Everybody’s talking about no gi BJJ rash guards. You’ll come across many rash guards everywhere you go in BJJ. They became the symbol of No-Gi BJJ.
I made a few mistakes when buying mine, and I don’t want you to go down the same path. In this article, I’ll break down how a rash guard should fit so you can find the perfect one for you.
What Size Should My Rash Guard be?
Picking the right size for your rash guard is hard (Speaking from experience…). Too tight, and you’ll feel trapped. Too loose, and you’ll feel like you’re swimming in it. So, how do you find that sweet spot?
The process is hard because each manufacturer has their own sizing charts. That means a medium from one brand might fit like a large from another.
So, it’s important to take accurate body measurements. Grab a measuring tape and measure your chest, waist, and hips. And a little tip: Do it in your underwear or tight clothes to get the most accurate numbers.
Once you have your measurements, check out the size chart the rash guard manufacturer provided. Match your numbers with the chart to find your size.
Choose a size above if you’re looking for a lighter compression. I usually go for one size up. I have a muscular build with wide shoulders, so rash guards can feel too tight on me super fast. But if you’ve got a lean, athletic frame, you can stick with your regular sports shirt size.
But again, not all no gi BJJ rash guards are made equal. I once bought an RDX rash guard one size up, which fit perfectly. Then I got a Lafroi rash guard the same size, which was too big. That’s why it’s always best to compare your measurements with the brand’s.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a bit of measuring and some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect fit for your body.
Should a Rash Guard be Tight or Loose?
Finding the right fit for no-gi BJJ rash guards can be a bit tricky. You’ll always come across those who have super tight rash guards. I’m not a fan of this. And not just because it shows everything…
The perfect fit for a rash guard is somewhere in the middle. It should feel like a second skin hugging your body just right. When you wear it, it should move with you, not against you. This means you can stretch, twist, and turn with no problems. You should have a full range of motion, especially in your arms.
But be careful. Too tight isn’t good either. If your rash guard presses you so hard that it feels like cutting off your circulation, that’s not good. Too loose isn’t great, either. A baggy rash guard can slide around and get in your way. You don’t want to stop every few minutes to adjust your shirt.
Your rash guard should be tight but comfortable. You want it to be tight without being restrictive and loose enough to move freely but not so baggy that it becomes a distraction.
I know this sounds complicated, but once you try some Rash Guards, you’ll know which fit to go for. Check out my post on what to look for in a BJJ Rash Guard for further guidance.
Can BJJ Rash Guards Shrink?
Yes, they can, especially if you don’t wash and dry them correctly. So, how do you avoid turning your perfectly fitting rash guard into a mini version of itself? Check out our Guide on how to take care of your rash guard for all the details.
Here’s a quick summary: I recommend not putting your rash guard in the dryer. The heat can make it shrink. Also, wash your no gi BJJ rash guards in cold water. Even better, hand wash them if you can. This helps keep them in good shape and prevents them from getting too tight.
What to Look For in a Rash Guard?
If you want to buy the perfect rash guard for BJJ, there are many things to look for. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. Let’s dive into what you should keep an eye out for when picking out a rash guard.
- Good Fit: As we discussed, your rash guard should feel like a second skin, not too baggy or tight.
- High Quality: BJJ is a high-contact sport. You’ll be rolling, grappling, and sweating a lot. So, you need a rash guard that can handle all that.
- The Fabric: The best no gi BJJ rash guards are usually made of polyester and spandex.
- Short Sleeve vs. Long Sleeve: This comes down to personal preference. Short sleeves keep you cool, while long sleeves offer more protection against mat burn and scrapes.
- IBJJF Approved: If you’re considering competing, you should get a rash guard approved by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
I put together a Guide to help you choose your rash Guard. Make sure to read this one before you buy your first BJJ Rash Guard.
Tips for Choosing Well-fitting No Gi BJJ Rash Guards
Rash guards can cost a lot, so picking the right one is important. Here’s how:
- Ask Around: See a rash guard you like? Ask your gym buddies what they wear, especially those with a similar build. I found some of my best ones this way.
- Check Reviews: Before you buy, read what others say. Customer reviews tell the real story better than just biased product descriptions.
- Try Before You Buy: If you can, put on the rash guard before you buy it. This way, you know for sure if it fits you right.
- Refund Policy is Key: Sometimes, even with all the checking, a rash guard might not fit perfectly the first time. Make sure you can return it after trying it on.
Picking a rash guard doesn’t have to be hard. Follow these tips, and you’re good to go!
Final Words
I hope this guide has helped answer all your questions about how no gi BJJ rash guards should fit. They’re meant to be tighter than your everyday shirt but not overly tight. Think of them like a compression shirt.
It took me a lot of trial and error to figure this out when I started. And you might have to do some experimenting yourself. That’s okay! It needs time to figure out what works best for you.
If you need help with all the choices, I put together a list of the best rash guards on the market to help you out.
I tried many BJJ Rash Guards, so please reach out if you have any questions!
