Rash guards are arguably the most important piece of gear you'll have as a BJJ practitioner. So shouldn't you get the best of the best? In this article, we are going to cover the absolutely best rash guards money can buy, as well as some very good budget options.

Top 6 Best Rash Guards on the Market

We won't be ranking them over one another because each has its pros and cons, but we will explore what gives each a spot on this list.

Elite

Elite Sports was founded in 2015, with the primary goal of creating affordable, high-quality, competition-compliant BJJ gear. They offer more than just rash guards, including belts, GIs, and even training dummies. Their brand is one of the most recognized in the BJJ space, so you've likely seen Elite rash guards worn at competitions or in gyms. Let's dive into exactly what makes Elite a dominant player in our best rash guard lineup.

Pros:

• Affordability: Elite is easily the best bang for your buck on this list. Their rash guards are often priced below or around 20 dollars, and they provide fast shipping as well.
• Durability: People often use their rashguards for months and even years, depending on the usage. Expect a lifespan of around 3-18 months, and adjust to your training frequency.
• IBJJF-Legal: You'll see grapplers at every level using Elite sports rashguards. From white belts to black belts, they offer competition legal gear.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Sizing: A common problem reported by customers is that the sizing chart is incorrect. While most people have a good experience, you should double-check the sizing chart before purchasing.
• Not a Pro-Level Brand: While they are great for beginners, they often don't offer the highest quality. There are other brands on this list with far higher quality, and if you compete at a high level, you should consider investing in something high-quality.

Sanabul

Sanabul is based in the US and their primary goal is to make pro-level BJJ gear at accessible price points. They are trusted by professionals like Max Holloway and Sean O'Malley, and are very dominant on Amazon's storefront.

Pros:

• Excellent Value: Sanabul offers pro-level rashguards at a fraction of the cost, making them a perfect option for people just breaking into the higher levels of competition. Their rash guards vary in price, some starting at 40 dollars and higher-end limited edition ones often costing over 80 dollars.
• 100% Cotton: Unlike other brands, Sanabul offers a 100% cotton rash guard; other brands use a polyester blend to save money. This also helps with the shrinkage that often happens to rash guards.
• Strong Customer Ratings: Sanabul has some of the best ratings out there, as far as their customer support and return policy.

Cons:

• Boring Design: Sanabul's rash guards often have limited or zero visuals on them. They have gotten much better with this over the years, but they still just offer small visuals and sometimes interesting color designs.
• Not Top Tier: Although their gear is competition legal, it is not the best of the best. There are much better options for high-end rash guards on this list.

Gold BJJ

Gold BJJ was founded in 2016 and is based in San Diego, California. They have provided equipment for over 250,000 customers. Considered a high-quality, professional-level gear, focused directly on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they do not offer any boxing or Muay Thai equipment. Gold BJJ is one of the most dominant manufacturers in the BJJ equipment space.

Pros:

• Highly Durable: Gold BJJ has notoriously high-quality rash guards, often being the gold standard for BJJ equipment.
• Great Customer Perks: Gold BJJ offers insanely good perks for almost all the items they create. Orders over $75 ship for free and provide very generous customer support that often will replace equipment after years of wear and tear.
• True-to-size: Their products have a good reputation for generally fitting as they are supposed to according to their sizing chart. This is extremely helpful because you know exactly what you are getting when you purchase from Gold BJJ.

Cons:

• BJJ Only: Gold BJJ strictly specializes in BJJ equipment, which can be a pro, but also is negative if you are trying to get more than just a rash guard or gi.
• Higher Price: Although they have great benefits, the prices are pretty steep. Rash guards easily cost over $40 with Gold BJJ.

Shoyoroll

Shoyoroll was founded in 2006 by Vince Quitugua and has risen to prominence due to its deep roots within the BJJ community. The brand's name is actually a play on words with "show your roll", which emphasizes their commitment to the game. In 2023, Shoyoroll won "Brand of the Year" at the JitsMagazine BJJ Awards and has gotten a ton of collaborations since then.

Pros:

• Quality Construction: The best of the absolutely best, notoriously high grade and sought after. The fabric is tough enough for pinching and pulling across hundreds of matches. The highest quality rash guard on this list.
• Made in California: Their Top Rankin series is proudly made in California, which is definitely a pro for those who care a lot about manufacturing in the USA.
• Prestige/Aesthetic: Shoyoroll's high-quality rash guards often become collector's items because they are released in limited supply.

Cons:

• The Hype: The hype around Shoyoroll often makes even a basic rash guard extremely expensive.
• Availability: Shoyoroll almost always sells out very quickly, so it can actually be difficult to get your hands on a rash guard.

Hayabusa

Hayabusa was founded in 2006 and is based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The brand produces rash guards but also offers other types of combat sports equipment. Hayabusa has a strong connection to MMA, and they strive for high quality with all their products. Notably, they are worn by Georges St-Pierre, who is widely recognized in the UFC community.

Pros:

• Comfort: Customers report their rash guards are seriously some of the most comfortable you can buy.
• Tiered Pricing: Hayabusa has multiple price points when it comes to rash guards, which give it an edge over companies like Shoyoroll.
• Trusted by Pros: Multiple high-level athletes wear Hayabusa, so its quality is good enough for the best of the best.

Cons:

• Mid-Tier Compression: If compression is important for you in a rash guard, you might want to look for some other options.
• Not Purely BJJ: Hayabusa is more well-known for other equipment, not just BJJ gear. If you are looking for a company focused primarily on BJJ, there are better options.

Tatami

Based in the UK, Tatami's claim to fame is the widest selection of BJJ equipment out there. Although originally a BJJ gear company, they have also branched out into boxing, judo, and wrestling. They have a strong global following and are deeply embedded in the BJJ community.

Pros:

• Excellent Value: Tatami Fightwear has mastered the price-to-quality ratio. Their prices absolutely match the amount of value you get.
• Good Customer Service: Tatami's reviews speak for themselves; multiple customers report insanely good customer service.
• BJJ-First Identity: Unlike Hayabusa, Tatami focuses directly on BJJ gear and equipment before all of their other products.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Sizing: Customers report inconsistent sizing, especially on the women's pants and shorts.
• Return Policy: Tatami has a notoriously strict return policy; however, if you have bought things from Tatami before, you know exactly what to expect.

Honorable Mention: Fit Mint

Fit Mint is a rash guard company that specializes in a special blend of material, which has gained it a spot on this list. They use a 45% cotton, 45% aloe vera, and 10% elastane. This material is remarkable because their rash guards are insanely breathable and have anti-microbial properties. A small issue with their rash guards is durability. There have been multiple reviews of the rash guards starting to unravel at certain seams. However, they do have great customer support and a good return policy.

Conclusion

Rash guards are the most important piece of equipment that any grappler needs. It protects you from mat burn and bacteria through skin contact. Choosing a good rash guard can be difficult because each company has its own pros and cons.

Hopefully, this article serves as a general overview of all the best rash guard options out there. Remember to stay positive and adaptable to whatever you encounter in BJJ. See you on the mats!