Long sleeve or short sleeve rashguard?

You've been doing MMA for a while and you want to buy your first rashgaurd! But now, a big dilemma presents itself to you: short sleeves or long sleeves? For the record, I too had this dilemma with Enyo: do I offer a long-sleeved or short-sleeved rashguard? And you chose long sleeves! To tell the truth, both options have their usefulness and specificities. We will explain everything to you.

What is a rash guard?

First of all, let's go over the basics: a rash guard is a very close-fitting garment made of lycra which must be tight-fitting. It can be worn directly like this or under a kimono. It is used to protect the skin from friction but also to prevent fingers, hands and feet from getting caught in it when sparring. It's like a second skin! They are used in particular in MMA, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu and grappling.

Short sleeve rashguards.

- Advantages:

1. Freedom of Movement: Short sleeve rashguards do not restrict your movements, which is essential for complex movements and mobility required during BJJ grappling sessions. They allow for full arm flexibility, which is essential for maneuvering around your opponent.
2. Thermal Comfort: When it's hot or in hot climates, short sleeve rash guards are preferred as they help keep cool by exposing the arms. Avoiding overheating during training is crucial to maintaining effective technique.
3. Escape Aid: While sweat can be a detriment, it can also be an asset. Slightly sweaty arms provide a slippery surface that can help you escape an opponent's grip by making evasive moves easier.

- The inconvenients:

1. Less Protection: Short-sleeved rashguards offer less skin protection than their long-sleeved counterparts. Your arms are exposed, making you more vulnerable to abrasions, cuts and carpet burns from contact with the rough floor.
2. Lack of muscle support: Unlike long sleeve rashguards which provide compression to the elbows and forearms, short sleeve rashguards do not provide muscle support. This can increase the risk of minor injuries and muscle fatigue.
3. Potential for discomfort from sweating: Excessive arm sweating can create slippage when grappling, which can put you at a disadvantage or cause you to lose control of your opponent. Short-sleeve rashguards do not wick sweat away from the forearms effectively, which can be a disadvantage.
4. Increased risk of skin infections: With exposed arms, there is an increased risk of developing bacterial or fungal infections because the skin is in direct contact with other athletes and the mat.

Long sleeve rashguards

- Advantages:

1. Increased Protection: Long sleeve rash guards provide full arm protection, reducing the risk of abrasions, cuts and mat burns. They also protect against gi burns when rolling.
2. Improved traction: Long sleeves create friction, which is beneficial for gripping and holding submissions, unlike slick skin from sweat.
3. Reduced skin-to-skin contact: By limiting direct contact with opponents' skin and potentially contaminated surfaces, long-sleeve rashguards reduce the risk of skin infections.
4. Muscle and Joint Support: They provide compression to the elbows and forearms, promoting muscle health and reducing pain and fatigue during workouts.

- The inconvenients:

1. Higher Cost: Due to the amount of material used, long sleeve rashguards tend to be more expensive than short sleeve models or tank tops.
2. Can keep you warmer: especially in summer, it can be more painful to have to wear this type of rashguard during training

You now have all the keys in hand to choose your rashguard! We would also like to point out that the Enyo rashguard will soon be available with long sleeves!