How to Choose the Right Combat Gear: A Complete Guide for MMA, BJJ & Striking Athletes
Whether you’re grinding through your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, preparing for an amateur MMA fight, or showing up to Muay Thai class after work, one truth holds across all disciplines: your gear matters.
The right combat gear isn’t just about looking good—although, let’s be honest, it helps. It’s about performance, protection, and progression. At Combat Athlete Gear, we know what it’s like to bleed, sweat, and claw for every inch of improvement. That’s why this guide breaks down exactly how to choose fightwear and training apparel that works as hard as you do.
Why Combat-Specific Gear Matters
Combat sports are demanding—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Generic gym wear can’t hold up to the grind of grappling, striking, or clinch work. Whether you’re a white belt or a pro, high-performance gear enhances your training by:
- Preventing injuries through compression and reinforced construction
- Regulating body temperature during intense rolls or sparring rounds
- Supporting your movement with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking materials
- Helping with hygiene by reducing mat burn and exposure to bacteria
Rash Guards: More Than a Shirt
Keywords: rash guard for BJJ, compression shirt for MMA
A quality rash guard is the foundation of any combat athlete’s wardrobe. It protects your skin, regulates sweat, and prevents mat burns—all while supporting muscle engagement.
What to Look For:
- Material: A polyester/spandex blend provides durability and stretch
- Fit: Should be snug but not restrictive (think second skin, not sausage casing)
- Seams: Flatlock stitching reduces chafing
- Design: Sublimated graphics won’t peel or crack under pressure
Combat Athlete Gear Rash Guards are built to survive the most grueling rolls, while keeping you dry, clean, and sharp. Whether you’re in no-gi class or layering under your gi, it’s the one piece you can’t skip.
Fight Shorts: Built for Battle
Keywords: best MMA shorts, grappling shorts, Muay Thai fightwear
Not all shorts are created equal. Basketball shorts? Too baggy. Board shorts? Too stiff. Combat sports require specialized shorts that let you kick, shoot, and scramble without restriction.
What to Look For:
- Cut: A short cut with side slits allows for maximum mobility
- Waistband: Secure, adjustable, and won’t shift mid-round
- Closure: Velcro and drawstring combo = no wardrobe malfunctions
- Fabric: Lightweight, tear-resistant, and sweat-repellent
Combat Athlete Gear’s fight shorts are engineered for versatility—from Muay Thai pad work to no-gi grappling. Get the freedom to move and the toughness to grind.
Spats and Compression Pants: The Underestimated Weapon
Keywords: BJJ spats, MMA compression pants, no-gi base layer
Wearing spats isn’t just about looking like a pro. These compression pants serve a real purpose in performance and recovery.
Benefits of Spats:
- Muscle Support: Reduces vibration and fatigue
- Hygiene: Creates a barrier from mat grime and staph risks
- Recovery: Compression helps reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
- Layering: Can be worn solo or under shorts for full coverage
Our spats are made for the mat. They breathe, stretch, and stay put—no rolling waistband, no sagging knees. Just power where you need it.
Training Tees and Hoodies: Outside the Gym, Still On the Grind
Keywords: MMA streetwear, combat athlete lifestyle apparel
Combat athletes don’t shut it off when they leave the gym. The lifestyle follows you. That’s why we design street-ready apparel with the same intensity and detail as our performance gear.
From moisture-wicking tees that handle the heat, to heavyweight hoodies that let you rep the grind on rest days, we make gear that goes from mat to meet-up without missing a beat.
Fit, Function & Feel: How to Size It Right
Every body is different. That’s why we offer a Combat Fit Guide for all our products. But in general:
- Rash guards and spats should fit snug to maximize compression benefits
- Shorts should allow full range of motion without excess fabric
- Tees and hoodies can be worn true to size or slightly oversized, depending on preference
If you’re between sizes, our support team is made up of real fighters (not bots). Reach out—we’ll make sure you get the right fit, guaranteed.
How to Care for Your Combat Gear
Combat gear takes a beating. Keep it alive with these simple tips:
- Wash after every use—no exceptions. Combat sports are a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Cold wash, air dry: Heat breaks down compression fabric over time.
- No bleach, no fabric softener: These chemicals wreck performance fibers.
- Flip it inside out before washing to preserve graphics and stitching.
Taking care of your gear = taking care of your teammates and your mat space. Be that training partner everyone wants.
Final Word: Gear Is the Tool, Not the Crutch
Look—we get it. You can’t buy toughness. No rash guard or fight shorts will win you the belt. But the right gear helps you train harder, longer, and safer—and that’s where growth happens.
At Combat Athlete Gear, we don’t just make apparel—we craft armor for the daily fight. Whether it’s your first week in a garage gym or you’re prepping for an amateur bout, we’ve got your back.
Shop the Look, Join the Movement
Ready to level up your gear game? Browse our collections:
And follow us on Instagram @CombatAthleteGear to see how real warriors rep the brand.
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