Rashguard – 5 things you should know

Rashguard to podstawowy sprzęt każdego, kto trenuje sporty walki. Dowiedz się, czym różni się od koszulki termicznej, jak o niego dbać i co wyróżnia rashguardy Ground Game.

• First worn by Australian surfers to protect against rashes, rashguards are now a staple for anyone training combat sports like MMA or BJJ (No-Gi).

• A rashguard is not the same as a classic thermal shirt. It offers a tighter fit, wicks away sweat, features flatlock seams, and stays securely in place without riding up during training.

• At Ground Game, we also produce custom rashguards with your own design—a dedicated offer for coaches and gym owners.

See also: Ground Game Men's Rashguards

Rashguard – what is it?

Simply put, a rashguard is your second skin. It protects against skin irritation, scratches, open cuts, and even an opponent's blood if any is spilled. Additionally, it ensures proper body ventilation and wicks away sweat. The real secret lies in the fabric—which must be elastic and durable—as well as the construction: flatlock seams are a absolute must. A rashguard fits tightly to your body, and thanks to its compression system, it enhances muscle performance and speeds up recovery after training.

How do we stitch Ground Game rashguards?

• We use THERMOFLEX fabric, a durable polyester and elastane blend.

• The WRAPSTRAP system—a silicone waistband—prevents the shirt from riding up during training.

• FLATLOCK seams are completely flat, making them gentle on the skin and significantly increasing the rashguard's tear resistance.

• The sublimation printed graphics won't wash out or rub off, keeping their vibrant look even after years of use.

Rashguard vs. thermal shirt

Although a rashguard is also referred to as a thermal shirt, it differs significantly from the classic version. First and foremost, a standard thermal shirt has a looser fit (lacking a compression system) and does not necessarily feature flatlock seams. It is less efficient at wicking away moisture and does not offer the same level of skin protection as a rashguard.

While runners and cyclists often opt for standard thermal shirts, they fall short for combat sports practitioners. In short, every rashguard is a thermal shirt, but not every thermal shirt is a rashguard.

How to choose a rashguard

When choosing a rashguard, consider 2 criteria:

• Long or short sleeve. Long sleeves are ideal for outdoor workouts when the weather isn't warm yet, while short sleeves are recommended for warm days and indoor training. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference and how you plan to use it.

• Size. You'll find a size chart next to every product. When choosing, keep in mind that rashguards are elastic and conform to your body, while the listed measurements are taken flat without stretching. If you're unsure, order two sizes and keep the one that fits best.

How to wash a rashguard

You can find detailed washing instructions on the care label, but keep one key thing in mind: polyester sportswear tends to absorb and trap unpleasant odors, so wash it after every workout—don't let it sit in your gym bag for days! This is a fundamental hygiene rule that ensures your rashguard stays clean and fresh. The print on Ground Game rashguards is done using sublimation, which means it won't peel or fade, and the colors will retain their pristine look for years.

Custom printed rashguards

If you are a coach or run a gym and want your team to have unique custom gear, check out our offer. We will create a rashguard with your custom design or a artwork prepared by our graphic designers. To date, we have outfitted and equipped hundreds of clubs worldwide. You can find more details and examples of our past projects here: Custom Orders.