In the world of combat sports, clothing plays a crucial role not only for the comfort of the practitioner but also for their protection. Among the elements that make up this outfit, we find the rash guard , a key piece for fans of disciplines such as grappling, no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu or even boxing. In this article, let's find out together what a rash guard is and why it is essential in combat sports.
The rash guard: definition and usefulness
A rash guard, also known as a compression t-shirt , is a fitted garment made of elastic fabric that is primarily used to protect the skin when playing sports where physical contact is frequent. It is often made of a synthetic material such as polyester or spandex, which promotes breathability and allows perspiration to escape quickly.
The rash guards that you will find on Rashu are, for example, made of 82% polyester and 18% elastane, with a fabric weight of 230 g/m².
Why use a rash guard?
- Protection against skin infections: In combat sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling or grappling, fighters are in close contact with each other, which can promote the transmission of bacteria or fungi. The rash guard provides an additional barrier between the skin and these pathogens, reducing the risk of infections.
- Prevention of friction and irritation: Repeated contact between the skin and tatami mats or other rough surfaces may cause skin irritation. The rash guard helps limit this friction by creating a protective layer around the body.
- Compression and muscle support: Thanks to its fitted cut, the rash guard promotes muscle compression, which improves blood circulation, optimizes performance and prevents injuries.
- Sweat wicking: The materials used to make a rash guard are generally light and breathable, which facilitates the rapid evacuation of sweat and thus prevents the garment from sticking to the skin during exercise.
How to choose your rash guard?
To choose a rash guard adapted to the practice of your combat sport, here are some important criteria to take into account:
- The material: Choose synthetic fabrics such as polyester or spandex for their lightness, elasticity and ability to quickly wick away perspiration. That’s good, that’s exactly what we offer you on Rashu! Don’t hesitate to discover all our Rash guards if this type of sports t-shirt interests you!
- The size : A rash guard must be sufficiently adjusted to ensure effective compression of the muscles, without restricting freedom of movement. As you can see on our models, all our rash guards are particularly fitted.
- Design : Depending on your personal tastes and any restrictions of your sporting discipline, you can choose between a plain or patterned rash guard. Women's models feature a more fitted cut at the waist and bust.
How to maintain your rash guard?
To ensure that your rash guard remains effective and in good condition for as long as possible, it is important to maintain it well. Here are some tips for taking care of your equipment:
- Washing : Wash your rash guard after each use in a washing machine on delicate mode, at a maximum temperature of 30°C. You can add a little white vinegar to your regular laundry to kill bacteria and neutralize odors. Avoid using fabric softener, which could alter the elasticity of the fabric.
- Rinsing: Rinse your rash guard thoroughly with cold water after each use to remove sweat residue and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
- Drying: Let your rash guard dry flat, in the open air or near a moderate heat source such as a radiator. To preserve the shape and elasticity of the fabric, avoid drying it in direct sunlight, on a hanger or in a dryer.
Ultimately, the rash guard constitutes an essential element of clothing when practicing combat sports where physical contact is frequent . It is also entirely possible to use a Rash guard for sporting activities such as bodybuilding, fitness or running.
It offers effective protection against skin infections and irritation caused by friction, while improving the performance and comfort of the fighter thanks to its muscle compression and rapid evacuation of perspiration.
To choose a rash guard suited to your needs, choose lightweight, breathable synthetic fabrics, a fitted cut and reinforced seams.
And don't forget to maintain your equipment regularly to ensure maximum durability!
