While the jury is still out on which one is better between GI and NO GI BJJ, one thing gives the latter an edge, i.e., rash guards. A rash guard is a key aspect of the NO-GI BJJ gear.
Its multifunctional role includes protecting the skin, enhancing performance, accelerating injury recovery, and creating a cool look.
Moreover, wearing the best short sleeve rash guard underneath a Gi helps in sweat absorption, better gripping, and protects the Gi from rips and tears. In sum, a rash guard is instrumental in the Jiu-Jitsu combat sport.
At Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World, we have compiled a comprehensive guide for the top Jiu-Jitsu rash guards to answer all your queries.
Read ahead for our choices for the best short-sleeve rash guard BJJ and MMA for men in 2023.
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Our Top 8 Short-Sleeve Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guards for Men in 2023
If you want a rash guard, here is our list of the best No GI BJJ rash guards.
We have compiled this list after hours of thorough research, analysis, and review.
You will get in-depth reviews about the eight best short-sleeve rash guards, BJJ and MMA, for men in 2023.
1. Hayabusa Geo Short Sleeve BJJ MMA Guard
This rash guard fits into your body like a second skin owing to its geometric design. This special design is made from multiple calculations to ensure you get the best no GI BJJ experience wearing this product.
Features of the product
Size: There are five different sizes available for this rash guard. Check out the size chart to get the best fit.
Design: It comes in dye-printed red, grey, and blue designs.
Comfort and Fit: The rash guard is for athletes and offers maximum breathability. Its geometric design allows easy hand movement in any direction.
Durability: It has a fortified flatlock stitching safeguards the rash guard against rips. Its superior quality will last a long while.
Materials: It is made of a moisture-absorbent material.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Geometric design for a perfect fit
- Silicone waistband to secure the rash guard
- Dye prints that will not fade away easily
- Fortified flatlock stitching for longer durability
Cons
- Does not have anti-microbial properties
Verdict
Hayabusa’s Geo short-sleeve BJJ rash guard fits well over your torso. Its silicone waistband ensures that the rash guard remains in place. Check out its Amazon reviews to know what people think about it.
Size Chart
2. Tatami Fightwear Chris Burns Thinker Monkey Short Sleeve Rash Guard BJJ MMA
Tatami is popular among athletes in combat sports like BJJ and MMA. The Chris Burns Thinker Monkey short sleeve rash guard is from the brand’s spring-summer collection. It combines both functionality and fashion for no GI BJJ athletes.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in 2 size options, from small to medium.
Design: Fully sublimated design helping this rashguard from chipping, cracking and peeling
Comfort and Fit: The Thinking Monkey rash guard's soft and highly elastic materials make it comfortable. It also allows for flexible movements during combat and training.
Durability: The rash guard’s high elasticity makes it ideal for grappling and guarantees long durability.
Materials: It is made of non-sublimated, high-quality lycra material.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): No
Pros
- Highly elastic and non-sublimated material
- Soft and lightweight lycra fabric
- Resistant to tears and rips
Cons
- Lack of color choices
- Not anti-microbial
Verdict
This is a great choice of rash guard for no GI BJJ professionals. It comes in an elegant design and high-quality fabric for comfort. Besides, the fabric’s superior stitching ensures longer durability as well. Read its Amazon reviews to know more.
Size Chart
3. Sanabul Essential Short Sleeve Compression Training Rash Guard For MMA and BJJ
Sanabul is a well-known brand in the BJJ market. This rash guard comes in a simple design and is ideal for those who love a classy look. Besides BJJ, it is a multipurpose rash guard for sports like MMA, surfing, circuit training, and more.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in different sizes. Do check out the size chart to find the right fit.
Design: It has a plain and elegant design.
Comfort and Fit: It is available in 6 different colors red, grey, blue, brown, purple, and white combined with black. It is made of a highly-stretchable material that offers great flexibility.
Durability: With its stretchy material, it ensures swift movement with ripping. It can last long.
Materials: It is made of four-way stretch material. The underarms have mesh stitching for moisture absorption and cooling.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Anti-microbial and anti-odour-treated material
- Offers UV SPF 50 protection
- Ventilated mesh material to keep underarms cool
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Sometimes the size is not appropriate
Verdict
The Sanabul Essential Short Sleeve Compression Training Rash Guard is a top Jiu-Jitsu rash guard for no GI BJJ athletes. It has some unique features that make it worth the money. Check out its Amazon reviews to know what people think about it.
Size Chart
4. Athletics Helo-X Short Sleeve Rash Guard Compression Shirt
A more lightweight than other alternatives, this rash guard by Anthem Athletics is a great purchase for no Gi BJJ athletes. It is made of anti-odour spandex material. You get the maximum ability to stretch during combat.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in multiple sizes.
Design: This rash guard comes in many colors with sublimated graphics that will never fade or peel off.
Comfort and Fit: Helo-X is a lightweight, moisture-wicking compression material that maximizes comfort even in the most intense combat sessions. Moreover, the product is optimized for grappling sports like BJJ.
Durability: It is constructed with multi-panel flatlock stitching. The stitches’ high density ensures that the rash guard lasts long.
Materials: This product is made of lightweight compression material.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Many colors to choose from
- Side panel inserts for sweat absorption
- Strong, dense stitching for greater durability
Cons
- Sizes can be bigger than those mentioned
Verdict
Anthem’s Helo-X is a contender for the top Jiu-Jitsu rash guard. It is lightweight and flexible while the material wicks away excess sweat. Read its Amazon reviews to know more.
Size Chart
5. Gold BJJ Camo Rash Guard For NO GI and MMA
This rash guard packs many qualities into one. It is both lightweight and durable. It comes in an optimized fit for combat sports athletes like BJJ and MMA professionals. More importantly, it offers ample breathability to the wearer.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in 6 sizes. The x-small size is designed for children.
Design: As the name indicates, this rash guard comes in a camo design. The print is a sublimated digital design printed on the rash guard. So you do not have to worry about the print getting washed off.
Comfort and Fit: The rash guard is made of a moisture-resistant material to eliminate excess sweat. Besides, its seamless stitching allows multi-directional arm movement.
Durability: You can trust its flatlock stitching to last long without any major rips.
Materials: It is made of an 80-20 ratio of cotton and spandex. The material is lightweight as well as sturdy.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Ventilated panel in the underarms for sweat absorption
- Sublimated graphic prints for a longer life
- Guaranteed satisfaction or 100% money back
Cons
- Does not come with a waistband to secure the rash guard
- Not available in more color options
Verdict
Gold's BJJ rash guard is a different and great alternative for no GI BJJ athletes. It is made of cotton instead of polyester for better absorption of sweat. Its optimized fitting and stitch also makes it a good choice.
Size Chart
6. Hayabusa Marvel Short Sleeve Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guard
Hayabusa’s Marvel rash guard has a great fit to the skin with a silicone hem to keep it secure at the waist. The titanium built-in fabric optimizes body heat while keeping you cool in intense sessions.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in multiple sizes.
Design: You can find this short-sleeve BJJ rash guard in 3 iconic Marvel designs The Punisher, Captain America, and Iron Man.
Comfort and Fit: It fits like a second skin and provides maximum mat comfort. It has a four-way stretch material that ensures flexible movement in all directions.
Durability: Its seams and stitches are designed to provide longer durability even after continuous use. The flatlock stitch can withstand the harshest of training and combat sessions.
Materials: It is made of an 84-16 liquid Ti polyester and elastane ratio. It has a titanium fabric for cooling the body temperature.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Anti-microbial properties in the material
- Silicone waistband to secure the rash guard
- Maintains cool body temperature
Verdict
Hayabusa’s Marvel BJJ rash guard offers popular design options, a comfortable feel, and multi-directional movement. It is optimized to keep the athletes cool through training and combat.
Size Chart
7. Elite Sports Short Sleeve Compression MMA, BJJ, No Gi Rash Guard
This is a multipurpose rash guard by Elite Sports. Athletes can wear this for BJJ, MMA, boxing, cross-training, and more. It is an IBJJF-approved rash guard suitable for both sexes.
Features of the product
Size: It has an expansive size range, from small to double XL.
Design: This is Elite Sports’ best BJJ rash guard with sublimated graphics. You can get cool printed designs that will not fade away.
Comfort and Fit: This rash guard feels ultra-light and fits neatly on your upper torso. Its anti-slip waistband ensures maximum stretch action without worrying about your rash guard.
Durability: Its flatlock stitching guarantees protection against ripping for long life.
Materials: It is made of a combination of polyester and spandex fabric. Its honeycomb material compresses muscles to enhance blood flow.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Anti-fungal and anti-microbial treated material
- Sublimated prints with cool graphic designs
- Honeycomb material for better flow of blood
- Anti-slip waistband
Verdict
This rash guard by Elite Sports boosts performance through muscle compression and looks great with its stylish graphics. It is both comfortable and durable for no GI BJJ athletes. Read buyers’ reviews on Amazon to learn more.
Size Chart
8. Venum Nogi 2.0 Rash Guard
Made of 87% polyester with 13% elastane, Venum’s Nogi 2.0 rash guard offers amazing elasticity for movements in all directions. It comes with a compression system for better blood flow and optimal performance.
Features of the product
Size: It is available in 6 sizes.
Design: This rash guard comes with sublimated graphics in the front and back. It features some of Venum’s characteristic designs.
Comfort and Fit: The rash guard has an in-built compression system to stick comfortably to your skin. Besides, its insulation system wicks away excess sweat to give you a competitive edge.
Durability: Its reinforced seams and stitches ensure longer durability despite continuous training and combat.
Materials: It is made of an 87-13 ratio of polyester and elastane.
Competition Approved (IBJJF): Yes
Pros
- Silicone rubber in the sleeves and neck to avoid slipping
- Cool graphics in sublimated prints
- Breathable insulation system
Cons
- Does not come in an anti-microbial material
Verdict
This is Venum's best no GI BJJ product in the market. Its material and stitching offer full comfort and flexibility. Moreover, the rash guard’s insulation system keeps your body cool.
Size Chart
Benefits of Wearing a Short-Sleeve Rash Guard
A rash guard is a crucial part of the BJJ gear. Wearing a top rash guard BJJ has multiple benefits when on the mats.
Skin Protection – Your chest and back are the most susceptible to mat burns while grappling. Your skin can also chafe because of the friction between the mats and your body. The best BJJ rash guard with short sleeves shields your skin from potential damage.
Preventing Infection – A microbial infection is highly likely besides mat burns and chafing. A short-sleeve BJJ rash guard safeguards your body against any bacteria on the mats.
Sweat Absorption – One of the biggest disadvantages for BJJ athletes is sweat. The more they roll on the mat, the more they sweat and lose their grip. A top rash guard comes with moisture-wicking technology. This gets rid of excessive sweat and strengthens your gripping action.
Injury Recovery – A short-sleeve rash guard prevents minor injuries and helps recover from major injuries. It compresses the muscles to accelerate recovery time. Compressed muscles are less likely to suffer from any major injury.
Short-Sleeve vs. Long-Sleeve BJJ Rash Guard
Rash guards are available in both short and long sleeves. The choice between a short-sleeve and a long-sleeve rash guard is completely yours. However, most athletes prefer to keep both of these types handy with them.
While a short-sleeve rash guard is best for summers, a long-sleeve one is more suited for the winters. Nevertheless, you can also use a short-sleeve rash guard in winter if you wish to wear it underneath a GI.
Overall, short sleeves make the best No GI BJJ since there is less material for gripping. This ultimately gives you an edge over the opponent.
Final Thoughts on Short-Sleeve BJJ Rash Guard
Rash guards are indispensable for No GI BJJ athletes. More than moisture absorption, rash guards boost the individual’s performance.
Features like muscle compression, four-way stretching, microbial defence, and skin protection add to its primary functionality.
A rash guard performs a multifaceted role in improving your strength on the mats while giving you an edge over competitors.
Furthermore, the choice of the best BJJ rash guard involves multiple considerations.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need about short-sleeve BJJ and MMA rash guards for men in 2023.
Check out our guides on the best women’s long- and short-sleeve rash guards BJJ and MMA.
 You can also read the kids' BJJ rash guard review.
At Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World, we provide in-depth reviews on BJJ rash guards.
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