Rashguard vs T-shirts: which is Safer?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that is a grappling martial art that involves a lot of physical contact. During training, it is important to wear appropriate clothing that can protect your skin and prevent physical injuries to yourself and to your training partners.
At Clube De Lutas, students are required to wear rashguards during training. A mandatory practice to ensure the safety of our students when they are on the mats. We want to make our mats a place where everyone can train in a hygienic environment, a rashguard is required underneath your gi and if you’re training 2 classes in a day, we kindly ask you to change your rashie before your second class.
What is a Rashguard?
A rashguard is a tight-fitting top that is made of stretchy fabric. It is designed to fit snugly against your skin and protect it from scrapes, cuts, and mat burn. Rashguards are commonly worn in BJJ because they are comfortable, durable, and hygienic.
Physical Safety
Wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt during BJJ training can pose a safety risk, as parts of your body can get caught in the fabric. This can happen when you're grappling with your partner, and their fingers or toes get caught in your shirt. This can cause injury to both you and your partner.
When transitioning from one position to the other, fingers and hands may get caught by the fabric of a loose-fitting T-shirt which could potentially cause serious injuries like wrist and finger breakage.
Protection from Mat Burn
Mat burn is a common injury in BJJ that occurs when your skin rubs against the training mat during grappling. It can cause painful, red abrasions that can take days or even weeks to heal. Rashguards provide a barrier between your skin and the mat, reducing the risk of mat burn.
T-shirts are not designed for contact sports like BJJ, so they do not provide the same level of protection from mat burn as rashguards. This means that you are at a higher risk of getting mat burns if you wear a t-shirt during training.
For example, if you're defending a guard pass and you needed to hip escape continuously, the skin of your upper arm and shoulder could potentially rub against the mats which cause mat burn. However, if you're wearing a rashguard, the fabric will protect your skin from this type of friction.
Hygienic
Rashguards are made of breathable material that dries quickly and prevents bacteria from building up on your skin. This can help reduce the risk of skin infections, such as ringworm, which can spread easily in BJJ in an unhygienic environment.
If you're training in a hot and humid environment, your sweat can create a moist environment for bacteria to grow on your skin. However, if you're wearing a rashguard, the fabric will absorb the sweat from your skin and keep you dry, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
Compared to T-shirts, which are not made of moisture-wicking material, so they can become wet and heavy with sweat during training. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can increase the risk of skin infections.
In conclusion, wearing a rashguard is safer than wearing a t-shirt during BJJ training because it provides better protection from mat burn, is more hygienic, and reduces the risk of physical injury from loose fabric. While t-shirts are more breathable and comfortable, they pose a safety risk and do not provide the same level of protection as rashguards. By wearing appropriate clothing like a rashguard, you can help protect your skin and prevent injuries during BJJ training.
You can easily get a Clube De Lutas IBJJF legal ranked rashguard (and not ranked) at the reception. Simply reach out to your coaches to learn more about purchasing a rashguard that fits you.