What is a rash guard and why is it needed? We’ll tell you in this article.

July 1, 2022 Admin Home page » Tips and tricks

What is a rashguard and what is its advantage? Selection rules. Features of washing and the best manufacturers. How to wear a rashguard correctly. Educational video.

Science is developing and does not bypass sports; one of these innovations is Rashguard. This is a special compression garment that has many positive qualities and positive reviews from practitioners. When you come to the gym, you can see people training in special clothes that fit tightly to the body, so let’s figure out why a rash guard is needed or whether this is just another marketing ploy of sports manufacturers.

The history of development comes from surfers from Australia, the rashguard protected the body from irritation of sea water, scratches, possible impacts on the board and created optimal conditions for the muscles while maintaining heat. Later, fighters from various schools and other areas began to use compression clothing.

Why do you need a rashguard in training?

Amateurs pay primary attention to the content of the appearance of clothing, professional athletes primarily study comfort and protective functions. The primary task is to ensure direct contact of the skin with the external environment, otherwise microorganisms and bacteria, if they come into contact with the skin, can cause irritation and various rashes.

The special microclimate created in the body simultaneously warms the muscles and prevents the muscles from overheating, removing excess heat and moisture out. All this together has a positive effect on the muscles, improving their function and protecting them from minor sprains and irritations. As a result, the body under clothes is dry, breathes, and excess moisture remains on the outside. Training in a rash guard will bring you a feeling of increased comfort.

Probably everyone who has ever been to the gym has seen athletes wearing tight T-shirts with an unusual print. Such clothing is called a rashguard (from the English rashguard), and its uniqueness is not that it allows you to emphasize a sculpted torso, although for some athletes this quality is the main one. What is a rash guard for? How to choose it? How to care for it? Our article is devoted to answering these questions.

From the history

The advantages of rashguards have been appreciated by athletes in different countries of the world. The demand is great, and today they are produced by several dozen companies. The variety is amazing: sizes, print, long sleeves or short, men's and women's. There is no reliable information about who came up with the idea of ​​​​creating such unusual clothes. Two versions are known.

According to the first, jit fighters from Australia borrowed rash guards from surfers. It was very comfortable and warm for us to spend the whole day at sea in special clothes. It fitted the torso without interfering with training and protected the skin from scratches (on the board) and from the scorching sun on hot days. Jitsers who surf from time to time once noticed that the clothing they wear under their wetsuit during BJJ training allows them to get a good grip (hands do not slide over a sweaty body) and avoid scratching their skin on the sand. However, jiu-jitsu is different from surfing, and slightly different T-shirts were needed, but with similar characteristics. Their production was launched by , which in the 1990s sponsored a BJJ competition in Australia (at that time this sport had just appeared here and was actively gaining popularity).

According to another version, the rash guard was first produced. She was faced with the task of creating special clothing for American football players. Their games and training were quite intense, and they had to change up to 10 T-shirts. We needed ones that could allow water to pass through (in this case, sweat), dry quickly and retain heat. The company's specialists chose a material called polyester. And over time, the rashguards they made became popular not only among football players, but also among wrestlers (BJJ, MMA, grappling).

Today, various manufacturers use fabrics such as polyester, spandex, nylon, and bamboo fiber to make this type of compression clothing. Polyester is more dense, spandex stretches better, and bamboo fabric is in many ways similar to cotton (it stretches worse, but allows the skin to “breathe”) and serves as reliable protection against bacteria. Over 70% of microorganisms caught in such fibers die within 24 hours.

What is a rash guard for?

Many athletes wear this type of clothing in everyday life simply because it helps highlight their sculpted muscles. But since it is intended primarily for sports, it has characteristics that will help the athlete achieve high results both in the gym and in competitions.

Its advantages over regular cotton T-shirts are as follows:

• the fabric is impregnated with a special solution and creates reliable protection against various diseases caused by bacteria;
• the rash guard protects the skin from possible scratches and burns, which can occur even if the training takes place on the tatami;
• retains heat well, which means that the body and muscles do not have time to cool down during a break, and the risk of injury is minimized;
• the material absorbs moisture well and allows the skin to “breathe”;
• it is elastic, which is why it deserves the description “second skin”.

How to choose?

Size.

Rashguards, like any other clothing, come in different sizes and when choosing the right one, be guided by the symbols: S, M, L, XL, etc. Different manufacturers have their own criteria. So, a T-shirt in size “M” from one company may turn out to be small, but one made by another company may be on time. The ideal option is to try on before purchasing. Clothing should not restrict movement and should not be loose. In the first case, it will not allow you to train productively, and in the second, it will not perform its main function (keep warm).

Compression clothing can be short or long sleeved. In the latter case, make sure that the length is appropriate. If you engage in impact sports (boxing) and use gloves with Velcro, remember that in this case it is better to choose short ones. The reason is more aesthetic than practical: Velcro will ruin the presentable appearance of the sleeves.

Women also practice martial arts, but there are few who are passionate about, for example, MMA. Accordingly, there are few companies that specialize in sewing protective equipment and make rashguards specifically for women, taking into account their anatomy. There are only a few such manufacturers, but you can choose the right model.

Density.

Depending on what sport the rashguards are intended for, they may be more durable or less durable. Surfing does not require special strength, since in this case protection from the cold and the scorching sun comes to the fore. If a T-shirt is purchased for training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts or grappling, then special attention should be paid to the density of the fabric and seams. It must be so elastic as to withstand the loads created. The ideal option is flat seams that stretch well and do not chafe.

Print.

Rashguards, made specifically for training or martial arts competitions, are distinguished by their original print and bright colors. Designs are applied to fabric in different ways. For compression clothing, thermal transfer (thermal transfer) or sublimation printing is used. In the first case, the drawing loses its integrity over time, “breaks up” into small parts and peels off. In the second, the paint penetrates deep into the fibers and the design is preserved even after many washes. The worst thing that can happen to it is that it will become faded.

Often fighters, when participating in competitions, wear a T-shirt with an aggressive print. Their goal is not only to emphasize their fighting spirit, but also to make a terrifying impression on their opponent. The variety of colors and patterns allows everyone to choose the right option.

Some manufacturers produce rash guards specifically for BJJ No Gi training. Color spots on clothing (in the area of ​​shoulders, sides, arms) indicate the color of the belt (white, blue, purple, brown, black). But not only the color scheme is a feature of these T-shirts: they have triple seams (the most durable) in those places that are most exposed to stress.

How to wash a rashguard?

Compression clothing is not cheap, but the price often corresponds to the quality. With proper care, the item will last a long time. It is made from synthetic fabrics, the main disadvantage of which is the appearance of puffs. It is almost impossible to remove them without ruining the fabric. What to do in this case? Accidentally getting caught on the protruding edge of a sports equipment is one thing (an accident). Making a lot of Velcro tightening on shorts or boxing gloves is another thing (in some cases, a reluctance to notice obvious things). Velcro sports equipment is convenient, and you shouldn’t give it up for fear of ruining your rashguard. Despite the fact that a well-groomed appearance is important, your main goal in training should be, first of all, the results achieved. The exit is not difficult to find. Just choose compression garments with short sleeves or better velcro closures.

When you return home after training, immediately disassemble your bag so that your items do not “accumulate” the unpleasant odor of sweat. The rash guard should be rinsed in warm water without soap, gently wrung out by hand, hung on a clothes hanger and dried in an upright position. It is strictly forbidden to strongly wring (twist) and dry near heating devices. The best option is to let the T-shirt dry at room temperature. If you go to training often, buy two rashguards. Both should be washed with powder once a week at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Use the delicate (hand) wash cycle.

Why is such careful treatment required? Clothes are made from synthetic fabrics, which lose their positive qualities in hot water. If you wash a rash guard like a cotton T-shirt, it will either lose its compression properties or simply “shrink.”

Who makes it?

Rashguards were first made at the end of the 20th century. As we already mentioned, different sources indicate different “Under Armor”. Today, in addition to them, the following are known:

• Hayabusa;
• fixgear;
• Venum et al.

Let's take a closer look.

"Bad Boy"

is an American company created in 1982. Initially it produced clothing for surfers. At the end of the last century, it began producing sports equipment for jitters. Later, its benefits were appreciated by MMA and grappling fighters. For two years in a row (2010-2011), the company’s products were recognized as the best in the world for mixed martial arts (according to the World MMA Awards). It is distinguished by high quality, antibacterial impregnation of the fabric, discreet, recognizable design (the stern look of the bad guy) and a wealth of choice (not only T-shirts, but also shorts and pants). The clothes are suitable for intense workouts in the gym and on the street.

"Under Armor"

is an American company founded in 1996. Its founder set himself the goal of creating clothes in which it would be comfortable to play sports. The main goal is to ensure that the muscles do not cool down throughout the entire workout and the body does not sweat. The company began producing compression clothing, in particular rash guards. The creators used an innovative approach, and today their products are considered one of the best. It is valued for its high quality and durability. The Under Armor brand is recognizable; professional athletes in different countries of the world choose it.

"Hayabusa"

is a Canadian company popular all over the world. Its products are valued for their high quality, which is achieved through the use of modern technical achievements. One of the features is design. The print on the clothes is the path of the warrior, the story of the samurai, which is presented in a modern interpretation. Sublimated printing is used. The fabric is made using the “X-static XT2” technology (silver threads are woven into the main fabric, thanks to which most of the bacteria die). The seams are strong and can withstand any load. The price is high, but the quality is worth it.

Fixgear compression clothing

- thin cloth. Despite this, it is durable, although it is difficult to characterize it as “for centuries”: some athletes note that after a year of intense training, the fabric was worn out. However, all this year the seams withstood intense loads, and the rashguard itself created comfortable conditions for practicing martial arts. The design is presented in a wide variety of models (bright and discreet colors): both young people and older people will choose the right thing.

Another company founded by professional athletes is Venum.

. Her homeland is Brazil. A team of jitters worked to create the most comfortable compression clothing for BJJ and MMA. By carefully monitoring the quality of their products, they were able to achieve their goal. Venum rashguards are made of highly wear-resistant fabric. They are comfortable, nothing restricts movement, and the skin “breathes.”

So, a rash guard is compression clothing that is intended primarily for sports. It is made from synthetic fabrics that reliably protect against bacteria, absorb sweat well, and dry quickly. They retain heat and prevent the muscles from cooling down, which, in turn, reduces the risk of injury.

Rashguard: what is it made of?

To create it, the following components are used:

• Lycra – has excellent elasticity and repels dirt. Despite its thinness, it is wear-resistant and durable;
• nylon is wear-resistant, holds colors well, is tear-resistant, repeated use allows you to keep the material in its original condition;
• bamboo fiber - the main advantage is excellent breathability. The material itself is pleasant to the touch, durable and environmentally friendly;
• spandex - allows you to stretch the material up to 5-7 times the original size, while the material is light, durable, wear-resistant and can withstand chemical exposure.

Why is a rashguard useful?

Thanks to the combination of several materials, the rashguard has the following advantages:

• benefits for wrestlers in close contact with the enemy, acts as protection from bacteria and external irritants;
• the body remains dry under clothing, even with maximum physical exertion;
• wear resistance allows you to wash clothes repeatedly;
• heated muscle fibers remain warm even under the influence of frosty weather, which preserves their elasticity and protects them from injuries and sprains.

How to choose the right rash guard size

When purchasing, you need to pay primary attention to the size chart. Determining by eye is not the best indicator; you need to wear 2-3 sizes and compare how the clothes fit and whether they are comfortable enough.

During training, clothes should not hang loosely or, on the contrary, strongly compress the body. Movement is free without feeling constrained. If you purchase clothes with long sleeves, it is necessary that the edge of the clothing ends at the bone, otherwise in the future a sleeve that is too long will only get in the way.

How to wash rash guards

Compression clothing will not last forever, but knowing the nuances you can extend its life:

• after finishing the workout, you need to rinse your clothes with warm water, preferably running water;
• Avoid exposing the rashguard to high temperatures;
• do not use hot pipes for drying or hang training clothes in close proximity to them;
• for washing, choose delicate or manual mode, the water temperature should not be higher than 30 C;
• choose soft brands of washing powder.

Advantages over regular clothing

1. High class of protection Rashguard is impregnated with an antibacterial composition that disinfects staphylococcal bacillus, viral lichen and fungal infections. The dense texture of the fabric protects the body from injury. The tight-fitting style eliminates snagging on the enemy’s clothing. In grappling, the rash guard is officially accepted as a competition uniform. The usual kimono fades into the background in training and is used mainly for seminars and ceremonial gatherings.
2. Special ergonomic cut Tight-fitting T-shirt does not hinder movement and emphasizes relief contours. Triple flat seams do not chafe the skin. The materials from which the rash guard is made are synthetic spandex, polyester inclusions and nylon. An elastic T-shirt allows the body to breathe and wicks away moisture. In areas where sweating occurs, strategic mesh technology is used to regulate overheated areas. Unlike wool thermal underwear, which absorbs moisture, a rash guard wicks sweat away.
3. Additional support for ligaments and joints Clothing fits tightly, but does not restrict movement. When running and cross-fitting, a rash guard keeps muscles warm better than a regular tracksuit. Throughout the entire workout, blood pumping and muscle warming are maintained, and maximum functionality is maintained. The muscles do not cool down during pauses - the risk of sprains and injuries is reduced. That's why bodybuilders use a rashguard rather than a compression T-shirt.
4. Long-lasting operation that does not require special care. The reliability and durability of equipment clothing is twice as high as that of a compression T-shirt. Rashguard is a durable T-shirt that does not tear or stretch. The drawings are made using the fabric sublimation technique, do not peel off when washed and do not fade.

Which brand of rashguard is better?

There are many companies selling sportswear and even more, but the leader is:

• Under Armour;
• Venum;
• Hayabusa;
• Berserk.

Before purchasing, you need to decide whether you need a T-shirt or long sleeves?! If during training it is necessary to cool the body as often as possible, then a T-shirt is preferable.

If the main criterion when purchasing is price, then you can look at the company Fixgear , it is believed that it has a good price-quality ratio.

Manufacturers

Rashguard - what is it? Special equipment, which has a lot of useful properties, is ideal for training. The popularity of T-shirts of this type is growing from year to year. In this regard, the market is also increasing. Currently, there are a huge number of manufacturers who are trying to surprise customers.

Let's look at the main ones:

1. Canadian manufacturer Hayabusa. The rash guard is created using a unique technology and is impregnated with silver molecules. Famous MMA fighter Lyoto Machida wears this T-shirt.
2. Under Armour. Another largest manufacturer. The company is registered in America, the company's products are used by one of the greatest fighters in history, Georges St. Pierre.
3. Jaco. This company is also popular mainly due to the fact that bamboo fabric is used in production. Ventilation here is at the highest level.
4. Bad Boy. Probably one of the most budget options. It cannot be said that the material of the rash guard is very different from those of other manufacturers. Technologies for moisture removal have been introduced here, and antibacterial impregnations are included.
5. Tatami and Tatami Fightwear. One of the main equipment of fighters. It differs from products from other companies in its extreme reliability and wear resistance. In addition to fighters, surfers actively use the products.

Of course, this is not the entire list of equipment manufacturers. We have reviewed and mentioned the largest and most famous ones. The cost of a rashguard cannot be called small, but it pays for itself in any case. Therefore, do not waste your money and buy it once and for a long time.