Best Rash Guard with Short Sleeves

Description

A rash guard does one job: keep skin protected so you can focus on training. This short sleeve version from Pacific Sports hits the balance most grapplers and strikers are actually looking for — enough coverage over your arms and torso without the extra warmth of a full long sleeve. At $33.35, it’s one of the most practical pieces of gear you can add to your kit.

Why short sleeves?

Long sleeve rash guards are great for cold gyms or when you want maximum mat-burn protection. But in a warm Queensland dojo or during a hard sparring round, that extra fabric can feel like too much. Short sleeves give you coverage where it matters most — your torso and upper arms — while letting your forearms breathe. If you train Muay Thai or kickboxing and your arms are doing a lot of work, short sleeves also mean less fabric bunching under your gloves.

If you mainly roll BJJ and want full arm protection, our long sleeve rash guards might suit you better. But for most striking arts, mixed training, or anyone who runs hot, this short sleeve design is the practical choice.

Fabric and construction

The fabric is 85% polyester, 15% spandex. That ratio matters. The polyester pulls sweat away from your skin (moisture-wicking), while the spandex gives you the stretch you need for kicks, takedowns, and ground work. Pure polyester would be stiff; pure spandex would sag and hold moisture. This blend is the standard for a reason.

A few construction details worth knowing:

• Flatlock stitching — the seams lie flat against your skin instead of sitting proud. When you’re on the ground and someone’s knee is pressing against your arm for a few minutes, flat seams make a real difference in comfort.
• Silicone banding at the waist — this is the feature that separates a decent rash guard from a frustrating one. Without it, the hem rides up every time you shoot or sprawl. The silicone grip keeps it tucked, whether you’re wearing it alone or under a gi.
• Sublimated print — the black and indigo design is dyed into the fabric fibres, not printed on top. It won’t crack, peel, or fade after a hundred washes the way heat-transfer prints do.

How to wear it

Under a gi: Rash guards under a gi are common in BJJ, but also practical for Judo, wrestling, and even some Karate styles. They reduce friction between your skin and the gi fabric, help manage sweat, and add a layer of protection when drilling on rough mats. The slightly elongated cut on this guard means it stays tucked into your pants even during dynamic movement.

As a standalone training top: For Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, or no-gi grappling, this works as your main upper garment. It’s cut close enough to not get grabbed or tangled, but not so tight it restricts breathing or shoulder rotation.

Other uses: The same fabric and compression that makes it good for martial arts also works for running, CrossFit, cycling, and surfing. If you train multiple disciplines, one rash guard can cover all of them.

Sizing

This guard runs fairly true to size for most people, but check the size chart before ordering — we’ve included measurements for chest and body length. The moderate compression is noticeable but not restrictive; you shouldn’t feel like your movement is limited in any direction.

Available in S, M, L, and XL. If you’re between sizes, the general rule with compression wear is to size up for comfort (especially if you’re wearing it under a gi) or stay at your size if you want the tighter fit for no-gi training.

Note: The size chart on the product images shows measurements for the long sleeve version. Chest measurements are the same across both styles — use those as your guide.

Care

Wash cold, gentle cycle, air dry. Heat is the enemy of spandex — a hot dryer will degrade the stretch over time and can cause the sublimated print to lose its vibrancy. Avoid fabric softener, which can clog the moisture-wicking fibres. If you train every day, rotating between two rash guards gives each one time to fully dry out and extends the life of both.

Specifications

• SKU: PSR572
• Fabric: 85% polyester, 15% spandex
• Sleeve style: Short sleeve
• Colour: Black and indigo (sublimated design)
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 0.25 kg
• Price: AUD $33.35 (same for all sizes)
• Free shipping: On orders over AUD $150

Features summary

• 85% polyester / 15% spandex moisture-wicking fabric
• Flatlock stitching — no raised seams to irritate skin
• Silicone waist banding prevents ride-up
• Sublimated print — won’t peel, crack, or fade
• Moderate compression supports blood flow without restricting movement
• Suitable for grappling, striking, CrossFit, surfing, running
• Wear under a gi or as a standalone top
• Protects against mat burn and skin scrapes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear this under a BJJ gi?

Yes — rash guards under a gi are standard in BJJ, and this one works well for that purpose. The silicone waist band keeps it from riding up when you’re on the mat, and the close fit means no extra bulk under your jacket. If your competition ruleset requires a specific colour under your gi, check with your instructor first.

Is this suitable for women?

This is a unisex cut, so it fits straighter through the torso than a women’s-specific style. Many women train in it without issues, particularly for wearing under a gi. If you want something cut for a female body, have a look at our Women’s Compression Top, which has more shape through the chest and waist.

How does short sleeve compare to long sleeve for grappling?

Long sleeves give you more protection on your forearms — useful if your elbows are constantly dragging on the mat or you want to minimise skin-to-skin contact. Short sleeves are better if you run hot, train in a warm environment, or do a mix of grappling and striking where gloves or wraps go over your forearms anyway. Neither is objectively better; it comes down to your training conditions and preference.

Will the print fade after washing?

Sublimated prints are dyed into the fabric rather than applied on top, so they’re significantly more durable than heat-transfer prints. Wash cold and air dry (no dryer) and the colours will hold up for years of regular training use.

What sizes are available and how do I choose?

Sizes are S, M, L, and XL. Use the chest measurement in the size chart as your primary guide. For wearing under a gi, sizing up half a size gives you a bit more comfort. For no-gi or standalone use where you want the compression fit, stick to your measured size.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes, we ship to all Australian states and territories. Orders over AUD $150 qualify for free shipping. For smaller orders, shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location. We’ve been supplying Australian martial artists since 1972, so we know how to get gear to you reliably.