Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was something I’d thought about for years. Watching pros roll in slick no-gi matches on YouTube made it look brutal, beautiful, and strangely calming all at once. But walking into an actual gym for the first time? That was different.
In my first month of training, I made plenty of mistakes — but a few smart choices, too. One of the best? Getting a rashguard that actually worked.
Week 1: “Wait, I Can’t Just Wear a Gym T-Shirt?”
I showed up in a regular compression shirt on day one. It didn’t take long to figure out why a proper BJJ rashguard matters: mine rolled up, stretched weird, and smelled terrible after class. My coach kindly told me I’d want something “designed for grappling.”
Lesson learned: The right gear makes you feel like you belong. Even if you’re brand new.
What to Look For in a Rashguard (From Someone Who Didn’t Know)
As a beginner, you don’t need fancy logos or loud graphics. You need:
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A snug fit that moves with you
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Fabric that wicks sweat and won’t stink
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Strong stitching (flatlock is best — trust me)
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A waistband that stops it riding up every 30 seconds
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Something IBJJF legal, in case you decide to compete later
I ended up picking a rashguard from Divine Jiu Jitsu — clean look, solid fit, and built for hard rolls. Suddenly, I didn’t feel like such an outsider.
Check out the Divine rashguard collection here
Week 3: When the Mat Fights Back
By week three, I had my first brush with mat burn. It wasn’t fun. That’s when I appreciated long-sleeve rashguards even more. If you’re new, I can’t recommend them enough — especially in no-gi.
Tips for New BJJ Students
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Wash your rashguard after every class — cold wash, air dry. No exceptions.
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Buy two if you can — laundry day is always sooner than you think.
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Don’t wait to upgrade your gear — it boosts your confidence.
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Long sleeves protect better — especially when you're not used to the mat.
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Choose quality over hype — it pays off in comfort and longevity.
My Go-To Now: The Divine legion Rashguard
I’m still a beginner, but I’ve tried enough gear to know what works. The legion rashguard from Divine Jiu Jitsu became my favorite — minimal branding, tough as nails, and stays in place when things get chaotic.
It’s not just gear — it’s part of how I show up to train.
Shop the Divine legion Rashguard
Final Thought: Gear Is Just Gear — But It Helps
BJJ is full of chaos when you’re new — positions you don’t understand, taps you didn’t see coming, cardio that makes your lungs beg for mercy. The last thing you need is to worry about your gear.
Get something that works, and focus on what matters: showing up, learning, and getting better every day.
