December 18, 2025
A rash guard is one of the essential pieces when it comes to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner’s arsenal, particularly for No-Gi Training. You can also wear it under your Gi. Rash guards is a crucial part of your BJJ wardrobe. It offers protection, comfort, and compression. How do you decide which is best for your training? Short-sleeve or long-sleeve rash guards?
To ensure you select the right gear for your rolling sessions, refer to this article to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both short-sleeve and long-sleeve rash guards. Whether you are looking for comfort, protection, and breathability, we will cover all the key factors. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make a well-informed decision and choose the right rash guard to meet your BJJ needs.
Why Rash Guards are necessary in BJJ
To begin, it is essential to understand why rash guards are crucial in BJJ.
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Protection from Mat Burns: Because BJJ involves close contact and continuous movement, mat burns and friction are common. A rash guard’s primary purpose is to prevent these painful skin abrasions.
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Hygiene: Given the close-contact in grappling, bacterial infections like ringworm or staph are a real risk. The good news is that wearing a rash guard adds a crucial defense.
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Compression Benefits: The close-fitting design of a Rash guard provides vital compression, enhancing circulation and reducing muscle fatigue. This supportive effect directly contributes to better performance and endurance.
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Moisture-Wicking: BJJ Rash guards are entirely made of moisture-wicking materials like polyester and spandex. Materials like these help you to keep sweat away from the body and keep you cool and dry at the same time during grappling sessions.
With those crucial benefits discussed, let us breakdown and explain the pros and cons of short-sleeve and long-sleeve rash guards.
Read Full Guide: NoGi BJJ Gear : Essential Gear for NoGi BJJ training
Advantages and disadvantages of Short Sleeve Rash Guards
The popular choice for BJJ practitioners who prefer more freedom with their movement in their arms is short-sleeve rash guards. Short-sleeve rash guards are mostly used in No-Gi BJJ. Athletes often choose them to maximize comfort and allow better ventilation.
Advantages: Short Sleeve Rash Guard
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Enhanced Mobility
Short-sleeve rash guards provide more freedom of movement in the arms and shoulders. This proves advantageous for BJJ athletes who depend on upper-body power and require a complete range of motion during rolls and submissions.
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Great for Warm Weather
In hot or humid training environments, a short-sleeve rash guard is a great option as it allows for better airflow and prevents overheating. You’ll feel cooler and more comfortable during intense training sessions. This design helps you stay cooler and more at ease during rigorous training.
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Lightweight
Short-sleeve rash guard has less fabric which is why it is lighter and far less restrictive. This makes the perfect choice if you do not feel comfortable around your elbows or forearms.
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Streamlined Gi Compatibility
Short-sleeve rash guards are ideal for Gi training because they can be easily worn under your gi. This makes them the best choice if you prioritize lightweight and breathable comfort.
Disadvantages of Short-Sleeve Rash Guards
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Reduced Protection
One of the limitations of wearing short-sleeve rash guards is that the protection on your arms is reduced. Since BJJ is in constant contact with the mats and the opponents, short sleeve rash guards provide less protection to your elbows and forearms.
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Reduced Heat Retention
Wearing a short-sleeve rash guard in colder climates or gyms does not offer enough thermal protection, unlike wearing a long-sleeve option. It is not recommended to wear it in gyms or training sessions with poor heating.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-Sleeve Rash Guards
Long-sleeve rash guards are designed to provide complete protection for your skin, moisture-wicking properties, muscle support, and compression. This is the best option for those athletes who want the maximum security of a fully covered rash guard.
Advantages of Long-sleeve Rash Guards
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Improved Protection
Long-sleeve rash guards offer greater protection than short-sleeve models. It provides full-arm coverage. Your elbows, forearms, and wrists are protected from abrasions, mat burns, and possible cuts. It makes them the ideal choice for heavy sessions and competitions where skin protection is important.
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Hygiene advantage
Long-sleeve rash guards offer more skin coverage. The amount of direct skin contact with your opponents and the mats was reduced. Hence, making long sleeve rash guards a better option for hygiene-conscious grapplers.
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Thermal Regulation
Long-sleeves rash guards provide additional warmth if you are training in colder environments or just want to stay warm during the early stages of your rolling sessions. This extra barrier can help you prevent feeling cold, especially in the colder seasons.
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Muscle Stabilization
Enhancing circulation and reducing muscle fatigue, long-sleeve rash guards deliver maximum arm stabilization. This feature is highly advantageous during intense training or after a lengthy session.
Disadvantages of Long-Sleeves Rash Guards
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Movement Restriction
Long-sleeve rash guards have more fabric, which is why they feel more restrictive. Some athletes felt that the extra material could limit their movement, especially the movement around the arms and elbows. This is potentially compromising the effectiveness of some techniques.
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Heat Retention Risk
Long-sleeve rash guards provide warmth, but they can also cause your body to overheat while in training in hot or humid conditions. This makes them less ideal for warm season sessions or gyms without good ventilation because the full-arm coverage may trap heat.
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Harder to Layer
For those who like to wear rash guards under their gi, long sleeve rash guards may feel bulkier. And they can potentially cause discomfort in the sleeves of your gi.
Short Sleeve Vs Long Sleeve Rash guards: What to Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between short sleeve and long sleeve rash guards depends on your personal preferences and training environment. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Training Environment: In a hot and humid environment, a short sleeve rash guard is likely to be a better option. For a short sleeve rash guard provides breathability and gives a lightweight feel. On the other hand, in a colder climate or during the winter months, a long sleeve rash guard is the ultimate choice. It provides added warmth and protection.
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Type of Training: For No-Gi BJJ or heavy rolling sessions, long sleeve rash guards can offer the additional protection you need. However, if you prioritize mobility and comfort, especially under a gi, short sleeve rash guards might be more suitable.
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Hygiene Concerns: If hygiene is a top concern for you, a long sleeve rash guard is a better option. A long sleeve rash guard minimizes direct skin contact with your training partners. Moreover, it provides full-arm coverage to reduce the risk of infections.
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Personal Comfort: Some athletes prefer the feel of short sleeves. While others enjoy the compression and security of long sleeves. Test both types to see which one feels better during your training sessions.
Shop the Best Rash Guards at Nation Athletic BJJ
At Nation Athletic BJJ, we offer a wide selection of high-quality short sleeve and long sleeve rash guards. Each rash guard is designed to meet the needs of BJJ practitioners at every level. It does not matter whether you’re looking for enhanced protection, compression support, or maximum mobility. We have the perfect rash guard to cover everything for you.
Our Bjj rash guards are made from durable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Thus, ensuring you stay cool, comfortable, and protected during every roll. Plus, with our exclusive discounts and free worldwide shipping, now is the perfect time to upgrade your BJJ gear.
Explore Nation Athletic Bjj BJJ Rash Guard Sets Collection.
Conclusion: Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve Rash Guards?
Both short sleeve and long sleeve rash guards have their unique advantages. If you value mobility, breathability, and ease of layering under a gi, short sleeve rash guards are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more protection, warmth, and better hygiene, long sleeve rash guards are the way to go.
No matter what your preference, Nation Athletic BJJ has the best selection of rash guards to keep you protected and performing at your best. Shop now and find the perfect rash guard to elevate your BJJ game!
