It's one of the first questions new grapplers ask: can I just wear a t-shirt? The short answer is yes for your first class or two. But there are real reasons most people switch to a rash guard. Here's the breakdown.
The quick answer
| Rash guard | T-shirt | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Tight, stays in place | Loose, rides up |
| Grips | Hard to grab | Easy to grab and stretch |
| Drying | Fast | Slow, holds sweat |
| Skin protection | Covers skin, reduces mat burn | Partial |
| Gym rules (no-gi) | Usually required | Often not allowed |
| Off the mats | Training only | Wear anywhere |
Why most grapplers choose a rash guard
It stays put. When you're scrambling, inverting or getting stacked, a loose shirt ends up over your head. A rash guard fits snug and stays where it should.
Your partner can't grab it. In no-gi, gripping clothing is against the rules. A loose tee gives your opponent handles that shouldn't exist. Many gyms require rash guards for no-gi classes for exactly this reason.
Hygiene. A rash guard covers your skin and reduces skin-to-skin contact with the mat and your partners. That helps cut the risk of mat burn and skin infections. It also dries fast and washes easily.
It's built for the job. Rash guards are made from stretchy, quick-drying fabric that handles daily washing.
When a t-shirt is fine
- Your first class or two, before you buy gear.
- Under a gi, where many people wear a tee (or a rash guard) under the jacket.
- Conditioning or open gym days without live rolling.
And of course, a good BJJ t-shirt is what you wear after training, to the gym, out for food or anywhere you want to rep the sport.
Our pick
Do what most grapplers end up doing. Train in rash guards, and live in t-shirts. Our rash guards and BJJ shirts come in matching designs, so you can rep the same look on and off the mats. Try Level Up: Belt Ranks, a nod to every stripe you've earned.
Sizing tips
- Rash guards: fit snug. If you're between sizes and like a little room, size up.
- T-shirts: go with your normal size, or size up for a relaxed fit.
- Wash cold and hang dry to make printed designs last longer.
Use code PRESSSTART10 for 10% off your first order at The Way of the Warrior Gear.