Top 8 Cheap Rash Guards (Under $50)

When you’re just starting in Jiu-Jitsu or MMA, you’ll meet many people that undermine the importance of proper gear. They’ll say something along the lines of you don’t need expensive BJJ clothing; just an ordinary pair of shorts and shirt will suffice. Other times, you’ll see John Danaher wearing it at a wedding and he’ll have a podcast with Joe Rogan about his love for rashguards. I think I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the importance of getting the right gear before starting Jiu-jitsu or MMA training.

A rashguard is one of the most crucial pieces of training gear. Regardless of whether you’re going for Gi or No-Gi session, your rash guard helps protect your skin from scrapes and skin burns. If you’ve ever participated in a No-Gi training session, you’re probably aware of how sweaty it can get. Wearing a rashguard can help protect you from any potential rashes or bacteria. It’s also great at protecting gis because of its moisture-wicking properties.

As we all know, BJJ gear can get expensive, but it’s not like you can’t get a good quality affordable rashguard in any size.

Here are the top rash guards in April 2024 available for under $50:

Neleus Men’s 3 Pack Athletic Compression Shirt Running Shirts

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I found this brand while browsing for cheap rash guard on reddit and was baited by the very steep price tag. $25 for 3 rashies? Me, being frugal as hell, of course ordered these.

This set includes three long-sleeved shirts in black, grey, and navy blue. Made from a polyester-spandex blend, these shirts are designed to be tight-fitting and quick-drying. They also feature ergonomic seams and stretch insets for a natural range of motion.

In general, I’m very pleased with these rash guards. The fabric is of high quality, finely woven, thin but warm, and don’t chafe. The garment and seams are extremely flexible, so if you want a close fit, go up one size or if you want some room, go up two sizes. I ordered a size up based on other reviews, and I’m glad I did. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a no-fuss, affordable rash guard.

Ground Force Basic Rashguard v2 (Long Sleeve)

Ground Force was created in 2017 by Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts in the Netherlands. They wanted to make quality grappling gear and apparel that everyone could afford. They also want to give back to the community by supporting athletes who are chasing their dreams. They want to inspire and motivate people who are working hard to build a better life for themselves.

They focus on creating the best gear for everyone. Their Basic Grappling and Jiu-Jitsu product range covers all needs for beginning as well as advanced martial artist. They also supply lightweight gear that is good for competitions and training sessions, as well as premium products that look amazing.

Looking for a tough, durable rashguard that will last through all your training sessions? Look no further than the Ground Force Basic Rashguard. This top-quality rashguard is made out of a thicker polyester/spandex mix, so it can withstand all the wear and tear you put it through. The length of the torso panels is extra-long, and it’s finished with a silicon strip at the bottom to keep it in place during those tough rolls. You’ll also find subtly placed logos on the chest and back, and elegant lettering on the right arm. The combination of the fit, the thick material, and the color options make this rashguard a perfect choice for any grappler or BJJ practitioner.

This rashguard was designed for grappling and BJJ. It is made with a 88% polyester, 12% spandex mix which will help you stay comfortable while grappling. The long fit will help keep the rashguard in place while you are fighting on the ground. The silicon strap will also keep it from moving around. This rashguard is IBJJF legal.

Fuji Baseline Ranked Jiu Jitsu Rashguard

Rashguards are available in both short sleeve and long sleeve forms. For those looking for inexpensive rash guards, the Fuji Baseline will tick many of the boxes. It’s made of a high-quality anti-microbial fabric that’ll ensure that you remain safe from all bacteria forms. The Fuji baseline rashguard also feels very comfortable to wear thanks to the soft underarm panels, and the fabric ensures that not a lot of sweat seeps out.

Another neat feature is that the product is available in five different colors. The colors match the rank of the jiu-jitsu belt. If you’re looking to get a cheap rashguard that matches your belt level, this is the perfect one. The clean, minimalist look of the rashguard will appeal to anyone that wants to go by their business during training. If you’re willing to order this one, be vary because the sizes run small. Be sure to order a size or two upon what you usually wear. 

Roar BJJ Rash Guards

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Roar brings you the perfect cheap BJJ rashguard, also one of my favorite cheap rash guards. It’s constructed with high-quality poly-spandex material. What that means is that it offers a material that’s incredibly strong and lightweight. You’ll be able to perform at a very high level with this rashguard. There’s also no need to worry about the clothing rolling up. It offers a rubber waistband that provides coverage.

Many people might complain about the rashguards restricting movement, but that certainly won’t be the issue with this one. The fabric offers 4-way stretch, which provides greater mobility than regular clothes in all directions. Not only is this rashguard great for MMA and BJJ, but you can also use it for practically any exercise that you can imagine – making it one of the most popular cheap Jiu-jitsu rash guards too.

Despite its affordable price, the material’s excellent for absorbing sweat and helps optimize performance across a wide variety of sports. There are also many different designs that you can pick from, and there’s a women’s version of the top. If you’re looking for rashguards for women, this is the right choice. The designs are hit and miss though, some are great, but others have coloration issues.

Under Armour HeatGear Compression

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I’ve personally been using this cheap rash guard for two years now and am delighted to report that it’s one of the most durable and best rash guards on the market. Even after two years’ worth of training, I still use mine regularly, and it’s an excellent deal for its price. There’s also no need for special washing. It’s machine-wash friendly.

Under Armour is making a name for themselves in the sportswear industry because they offer great products that are also cheap. The compression shirt is made from 84% polyester and 16% Elastane, the result is a lightweight and durable material. It features stretch-mesh underarm panels that provide more ventilation to go with the already breathable fabric.

The shirt is also available in several different colors, depending on what you prefer. I know how sweaty No-Gi training can get sometimes, and this rashguard works wonders. I’d say it’s one of the best cheap BJJ rash guards you can find. The material wicks sweat, and it dries fast as well. I would definitely recommend this rash guard to anyone. For under $50, it’s top value for your money.

RVCA Men’s Short Sleeve Rashguard

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Some people don’t like wearing long sleeve shirts, and that’s where the short sleeve rashguards come in to play. RVCA offers a decent cheap rash guard that’s made from 88% polyamide and 12% elastane. It’s a durable material that provides a decent amount of stretch as well. However, the only slight issue is that it’s not as stretchy as the other rashguards on this list.

It fits great and is available in three different colors, depending on what you prefer. Each of the colors looks great, and I appreciate the minimalist design of these compression shirts. The shirt is also machine wash friendly so you can toss it in there with the rest of your clothes.

Under Armour HeatGear Compression (Short Sleeve)

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Under Armour is doing a great job in the compression T-shirt industry and is becoming increasingly popular. Their BJJ compression shirt is cheap, durable, and offers free movement. It uses their HeatGear fabric that protects from the sun’s harmful rays and wicks up a sweat.

It also features the stretchable mesh material on the underarm panels that provide strategic ventilation. Given its price, this isn’t a feature you would expect, so I was pleasantly surprised. These t-shirts fit so comfortably; you can wear these even when you’re not training. It’s also machine wash friendly, and the simple design will easily fit into any wardrobe. The short sleeve compression top is available in a wide variety of colors as well.

Sanabul Essentials Short Sleeve BJJ Rash Guard

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Sanabul is quickly establishing itself as one of the go-to brands for BJJ gear, and it’s easy to see why. They offer inexpensive equipment that’s specifically designed for BJJ in mind and provide high performance.

Their essential series is a must-have for anyone that wants a short sleeve rash guard. This training rash guard is one of the best cheap MMA rash guards in the market. It comes at a reasonable price and provides a simple but instantly recognizable style that’ll help you fit right in with your MMA or BJJ class. All the pros are endorsing their products, and you regularly see the company do collaborations with MMA fighters.

The shirt also features mesh underarms and gradual compression to improve both ventilation and performance. Like any good compression shirt, the Sanabul Essentials is perfect for several different activities. The fabric even provides UV SPF 50 protection, so the rash guard is ideal for the beach or a hike.

How To Buy The Right Rashguard?

Now that you have a good idea of some of the best quality rashguards available for under $50, I’ll show you how I picked these rashguards. Watching out for several features can allow you to select the perfect compression t-shirt for MMA training. 

Fabric

The most important thing that you need to watch out for in the rash guard is the fabric. Several companies will flat out advertise that the material they’re providing offers anti-microbial properties. These are good signs that can lead you to a high-quality product. However, some products may be falsely advertised. If it seems too good to be true given its price, trust your gut.

Fit

One thing that you need to check when buying a rash guard is fitting. A primary reason for recommending rashguards for MMA training is that they fit like a second skin. That means that there won’t be any fingers snagging or any other annoyances with regular clothing. However, if the rashguard doesn’t fit properly, it’ll start hooking and defeat its purpose. A great idea to find out about the fitting is to read the customer reviews of the product. They’ll give you a fair idea of what fitting the rash guard offers.

Sweat Protection

One of the main reasons why a rashguard is so crucial for training is that it keeps your sweat off other people and other people’s sweat off you. When worn as a layer under your other clothing, like your gi, rashguards protect the sensitive parts of your body like the nipples and armpits, but also wick away sweat. Your gi will be more or less protected when wearing this extra layer of clothing.

Are Rash Guards Necessary for BJJ?

Rash guards are not mandatory for BJJ, but they offer a lot of benefits that can make your training easier and more comfortable. By wearing a rash guard, you’ll be able to avoid skin irritation from mat burn, and the fabric will help wick away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable. Additionally, rash guards keeps your body warm and can help protect against scratches and minor cuts.

What Makes a Good Rash Guard for BJJ?

When looking for a rash guard for BJJ, there are a few key things to look for. The fabric should be high quality and have anti-microbial properties. The fit should be tight and snug. It is also important to choose a color you will be happy with long term. Black and blue are always popular colors.

What Color Rash Guard Is Best for BJJ?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best color for a rash guard will vary depending on your individual preferences and the type of training you do. However, some colors are more popular than others among BJJ practitioners. Black and blue rash guards are very popular, as they offer a sleek and professional look, are less likely to show sweat stains and are more flattering for most body types. Additionally, white rash guards are often worn as a base layer under a gi to help keep the gi clean.

Is It OK To Wear a Rash Guard?

Rash guards are designed to be worn as a layer of clothing underneath other clothes. They’re made of a stretchy, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat and protects the skin against scratches and minor cuts. Rash guards are perfect for activities like MMA training, BJJ, surfing, swimming and any other sport or activity where you need extra protection for your skin.

Conclusion 

Hopefully, this covered pretty much everything that you need to know about buying a rashguard, and why it’s an essential piece of BJJ gear. If you’re still unsure what to pick, go for the .

For anyone that’s considering starting regular BJJ, MMA, Grappling, or Wrestling lessons, a decent rashguard is one of the first things to buy. Not only will it protect you from any potential rashes, but it’ll also help keep all the germs away.