Both rash guards and compression wear are form-fitting garments that provide a tight fit and are made from synthetic materials like polyester, spandex/Lycra, or nylon. Thus, it is natural to think that both are same. However, there some minor differences between them. Since the differences are minor, both are worn extensively by martial artists around the world. Pacific Sports offers excellent quality rash guards and compression wear that can be worn underneath a gi like in Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, etc., or where no gi is worn like in BJJ and MMA.
Pacific Sports Rash Guards
Pacific Sports Compression Wear
Differences between rash guards and compression wear
There are only minor differences between them, especially regarding the following:
—purpose
—material
—stitching
—design
—features
Purpose
A rash guard was orignially designed for aquatic sports, especially for surfers who wanted to protect their skin from rashes arising out of contact with the sun, sand, and salt. As technology advanced, nowadays rash guards offer superior protection not only from rashes but also from abrasions, bruises and infections. The higher protection expanded the market and nowadays rash guards are extensively used by practitioners of other sports like BJJ.
A compression wear was originally designed for medical applications, where the skin of a particular area of the body was compressed in a measured way, to improve comfort and healing to that specific body part. The technological advancement that benefited the making of rash guards also impacted the making of compression wear. Nowadays, compression wear is available for non-medical applications also, where the level of compression is significantly lowered. With lesser compression, the compression garments could be worn in any sports-related activity like in the gym, running, or in martial arts.
LEVELS OF COMPRESSION
Compression wear can provide four levels of compression.
— mild compression (8-15 mmHg)
— moderate compression (15-20 mmHg)
— firm compression (20-30 mmHg)
— extra firm compression (30-40 mmHg)
Mild and Moderate compression wear are freely available.
Firm and Extra Firm compression wear are available only with a medical prescription and used for medical purposes.
It should be noted that compression wear should NOT be worn while sleeping, since they are not designed to be worn in bed.
Healthy athletes tend to use mild or moderate compression wear. Pacific Sports sells compression wear that offers only mild or moderate compression.
TYPES OF COMPRESSION WEAR
The two major types of compression wear are:
—Compartmental compression wear
—Graduated compression wear
In compartmental compression wear, the compression is provided in particular compartments or areas of the body. This type of compression wear is designed for medical purposes or specific sporting activities.
In graduated compression wear, the compression is graduated over an area of a body and thus, during workouts, the blood can flow back easily to the core. This type of compression wear is most often used in sports and is easily available. Pacific Sports sells compression wear that offers only graduated compression.
Material
A rash guard and a compression wear are made from polyester, spandex/Lycra, or nylon. Pacific Sports rash guards are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, which provides high durability. Pacific Sports compression wear are made from a blend of 85% polyester and 15% Lycra, which provides a mild to moderate level of compression.
The fabric of a rash guard is slightly thicker than the fabric of a compression wear. Due to this the sweat wicking capability of a compression wear is slightly greater than a rash guard.
Stitching
The stitching in a rash guard is reinforced flatlock type, meaning that overlapped seams are stitched flat on each other, while compression wear has normal stitching. Although the stitching makes a minor difference in terms of durability, yet the purpose of compression wear is solved by normal stitching as it can effectively withstand normal wear and tear.
Design
Rash guards come in a variety of designs. which are sublimated, meaning that the design is directly dyed in the fabric, so they don’t peel, crack, or fade over time. Compression wear generally comes in a single color, because usually they are worn inside some clothing like a gi, shirt, or a pant.
Rash guards have a rubber grip on the bottom hem, which prevents them from riding up. Compression wear does not have such a rubber grip.
Features
Features of Pacific Sports rash guards
- Flexible Fit Short/Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- For martial arts/crossfit/running/surfing/cycling and almost any physical activity
- Made in polyester and spandex blend, controls moisture
- Protects from rashes
- Provides protection from mat burn and skin scrapes and keeps you germ/infection free
- Moderate compression provides freedom of movement and improves blood circulation
- Sublimated design does not peel or fade or wash off
- Lightweight, super-comfortable and hard-wearing
- Top quality anti-pill fabric
- Flatlock reinforced stitching
- Rubber grip in the bottom hem prevents the top from sliding around and rolling up
- Easy care, quick-drying and durable
- Designed to fit every body shape comfortably
- Keeps body dry and muscles warm
- Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL. See the size chart for your size
Features of Pacific Sports compression wear
- For women martial artists, compression tops and compression tights can be worn inside a gi.
- They are not see-through even when stretched. This makes them ideal for wearing in no-gi martial arts like MMA, wrestling, etc.
- The compression top is great for the upper body, while compression tights are suitable to keep the hips, quads, glutes and the calves warm.
- Made from a blend of 85% polyester and 15% lycra, they provide a mild to moderate level of compression.
- Sweat is easily wicked away and the flatlock stitching makes them super comfortable.
- A sublimated design that won’t fade, making them retain their attractiveness for a long time.
- While offering a snug fit, it also protects the skin from chafing and irritation.
- They are available in S, M, L, XL sizes, to suit all body types.
- They are reasonably priced and affordable.
What to use? Rash guard or compression wear?
Both have the same material, and both can be worn in almost all sporting activities. However, the minor differences make one better than the other with respect to some particular sport. For example, for aquatic sports, rash guards are better applied than compression wear. On the other hand, since compression wear are lighter, they are better suited indoors, especially in summer without air-conditioning.
Both provide excellent protection against contact from the skin of the training partner, which helps to eliminate rashes, bruises, odor, dust, dirt, sweat, and infections. Compression wear can be comfortably worn under a gi, while for no-gi competitions, rash guards are better.
Since the fabric of a rash guard is thicker than a compression wear, it lasts a bit longer than a compression wear. However, durability also depends on many other factors like stitching, printing, washing, and usage. Pacific Sports rash guards and compression wear are famous for their high-quality and both last a very long time.
Rash Guard Size Chart
Compression Wear Size Charts
Pacific Sports quality
All products sold at Pacific Sports undergo rigorous testing. Numerous gyms and martial arts schools of Australia and the world, rely on the Pacific Sports quality for tough and long-lasting products, which includes uniforms, jackets, pants, belts, shoes, rash guards, compression wear, protective wear and training gear. Additionally, products offered on sale carry this same high quality but with drastically reduced prices. Moreover, if the monthly newsletter is subscribed, then an additional 10% discount is also offered.
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