FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Rash Guard Care & Maintenance
Your rash guard works hard on the mats — a little care goes a long way to keeping it fresh, odour-free, and lasting as long as possible. Here are the most common questions from the BJJ community.
When should I wash my rash guard after training?
Ideally, rinse or wash your rash guard as soon as possible after every session — definitely the same day. Bacteria that cause lingering odour multiply quickly in warm, damp fabric. Leaving a sweaty rash guard in your bag overnight is one of the fastest ways to end up with a smell that won't fully wash out. If you can't do a full wash straight away, at least rinse it in cold water and hang it to air out before putting it in the wash.
How should I wash it?
A cold or warm machine wash (30–40 °C / 86–104 °F) on a gentle or delicate cycle is usually fine for most rash guards. Cold water is gentler on the spandex fibres and colours. Turn the garment inside-out before washing to protect printed graphics. Use a mild detergent — a smaller amount than you might think is plenty. Always check the label on your specific garment first, as different fabrics and constructions may have their own requirements.
- Wash inside-out on a gentle cycle
- Use cold or warm water (not hot)
- Use a small amount of mild detergent
- Avoid fabric softener — it can break down spandex fibres over time and trap odours
- Avoid bleach or harsh stain removers unless the garment label specifically allows them
How do I get rid of stubborn training odour?
Persistent odour is a common topic on BJJ forums. A short soak in cold water with a small amount of white vinegar before washing is widely reported to help neutralise odour-causing bacteria — but results vary and this is not a guaranteed fix. The best long-term defence is washing promptly after every session and ensuring the garment dries completely before storage. We do not endorse specific products or treatments beyond what your garment label permits.
How should I dry my rash guard?
Air drying is the safest option. Lay the rash guard flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight where possible — UV and heat can degrade stretchy fibres and fade colours over time. Avoid tumble drying on high heat; if you do use a dryer, use the lowest heat or air-only setting. Make sure the garment is completely dry before folding and storing it — putting it away damp is a fast track to mildew and odour.
How should I store my rash guard?
Store your rash guard clean and fully dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it compressed at the bottom of your gear bag for extended periods. Folding it loosely or rolling it is fine — just don't store it while it's still damp. If you train multiple times a week, having a couple of rash guards to rotate means each one dries properly between sessions.
When is it time to replace my rash guard?
Signs that it's time for a new one include:
- Fabric has become significantly thinner or see-through from repeated washing
- Seams are fraying or coming apart
- The garment has lost its stretch and no longer fits snugly
- Odour that persists even after a proper wash — at this point the bacteria is likely embedded in degraded fabric
A well-cared-for rash guard should give you a good run, but all training gear eventually wears out. Check out our No GI collection when you're ready to grab a fresh one.
Which rash guards do you stock?
We carry a range of BJJ rash guards for adults and kids:
- BJJ Rash Guard Long Sleeve Snake
- BJJ Rash Guard Short Sleeve Tribal
- BJJ Rash Guard Long Sleeve Tribal
- BJJ Rash Guard Long Sleeve Camouflage
- Kids BJJ Rash Guard Short Sleeve Snake
Browse the full No GI collection for everything you need on the mats.
Always follow the care instructions on your garment label. The guidance above is general and may not apply to every product.