Does sublimation printing fade over time?

Properly applied sublimation prints do not fade under normal use and washing. Because the ink is embedded within the fabric fibers rather than sitting on the surface, it is not susceptible to friction, peeling, or UV degradation. With proper care, a quality sublimation rash guard will maintain its colour for several years of regular training.

Is sublimation suitable for BJJ and MMA rash guards?

Sublimation is the preferred printing method for BJJ and MMA rash guards. The high-stretch demands of grappling sports require a print that can move with the fabric without cracking or separating — which is precisely what sublimation provides.

How long do sublimated rash guards last?

With regular training use and proper care, a well-made sublimation rash guard typically lasts two to three years before showing significant signs of wear.

Can I create a fully custom rash guard design with sublimation?

Yes — with complete freedom. Sublimation supports unlimited colours, photographic imagery, gradients, and full-surface all-over printing. There are no minimum colour charges or design complexity limits.

How long do custom rash guards last?

A well-made sublimation rash guard is built to last more than 5 years of regular training. Because the ink is embedded inside the fabric fibers, the design doesn't fade, crack, or peel.

Can I order just a small quantity of custom rash guards?

The minimum order quantity is 40 pieces per design. All orders include free worldwide shipping.

What materials are used in custom rash guards?

High-performance polyester and spandex blends selected for four-way stretch, breathability, moisture-wicking, and sublimation compatibility.

Can I design my own custom rash guard?

Yes — completely. The 3D configurator gives full control over colours, logos, and layout without any design software. You see the result in real time before placing your order.

How much do custom rash guards cost?

Shirts start from €19.90 per piece. All orders of 40 pieces or more include free worldwide shipping.

How many custom surf shirts do I need to order?

The minimum order is 40 pieces per design. All orders include free worldwide shipping.

How long do custom surf shirts last?

With sublimation printing and high-quality fabric, a well-made custom surf shirt is built to last more than 5 years of regular use. The design won't crack, peel, or fade — even with constant saltwater exposure and repeated washing.

Can I design the shirts myself?

Yes — completely. Our 3D configurator lets you design your school's surf shirts in real time. Choose colours, upload your logo, preview from every angle, and place your order — no designers needed.

Are custom surf shirts suitable for student use?

Absolutely. Our surf shirts are available in a full size range and are built for high-movement water use. UPF 50+ fabric protects against sun exposure, and four-way stretch ensures unrestricted movement for learners of all levels.

Can I sell custom surf shirts as merchandise?

Yes — and many schools do. Custom surf shirts make ideal premium souvenirs because they are genuinely functional, making them one of the most commercially effective merchandise options for surf schools.

What is the difference between a lycra surf shirt and a rash guard?

A lycra surf shirt has a more relaxed fit and focuses on lightweight comfort, UV protection, and flexibility for casual surf and water sports. A rash guard has a tighter compression fit, more reinforced stitching, and greater durability — designed for contact sports like BJJ and MMA as well as aggressive surfing conditions.

Which is better for surfing: a lycra surf shirt or a rash guard?

For surf schools, beginners, and casual sessions in warm conditions, a lycra surf shirt is usually the better choice. For heavy surf, reef breaks, and high-performance surfing, a rash guard's tighter fit and greater durability make it the preferred option.

Can I use a rash guard for surfing?

Yes. Rash guards are widely used in surfing and are especially popular for heavy conditions, reef breaks, and longboard surfing where wax protection is needed. Many advanced surfers prefer them because they stay locked in place during aggressive movement.

Why is sublimation printing recommended for surf shirts and rash guards?

Sublimation printing embeds ink directly into the fabric fibers rather than sitting on the surface. This means the design won't crack, peel, or fade — even with constant saltwater exposure, UV radiation, and repeated washing. It also preserves the garment's stretch and breathability.

Trace

Custom Clothing Design

Trace

Custom Clothing Design

Custom Sports Shirts

Design your own custom rash guard and sports shirt

Create your own custom rash guard design for BJJ, MMA, surfing, and paddling — using professional sublimation printing and our live 3D configurator. No designers needed. Free worldwide shipping from 40 pieces. Trusted by athletes and clubs across Europe, and recognised by IBJJF-competing academies.

Why your custom rash guard design starts with the printing method

A custom rash guard design is exposed to friction, saltwater, sweat, and UV radiation every time it’s worn. Most printing methods can’t handle those conditions — designs crack, fade, or peel after a few months of real use. At Trace, we use professional sublimation printing exclusively, which means the design bonds directly into the fabric fibers and becomes part of the garment itself.

The result is a sports shirt that performs exactly as it was designed to perform — session after session, wash after wash, season after season. According to the SGIA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association), sublimation is now the dominant printing technology in performance sportswear globally. Whether you’re designing for BJJ, MMA, surfing, or paddling, the quality of the print matters from day one.

Custom rash guard designs for every discipline

We design custom shirts for a wide range of sports — each with specific performance requirements that shape how the garment is built. Here’s what we offer:

BJJ & MMA rash guard

Built for the mat. Four-way stretch, flatlock stitching, no friction points. Long and short sleeve available.

From €19.90 · Min. 40 pcs · Free worldwide shipping

Surf & lycra shirt

Made for the water. UV protection, saltwater-resistant sublimation print. Vivid colour through every session.

From €19.90 · Min. 40 pcs · Free worldwide shipping

Paddling & multipurpose shirt

For canoe polo, kayaking, and SUP. Moisture management, overhead range of motion, full customisation.

From €19.90 · Min. 40 pcs · Free worldwide shipping

Premium Quality

Ensures top-tier craftsmanship with high-performance polyester and spandex blends

Quick Customization

Seamless personalization with innovative 3D configurator

Ultimate UV Protection:

Advanced UV-blocking fabric shields against harmful sun rays.

Design your custom rash guard in 3D — live preview

Our 3D configurator lets you build your custom rash guard design directly in your browser — no design skills required, no emails back and forth with a designer, no guesswork about how the finished product will look. You see the result in real time as you build it. According to BJJ Heroes, team identity and custom gear have become central to how academies present themselves competitively.

Choose your colours, place your logos, adjust panel shapes, and preview the full design from every angle before placing your order. What you see is exactly what you get — printed edge to edge using professional sublimation technology.

How It Works

01 Start your design
Open the configurator and choose your shirt type — BJJ rash guard, surf shirt, or paddle top.

02 Pick colours & add logos
Select from unlimited colour options and upload your team logo or artwork directly into the tool.

03 Preview in real time
Rotate the 3D model to see your design from every angle before committing to anything.

04 Place your order
Confirm your design and place your order. We handle production and ship directly to you.

Why athletes & teams choose a custom rash guard design

Built to last 5+ years

Sublimation printing bonds ink permanently into the polyester fibers. The design cannot crack, peel, or separate from the garment — even under the extreme stretch demands of grappling, surfing, or paddling. A well-made sublimation rash guard is built to last more than 5 years of regular hard training and competition use.

Comfort Against the Skin

Because the print is embedded in the fabric — not printed on top of it — the surface of a sublimation shirt feels exactly like bare fabric. No raised texture, no stiff patches, no friction points that cause mat burn or skin irritation during long sessions.

Complete Design Freedom

Sublimation supports unlimited colours and full-surface all-over printing from cuff to collar. There are no colour count limits, no design complexity charges, and no restrictions on imagery. Every centimetre of the garment is available as a design canvas — ideal for teams that want precise branding.

Built for Teams & Clubs

Whether you’re ordering for a squad of five or a club of ninety, the process is the same: design once, scale to any quantity. Custom team kits are one of our most popular use cases — academies, surf clubs, and paddle teams all benefit from consistent, professional kit that lasts the full season and beyond.

Custom rashguard — produced with professional sublimation printing at Trace Design.

Sublimation vs other printing methods for custom rash guard design

Sublimation is why our designs outlast alternatives. Unlike screen printing — where ink sits on top of the fabric — sublimation ink transforms into a gas under heat and bonds permanently with the polyester fibers. The result is a custom rash guard design that is structurally part of the garment, not layered on top of it.

Screen-printed designs crack along stretch lines, peel after repeated washing, and reduce breathability. For any sport requiring high-stretch movement, sublimation is simply the better technology. The Bluesign certification is the industry’s leading standard for sustainable, performance-safe fabric treatments. Learn more in our full guide to sublimation rash guard printing.

What makes a high-quality custom rash guard design

Fabric built for your custom rash guard design

High-polyester blends with four-way stretch. Moisture-wicking properties that pull sweat away from the skin. UV-blocking fabric that protects against sun exposure during outdoor water sports sessions.

Flatlock Stitching

Seams that lie completely flat against the skin — no raised ridges that cause friction or irritation. Flatlock stitching is the construction standard that separates performance garments from casual sportswear.

Custom rash guard design FAQ

How long does a custom rash guard design last?

With regular training use and proper care, a well-made sublimation rash guard is built to last more than 5 years. The sublimation print itself rarely shows wear first — it’s usually the fabric or stitching that eventually reaches end of life, which is why overall build quality matters as much as printing quality.

What materials are used in a custom rash guard design?

Our shirts are made from high-performance polyester and spandex blends, selected for their stretch, breathability, and compatibility with sublimation printing. The exact composition varies by product type — our BJJ and MMA rash guards are optimised for high-stretch grappling use, while our water sports shirts prioritise UV protection and quick-dry properties.

Can I create my own custom rash guard design in the configurator?

Yes — completely. The 3D configurator gives you full control over colours, logo placement, and design elements without needing any design software or external help. You can preview the finished result in real time and make as many changes as you like before placing your order. Open the configurator here.

What is the minimum order for a custom rash guard design?

The minimum order quantity is 40 pieces per design. This applies to all shirt types — BJJ rash guards, surf shirts, and paddle tops. Whether you’re ordering for a small squad or a full club, the design and ordering process is the same. All orders include free worldwide shipping. Get in touch if you have specific requirements for larger volumes.

"Very good quality and design. We ordered directly 90 shirts for the whole club."

Ready to create your custom rash guard design?

Sublimation printing. More than 5 years of durability. Full design freedom. Free worldwide shipping from 40 pieces. Build your custom sports shirt today — for yourself, your team, or your whole club.

Dario Stern

Founder

The founder behind every custom rash guard design

Trace was founded by Dario Stern, a passionate canoe polo player who understands what athletes actually need from their gear. Frustrated by the lack of truly customisable, high-quality sports shirts, he built Trace to give every athlete — from individual competitors to full club squads — access to professional sublimation printing with full creative control.

Every shirt we produce is built around the same principle: gear that performs as hard as the athlete wearing it.

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