What is a Rash guard? Purpose, Benefits, and Uses

Have you ever seen athletes wearing those tight shirts for their BJJ tournaments and other sports? Those are the rash guards. Do you know why they wear them? And what is the purpose of wearing it? Well, it might look like a piece of fashion, but it is actually made to benefit the fighters, swimmers, and Jiu-Jitsu community. Let’s talk about the purpose, benefits, and uses of wearing rash guards, which are considered one of the essential components of BJJ clothing.

Rash Guard Explained:

A Rash guard is a shirt that fits tightly and appears as a second skin. It is designed with specific features like compression fit, reinforced seams, and smart detailing, so that the fighters and swimmers can wear them comfortably in the ring and on the beach. So, to allow them to have functional benefits, it has been widely used in official tournaments and competitions.

BJJ fighters need to deal with grappling and sharp moves, and that is why they need a special garment like a Rash guard, which can offer both safety and flexibility. On the other hand, swimmers and surfers need protection from UV rays on the beach, and the Rash guard provides benefits with its UV-protective fabric.

What does a Rash Guard do?

If we put it in simple terms, a Mens Rash Guard protects your skin while you train and creates a layer that minimizes skin irritation and abrasion injuries against surfaces like surfboards, sand, and rough mats. Jiu-Jitsu training involves gripping and sharp moves, so the fabric and fit support the grip. A high-quality Rash guard is made up of moisture-wicking material, which keeps you cool and dry and also minimizes friction between you and your opponent, which makes it performance-friendly. Rash guards are slightly different from compression shirts, but each has a unique set of benefits associated with it. So, while it might look like just another compression shirt, a Rash guard does a lot more than we actually think.

What are Rash Guards Made of?

Rash guards are usually made from a blend of polyester and spandex because it is the perfect combination for stretch, durability, and comfort. This material fabric is used in a Rash guard so that you can wear a protective garment that snugly fits and offers a full range of motion. Quick drying keeps you cool even during the intense training sessions. The dual-fabric feature also minimizes the chances of tears and abrasions.

Premium-quality Womens Rash Guards, like those from Prime Bull, have reinforced stitching with heavy-duty thread and waistbands that can completely change the experience of your training.

What is the purpose of a Rash Guard BJJ?

The purpose behind crafting a BJJ rash guard is designed to support performance and provide protection. Here are some of the benefits of Rash guards that a BJJ fighter and a surfer can get:

Regulates Temperature:

Rash guards are designed to keep the temperature balanced. Not too hot, not too cold, as both can affect the performance and flexibility. Rashguards help maintain comfort in different conditions, keeping you cool during hot weather and providing a lightweight layer for added comfort in cooler water or training environments.

Maintains Hygiene:

A Rash guard acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the environment outside. The rash guards help reduce the chances of skin infection by blocking direct contact between opponents and also by preventing skin irritation with rough surfaces.

Wicks Away Sweat:

Made from polyester and spandex material, the rash guard helps keep you dry by wicking away sweat from the body. Intense training sessions are associated with heavy sweating, and a Rash guard helps manage it to provide maximum comfort.

Helps Minimize Friction and Mat Burns:

The Rash guard surface appears smooth, which reduces the chances of friction injuries during training sessions and helps reduce skin abrasions and damage during sliding or rolling. When you are in training or practicing your moves on the mat, a Rash guard helps keep you protected and avoids distraction.

Enhanced Mobility:

Rash guards are designed with flexible fabric that allows you to perform movement with ease due to the stretchability it offers. The spandex material in rash guards not only allows you comfort but is also perfect for engaging in activities for an extended period.

A Stylish Attire:

It’s an era of using clothing with proper functionality without compromising on your style. Rash guards are also one of them. A stylish attire that allows freedom of movement with smart detailing and aesthetic looks, according to your personal style preferences.

Compression Fit & Recovery:

The balance between compression and flexibility is what makes a preferred choice to engage in training sessions. Compression design may support muscles and provide gentle support during movement, helping you stay comfortable for the next session.

What are Rash Guards used for?

Rash guards are athletic shirts that are made specifically from a performance-quality fabric to help you engage in multiple sports activities, as mentioned below:

Rash guards are worn by swimmers to add a protective and lightweight layer between the water and the skin.
They are also used in surfing as the standard top to wear on a surfboard.
Rash guards are also used by divers as a protective upper-body layer under or without a wetsuit.
Worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as the required top for no-Gi training and competitions.
Also used in MMA and grappling sports as training apparel for better movement and coverage.

Final Thoughts:

A rash guard is an important piece of clothing for fighters and athletes. It provides many benefits, such as protecting the skin, keeping you comfortable, and helping maintain hygiene during training. Rash guards are designed to fit snugly, allowing for freedom of movement while also offering compression for better recovery. They are made from durable materials that keep you cool and dry. Plus, they look stylish. Whether you are competing in a tournament or training, wearing a Rash guard can greatly improve your experience during performance on the mat.

FAQs:

What is the Rash guard usually made for?

Rash guards are designed specifically to offer flexible movement and the right amount of support during athletic activities, and offer a layer of protection.

Is a swim shirt and a rash guard the same?

While a swim shirt and rash guard may look the same, they are different in functionality, as a rash guard offers a compression fit that fits snugly, but a swim shirt is made to offer comfort and protection from the sun.