Jiu Jitsu Gi

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis

If you’re just starting to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, your first big question is what’s the best BJJ Gi? Don’t worry – we’ve got the best selection of high quality gis to shop. Have a question before purchasing? Send us an email or search through the frequently asked questions below.

The BJJ Gi, also called a Jiu Jitsu kimono, is a traditional martial arts uniform that consists of a jacket, pants, and belt. The Gi has a long history in traditional Japanese martial arts and is the standard uniform for many arts such as karate and Judo. It was originally worn by samurai underneath their armor and throughout the day.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi evolved from the Judo Gi, which had a shorter and tighter fitting construction than the traditional samurai Gi and was developed to facilitate the throws and grappling techniques in Judo and Japanese jiu jitsu.

As BJJ began evolving into its own distinct art in the 20th century, so did the Jiu Jitsu kimono. The Judo Gi is excellent for throws, but is still a bit bulky for much of the groundwork in jiujitsu. Thus was born the BJJ Gi, a slimmer, more streamlined version of the traditional martial arts uniform.

Eventually Jiu Jitsu gis were made in other colors besides white, and athletes began putting team patches on their Gi, leading to a distinct look compared to the traditional style of most Judo Gis.

Jiu Jitsu Gi FAQ’s

How do I choose a good BJJ gi?

The right Gi for your needs varies depending on your comfort, training needs, and time spent training. Beginners should consider a single or double weave gi, while advanced long-term practitioners might consider a premium pearl weave gi.

Durability is an important consideration when choosing a BJJ gi because these uniforms are constantly being tugged on and washed. The weave pattern, fabric weight, and shell material are the key factors in determining durability.

A Jiu Jitsu Gi can vary greatly in terms of comfort and fit. Comfort is based on a few key features including the collar size, sleeve length & cuff tightness as well as overall weight (which will affect how much you sweat). Your Gi should feel free without restricting your movement when you roll.  It should also be durable enough to withstand the rigorous training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners experience.

Selecting the right BJJ Gi revolves around the following specifications:

• Proper fit and sizing
• Gi construction material
• weave style
• weight
• price/budget
• color and aesthetics

What Color BJJ Gi Should I Get?

When shopping for your next Jiu Jitsu gi, it’s important to select the right color for your needs. Only white , black, and blue are allowed in IBJJF competition. However, most academies have no restrictions on what colors you can wear during training. We have an amazing jiu jitsu gi collection in all colors such as white, black, blue, navy, gray, army green, etc.

This is ultimately your preference, but there is plenty of room to show off your fashion sense when buying a BJJ Gi.

What If My Gi Doesn’t Fit?

If you order the wrong size gi and it doesn’t fit, don’t worry! As long as you haven’t used it, just send it back and exchange it for the proper size. Even if you know your general gi size, we encourage you to always look at the individual gi sizing chart before placing an order.

Will My Gi Shrink?

Most BJJ gis come “pre-shrunk”, but you should still be careful while washing to ensure a good fit. Check out our BJJ Gi Care Guide for more gi care tips.

Which BJJ Gi Brands Do You Recommend?

All of the products that you see on our shop have been hand selected from the best brands in the industry. We carry the most trusted brands in the industry, including Tatami, Fuji, Venum, BJJ Religion, Vulkan, Breakpoint, Flow Kimonos, and Scramble.

How Many Gis Should I Own?

This depends on your level of commitment. If you only train a couple of times a week you can possibly get away with owning just one gi. Most active Brazilian jiu jitsu players and competitors own 3-7 that they rotate daily, as you should always wash your gi after each training session.

What Sizes Do BJJ Gis Come In?

BJJ gis come in a wide range of sizes, for adults these sizes range from A0 – A6. The “A” stands for adult, the number represents the size. Womens gis and Kids gis sizing has different naming conventions. The Some manufacturers have “long” or “husky” sizes as well, for example “A2H” would be an A2 with a larger jacket and pant girth, whereas an “A3L” would be an A3 with longer sleeves and pant legs. While most manufactures have very similar sizes we encourage you to double check the gi size chart on each product listing before you order.

Note that the sizes can vary between manufacturers, so be sure to check the specific brand’s sizing chart before purchasing. On a related note, not all Gi sizes will match up perfectly to your build, particularly if you tend to be slimmer and tall, or shorter and stocky.

Do BJJ Gis Include a Belt?

An adult Jiu Jitsu gi includes the jacket and pants only, because the belt is an accessory that is used to signify rank they are normally not included with the gi. BJJ belts are available for purchase on our site too, click here to grab one.

What Material are BJJ Gis Made Of?

Once you know your gi size, the next step is selecting the material. The following are the commonly available weave materials:

• 100% cotton
• cotton-polyester-nylon blend
• bamboo fiber weave

Cotton is the most used gi material. It tends to be the cheapest along with cotton blends.

Although cotton is reliable, it tends to be heavier and less breathable. It can also get stiff and rough over time although higher quality blends and brands will avoid this issue.

Cotton blends incorporate synthetic polyester and nylon with the cotton, resulting in more ‘give’ in the weave, potentially improving wicking, and staying softer for longer.

Higher end gis are sometimes made from a bamboo fiber blend. This material is lightweight, breathable, and often silky on the inside. Although bamboo is technically the ‘best’ Gi material, most bamboo weaves come with a hefty price tag.

Gi Weave Styles

The weave refers to the way the cotton or other fibers are woven together and impacts how heavy, durable, and soft Gi may be.

Additionally, lighter weaves are often more comfortable. However, they can be easier for your opponent to grip. If you intend on competing with the gi these differences are worth consideration.

The following are the most common Jiu Jitsu Gi weave styles:

• single weave cotton
• pearl weave
• gold weave
• double weave
• ripstop fabric

Single weave cotton is light, inexpensive, and tends to be good for hot weather training due to better wicking and heat dispersion. However, the thin material is easy to tear and will not last long with heavy use.

Pearl weave is the most common weave used in BJJ gis. It is strong and durable and has the appearance of pearl strings woven together. Pearl weaves have a rough exterior but are good all purpose gis at affordable prices.

Gold weave falls between single and double weave in terms of sturdiness and overall weight. It was originally the only weave allowed in competition, but this has since changed.

Double weave is a sturdy combination of two single weaves. As such, they are roughly twice as heavy but much for durable than single weave. While these will last awhile and are hard to grip, they add significant weight and lack breathability.

Ripstop fabric has been around awhile but was recently introduced as a Gi top fabric. It is incredibly lightweight but does not breath well due to the tight weave. Some ripstops are not IBJJF legal, so be sure to check the label before bringing it to competition. Ripstop gis are very durable and lightweight, making them a great travel Gi that will last for years.

BJJ Gi Weights Explained

Although the weave plays a role in the weight of the gi, the weights of different fabric vary greatly even within a single weave style.

BJJ Gi weights are typically listed as GSM (grams per square meter), a measure of the density of the material itself. GSM ranges from 350 on the lighter end all the way to 1000 GSM or greater for heavy duty gis. The GSM should be listed on every gi you buy to know the exact weight.

Ultimately, you will need some time on the mat to decide your preferred weight. Just know that higher GSMs are more durable and harder to grip but are less breathable and add a lot of weight to the overall kimono.

While everyone loves a good lightweight gi for everyday training and competition, they come with their own challenges. Lightweight gis are less durable and heavier ones limit your mobility and make you hotter during training sessions.

Why Are Some Gi’s So Expensive?

Your overall budget will determine which Gi selections are available. While you can get a good single weave BJJ gi from $70-90, the more durable pearl or double weaves with ripstop pants are more expensive.

While we recommend starting with a cheaper Gi when starting BJJ, understand durable premium gis will last much longer and may be cheaper to own in the long run.

We also recommend checking out our clearance category for a good high quality gi at discounted prices.

How Often Should I Wash My BJJ Gi?

Your Jiu Jitsu Gi must be washed every time you train, ideally before it fully dries. The mat has bacteria and fungus on it, and you want to make sure your gi gets a good wash after every training session to avoid any skin issues.

Adding a dash of vinegar, baking soda, or other deodorizer to your wash is a good way to add additional protection from the notorious stinky gi syndrome.