and a straight design cut, while the womens Rash Guard has curves with a small waist. Although the functionality remains the same, the difference in design is only for the better performance, feel, and durability.

What are compression shirts?

Compression shirts are specifically made of fabric that manages moisture and provides slight compression that helps support muscles during training and promotes blood circulation to support recovery. Compression shirts are made of a combination of materials to offer flexibility and strength, like polyester and spandex Lycra.

How are compression shirts different then Rash guards?

Rash guards and compression shirts are both functional gear, but they are designed for different purposes and come in various sizes for men, women, and kids Rash Guards. One offers protection with compression, while the other only offers compression. Here are the key differences between BJJ Rash Guard vs Compression Shirt:

Features	Rash Guard	Compression Shirt
Purpose	Protection & Performance	Compresses Muscle for Support
Material Strength	More Resistance to Abrasion	More Stretchable & Lightweight
Sports Use	BJJ, MMA, Surfing, Outdoor Sports	Gym, Running, & Training
UV Protection	Considerable	Minimum
Durability	High	Medium

Final Remarks:

Rash guards and compression shirts have different purposes. Rash guards protect against rashes and sunburns, making them ideal for activities like surfing and MMA. They come in both long and short sleeves, each with its own advantages. Compression shirts support your muscles and improve blood flow during workouts. When choosing between them, consider your comfort, the type of sport, and the weather. Pick the option that best suits your needs for performance and protection.