Surf vs Gym Rash Guards: How to Choose the Right Apparel

Have you seen surfers and gym trainers wearing rash guards? Do you think they are the same? Well, maybe at first glance, they look the same, but not all of them are built the same. The rash guards are tight, flexible, and athletic attire, but a rash guard designed for a surfer is built for a very different purpose than the ones made for the gym or combat sports like BJJ and MMA. However, it is not a strict rule that they cannot be used interchangeably.

Let’s get into the surf and gym rash guard so that you can choose the right apparel according to your level and type of physical activity.

BJJ Rash Guard vs Swim Rash Guard: What is the difference?

Rash guards are one of the essential athletic gear that were first designed for surfing or water sports to protect from rashes, abrasions, and from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Rash guards were not only used for protection but also to improve performance with their moisture-wicking properties and breathability. Due to the functional benefits and safety reasons, Mens Rash Guards are now a part of essential gear in combat sports like BJJ and MMA, and are also being widely used in the gym for workouts and training sessions. However, the possible differences can be:

Compression Element:

Not all rash guards are built the same, and some may have a compression element while others don’t. Compression fit rash guards provide the right amount of compression to help guard the muscles and maintain blood flow to help promote recovery.

UV protected factor:

Some rash guards are built with UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which blocks the UV rays of the sun and also helps in preventing sunburns or chafing. While full-sleeve rash guards reduce sun exposure, they do not block UV rays unless they include a UPF feature.

Shared Benefits of Surf & Gym Rash Guards:

The surf and gym rash guards may be slightly different in features, but some are usually present in each type of rash guard, so that they can provide the benefits mentioned below:

Moisture-Management:

Both surf and gym rash guards are made of fabric that dries faster, so that you can perform without the distraction due to sweat or water trapped inside the suit. When you are at the gym, busy in training, the moisture wicks away from the body, and when engaging in water sports activities, it quickly dries due to its breathable material.

Skin Protection:

When practicing on the mats, a rash guard prevents mat burns by reducing friction. And when wearing on the beach or for water sports, it reduces irritation from sand and board rash.

Durable Material:

Whether you need to train for strengthening at the gym or you need to perform effectively in surfing, you need a durable option that can withstand the high-intensity program. Buying a rash guard that can be used repeatedly is worth spending on.

Improved Performance:

The reason rash guards are so popular is their ability to improve performance with their designed features. During surfing, it allows for quick drying so that you can move more efficiently without your clothes getting heavy. At the gym, you can have compression support for muscles to move more efficiently.

Temperature Regulation:

The breathable material used in the rash guards allows you to keep your temperature within the normal range and in water, providing warmth so that you can practice without losing comfort.

Better Hygiene:

Managing moisture and reducing exposure to the outside environment with a rash guard helps to maintain hygiene. It reduces exposure of the skin to bacteria and helps prevent infection.

Can you use a surfing rash guard for BJJ?

Surfing and BJJ rash guards have been used interchangeably for quite some time now, and it is because you can use a surfing rash guard for BJJ. Both surfing and BJJ require protection against friction injuries, whether you are on a board or the mat, which means you can have safety while wearing one. Surfing rash guards allow you to dry quickly, which is beneficial for managing heavy sweating during BJJ training. On the other hand, the durability it offers allows you engage in longer BJJ training sessions daily.

Differences between surf and gym rash guards:

Although there are different Men’s Rashguard Types, there can be minor differences between them according to the activity level. Here are some of the differences that can be present:

 

Rash Guard Material Comparison:

When choosing a rash guard, the material is one of the most important factors, as it directly impacts performance and durability during training sessions. Different materials and their comparison can help understand this better.

Surf Rash Guards are usually made up of polyester and nylon blends, which offer a lightweight and breathable fabric to increase performance efficiency in water sports. The fabric is optimized for water flow.

Gym & BJJ Rash Guards are crafted with polyester and spandex fabric to offer flexibility during movement and strength in each stitch. This rash guard can be thicker to offer more durability in intense training. The flexibility it offers from stretchable material is what makes the movement easier while you train.

When it comes to premium quality athletic gear, Prime Bull is a trusted brand due to its quality manufacturing and detailing in their designs. Every product, whether it is BJJ Gis or kids rash guards, is developed with real-world trainers and their requirements during sessions in mind, so that they can rely on it for comfort and performance efficiency.

How to choose the right Rash Guard?

Whenever you have to select a rash guard, you must have these important tips in mind so that you can have the right apparel:

1. Consider the activity and the level of intensity for which you are buying a rash guard. For surfing, you may need to focus more on soft feel and protection from UV rays. And for gym or BJJ rash guards, flexibility in movement and compression fit should be preferred.

2. Look for details in features that may benefit you during the activity. 

3. Learn about short sleeve vs long sleeve rash guard benefits and choose what best suit yourself.

4. Look for the right size fit, as it matters the most. Even premium-quality rash guards cannot deliver full benefits if you are not wearing the correct size.

5. Both Men’s and womens rash guards are available, so choose accordingly to get the most out of it.

6. Look for high-quality brands that do not compromise on the quality of their products, like Prime Bull, which delivers according to the demands of athletes.

Final Remarks:

Choosing the right rash guard depends on your activity. Surf rash guards are designed for water sports, which offer protection from the sun and ocean while being lightweight. Gym rash guards, on the other hand, provide more compression and durability, ideal for intense training sessions. Although they have different features, both types help with moisture management, skin protection, and improving performance. You can use a surf rash guard for BJJ training because both types offer similar benefits. Ultimately, consider what you will be doing to decide which rash guard is best for you.

FAQs:

Why do surfers wear rash guards?

Surfers wear rash guards to prevent rash from constant friction on the board. It also offers warmth in cool water, protects from UV rays, and dries quickly, so that it doesn't feel heavy.

How to pick the right size for rash guards?

Take body measurements and look for the size from the size chart given under each product. You can also buy according to your regular size, but always look for a size chart to increase the benefits.

Should I wear anything under a rash guard?

Although a rash guard can be worn with nothing underneath, most people wear a sports bra and compression shirt according to the activity demands and their comfort.