Review: Masaru Custom Rashguard Printing Service

Summary
UK fightwear company Masaru offer a fast turnaround, no unit number limit custom print rashguard servce. I tested out the service using my own artwork. I was impressed with the speed of delivery and the quality of the final product.

Introduction
Masaru are a UK based fightwear company producing a variety of gi and nogi apparel. They recently established a custom design rashguard service aimed at both individuals and academies. The service offers a fast turnaround (roughly 3-4 weeks but can be as quick as one week depending on numbers and demand), and an easy to use online ordering service for those not familiar with Adobe Illustrator or digital artwork production. See my art blog for details of how I produced the bat art itself here: http://meerkatsu-art.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/morcegao-rashguard.html




DISCLOSURE
Prior to this review I had no business relationship with Masaru. This rashguard, originally intended simply as a one-off example to test the printing service, will soon be offered for sale through their website (£29.99 for short sleeve, £34.99 for long sleeve). I receive a commission on each one sold.

Ordering
Masaru sent me a rashguard template in Adobe Illustrator format. I used the rashguard pattern as a guide to fit my artwork inside, although I made sure to leave some bleed space, just in case. I much prefer working with an exact template, it leaves a lot less room for interpretation by the person printing and stitching the garment together - although previous custom rashguard projects have so far not had any problems if this type.

After submitting the designs, I was kept updated by my contact at Masaru. The final garment was completed in a week. I was informed this was unusually fast, most orders take around 2-4 weeks. All the printing and garment stitching is produced within the UK so any issues can be resolved much faster than services required printing and production overseas.

Final product testing and fitting
Masaru sent me both the small and medium sized final product. For me, the size small fitted perfectly in all areas of my torso.

Wearing the rashguard in training was very nice - although I had to remove the annoying neck label, which I found scratchy. Made of 95% viscose and 5% elastane, the item was thin, nicely stretchy and perfect to wear under my gi. It reminded me a lot of my honey badger rashguard, which was also very thin and perfect for my personal taste in rashguard thickness and fit.

Further Information
Masaru can be contacted on: info@masarufightco.com
They have a Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/masaru.fightco
Where you can view other examples of their custom rashguard printing service.
Masaru offer discounts for club and bulk orders but one-off items start at £35 (according to their Facebook page).


UPDATE: Masaru have now placed the bat design here available on their website: http://www.masarufightco.com/shop/cat/11/

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