Rash guards are the hero product of most BJJ, MMA and no-gi brands, and the first thing many gyms put their logo on. They look simple, but the fabric, cut and print decide whether a rash guard lasts a year of hard rolling or stretches and fades after a few months. This guide is for gym owners, fight teams and fightwear brands in the USA, the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Rash guard vs compression shirt: what is the difference?
| Rash guard | Compression shirt | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Grappling, BJJ, MMA, surfing and swimming | Training, running, gym and team sports |
| Fit | Close fit, built to stay in place when grabbed and rolled | Tight fit for muscle support |
| Hem | Often a grip band at the waist so it does not ride up | Usually a plain hem |
| Design | Usually fully sublimated with bold artwork | Often plain or with a small logo |
Many brands sell both. See our compression wear page.
1. Choose the sleeve length
- Long sleeve: the most popular for BJJ and no-gi, as it covers the arms on the mat.
- Short sleeve: cooler for MMA and summer training.
- Ranked rash guards: many BJJ gyms sell rash guards in belt colours, so students can wear their rank in no-gi classes. Check the colour rules of the competitions your students enter.
2. Fabric and stretch
Rash guards are usually made from polyester or nylon blended with spandex, which gives four-way stretch and quick drying. Ask your manufacturer for the fabric blend and weight (GSM) in writing, and compare it in the sample. A heavier fabric feels more solid; a lighter one is cooler. Read our fabric GSM guide.
3. Seams
Grappling pulls on every seam. Flatlock seams lie flat against the skin, so they do not rub and they stand up to stretching. Ask to see the inside of the sample, not just the outside.
4. Print: why sublimation
Sublimation dyes the design into the fabric, so it does not crack or peel when the rash guard stretches. That is why most rash guards are fully sublimated: you can cover the whole garment in artwork at no extra cost per colour. A screen print or heat transfer on stretch fabric can crack over time. Read embroidery vs screen printing vs sublimation.
5. Sizing
Fit is personal: some fighters want it tight, others a little looser. Order a size set, let your members try it, and offer a clear size chart on your store. With Pexton Apparel the minimum is 30 pieces per design, with sizes mixed, so one design can cover kids, women’s and men’s sizes in a single order. See how mixing sizes works.
6. Branding for gyms and brands
- Gym logo and name on the chest or back
- Your own neck label instead of the factory’s
- Hang tags and branded packaging if you sell online or in your pro shop
See private label manufacturing.
7. Build a range around it
A rash guard sells best with matching fight shorts or spats. Many gyms start with one rash guard design and one pair of shorts in the same artwork. Read how to start a Muay Thai shorts brand and how to choose gym shorts for your brand.
Timeline
A sample takes about 8–10 days, and bulk production about 10–12 days after you approve the sample, plus shipping. We ship delivered duty paid (DDP) to the USA, the UK, Ireland and most of Europe, and door to door to Australia and New Zealand (import duties paid by the buyer).
Checklist
- Pick sleeve length and colours.
- Ask for fabric blend and GSM in writing.
- Check flatlock seams in the sample.
- Use sublimation for the artwork.
- Try a size set with members.
- Add your own labels and packaging.
Ready to make your gym’s rash guards? See our rash guard manufacturing, BJJ gis and MMA clothing, or send your artwork for a free quote. We reply within 24 hours, often sooner.