Buying a BJJ Gi is a big step. Think about it. You’ll be rolling and sweating in this thing for a long time. You don’t want to get just any Gi and then find out it falls apart or doesn’t fit right. You want to get the Best Jiu Jitsu Gi for your needs!
A BJJ Gi is a big investment, so you want to get it right. And you’ll probably end up with more than one Gi as you keep training. So, you wanna know what to look for so you don’t end up with a closet full of bad Gis.
I tried a bunch of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis myself and heard a lot of locker room talk about which Gis are good and which aren’t. I want to help in finding the best BJJ Gi.
Why You Need Pick the Right BJJ Gi For You
Look, there are tons of Gis out there. Getting lost in the maze of choices is easy, especially if you’re new to all this. And these Gis are not cheap! You don’t want to waste money on a new Gi that’s gonna tear or not fit right. Size matters. Material matters. You want a Gi that feels like it was made just for you.
That’s why we put together this guide. We want you to know what to look for before you buy your Gi. With this guide, you won’t be shooting in the dark. You’ll know what to look for, so you can get a Gi that makes you say, “This is the one!”
6 Things To Look For When Looking For The Best Jiu Jitsu Gi
Knowing what to look for in Jiu-Jitsu Gi can be the difference between loving your purchase and regretting it. So, let’s get started in finding the right jiu-jitsu Gi for you.
1. Jiu Jitsu Gi Sizing
Getting the right size is a game-changer. Too big, and you’re swimming in it. Too small, and well, you’re not going to be comfy. So, what’s the trick? Check out the sizing table below. You need to find a fitting Gi, that’s the most important thing.
Remember, sizes can vary between brands. So, it’s always a good idea to try it on or at least read reviews to see if it fits true to size.
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0” – 5’4” (152 – 163 cm) | 110 – 145 lbs (50 – 66 kgs) |
| A1 | 5’4” – 5’8” (163 – 173 cm) | 130 – 165 lbs (60 – 75 kgs) |
| A2 | 5’8” – 5’11” (173 – 180 cm) | 165 – 195 lbs (75 – 88 kgs) |
| A3 | 5’11” – 6’2” (180 – 188 cm) | 195 – 225 lbs (88 – 102 kgs) |
| A4 | 6’2” – 6’4” (188 – 193 cm) | 225 – 250 lbs (102 – 113 kgs) |
| A5 | 6’4” – 6’6” (193 – 198 cm) | 250 – 280 lbs (113 – 127 kgs) |
| A6 | 6’6” (198 cm) + | 280 lbs (127 kgs) + |
So above, you see the standard sizing chart for BJJ Gis, but always check the sizing chart of each company! The sizing could vary from brand to brand. So the most important thing is to find a Gi fitting you.
What if your Gi is too big? We have a solution! You can shrink your Gi. If have done it many times and created a Guide on how to shrink your Gi properly.
2. Material
When it comes to the gi’s material, the weave and fabric are important. It’s the material that makes or breaks your gi. Let’s break down some of the most common types.
Gi Weaves
- Single Weave
New to BJJ? On a budget? The single weave Gis are your friend. It’s light and keeps you cool, especially in hot weather. But keep in mind, it’s not as tough as some other weaves. So if you train a lot, it might wear out faster and rip easier.
- Double Weave
Think of the double weave Gis as the big sibling of the single weave. It’s heavier and way more durable. But it can also make you feel hot, like you’re training in a sauna. So think twice if you’re in a warm climate.
- Gold Weave
A Gold weave Gi has the best of both worlds. It’s tougher than a single weave but not as heavy as a double weave. It’s great if you want something that lasts but won’t weigh you down.
This is my personal favorite. They are comfortable, durable, and less expensive than the Pearl Weave. I’d recommend you to go for this weave.
- Pearl Weave
This is the weave that most people are loving these days. It’s light like a single weave but strong like a double weave. Plus, it dries fast, which is a huge win. But keep in mind that the Pearl Weave options will be more expensive.
Knowing the types of weaves can help you pick the Gi that’s just right for you. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, there’s a weave that fits your needs.
Gi Fabric
Most Gis come with all cotton, or they’re mixed with stuff like nylon or polyester. Some even come so they won’t shrink. Don’t forget to read how to take care of your Gi to make it last a long time.
All Cotton: If your Gi is all cotton, it’s usually lighter. These are great for people just starting out or for everyday practice. But be careful because they can rip easier when you’re wrestling hard.
Mixed Cotton: When cotton is mixed with other materials, your Gi gets a bit tougher and more resilient. But these can feel stiff, which might be hard for beginners.
3. Design
Sure, you want a Gi that looks cool, but there’s more to consider. Are you the kind of person who wants something simple? Or maybe you like a Gi that stands out from the rest?
- Patches on Your Gi
Patches can make your gi pop out. But it’s up to you. I usually strip all the patches off to keep it clean and simple. Others slap on even more patches to make it unique.
- Gi Color
When it comes to Gi color, you have options. Black, blue, white — each has its own style. Just know that some competitions have rules about what colors you can wear. So, if you plan on competing, check those out.
At the end of the day, design is all about what you like. With so many brands, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. Remember, a cool design is awesome, but don’t forget about the basics like fit and weave.
4. Company
When it comes to buying a Gi, the brand matters. You want a company that stands behind its products and supports the BJJ community.
Let’s talk favorites. If you’re looking for a BJJ Gi company that makes their Gis the right way, check out Origin. They’re big on ethical manufacturing.
Elite and Sanabul are where it’s at for those watching their wallet. They offer solid Gis without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget my personal faves—Venum, Tatami, and Hayabusa. Maybe it’s because Venum sponsors UFC, or maybe they’re just that good. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these brands.
So there you have it. These companies are solid bets for any BJJ lover. Keep an eye out for these names when you’re shopping for your next Gi.
5. Comfort
Comfort is key in choosing the right gi. Seriously, if your Gi isn’t comfy, you won’t want to wear it. There are lightweight Gis and heavyweight Gis to consider:
Light: Light Gis lets you move easily and breathe well. But they’re not super strong, so they might rip if things get too rough.
Heavy: Heavy Gis are strong and great for practice and competition. They last a long time but don’t let you move or breathe as easily as light GGis do.
Personally, I love lightweight Gis. They’re breathable and give you more freedom to move. But watch out—they can rip easier.
A heavy Gi is thicker. They offer durability. It took me some time to get used to a heavier gi, but once I did, I liked wearing them too.
If we talk about Gi weave, the Gold weave is my go-to for comfort. It hits the sweet spot between a lightweight gi and a durable, heavier gi. Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first gi or a seasoned pro, knowing the weight of the gi is crucial.
6. Making Sure Your Gi Meets IBJJF Rules
When looking at what type of Gi to get, of course, you can purchase a training Gi, but if you want to compete, make sure you follow the IBJJF Gi requirements.
What It’s Made Of
You can only use Gis made from cotton or something that feels like cotton. It shouldn’t be super thick or hard because that makes it tough for your opponent to grab. Your Gi must be woven if you’re in adult or other older divisions.
Colors and Badges
Your gi color has to be white, blue, or black. You can’t mix and match colors. Painted Gis are a no-go unless it’s for your team or a sponsor. Patches on your gi need to be in certain spots, as shown in the IBJJF rules.
Size Checks
For Gi sizes, sleeves can’t be about 2 inches from your wrist. Pants can’t be more than 2 inches above your ankle. They also check things like gi lapel thickness and collar width.
Other Must-Knows
No shirts under the Gi top for guys. Women can wear a stretchy shirt or a one-piece top. Women can also wear stretchy pants under the Gi pants, but they have to be shorter.
Additional Tips When Buying A Gi for Jiu-Jitsu
- Check Reviews: Before you buy a Gi, always look at the reviews. What other people say can help you choose a good one.
- Ask Training Partners: See what your training buddies wear. Ask them about their favorite Gis and why they like them.
- Refundable Option: Make sure you can return the Gi if it’s not right for you. This way, you can get your money back if it doesn’t fit or you don’t like it.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try on different Gis. This way, you can feel how they fit and move before you decide.
Where To Buy BJJ Gis
When looking for a Gi, you can go to the gi companies’ websites to see what they have. They often show you all the Gis, Gi sizes, and Gi colors. It’s the best way to get a good look at your choices. If you want to compare the brands, you can visit Amazon to look for the best Gi.
To make it even simpler for you, we put together a list of the top 8 Gis you can buy in 2023. Take a look, and you’ll know exactly what BJJ gi is right for you!
How Many BJJ Gis Should You Own?
It depends on how often you train. If you only hit the mat twice a week and those days are spaced out, one gi should do the job. You’ll have time to wash the Gi and let it dry.
Now, if you’re training 3 or 4 times a week, it’s smart to have 2 Gis. This way, you’re not rushing to get one cleaned and dried in time for your next session.
If you train more than 4 times a week, think about getting 4 gis or more. It’ll make your life easier.
Also, how often can you do laundry? If you can wash your gi often, you might get by with fewer gis. A good rule is one Gi for every two training sessions.
Choosing A Gi: Final Words
To summarize, when you’re looking for the best Jiu-Jitsu Gi, keep a few things in mind. Think about the type of weave you want, whether it’s a single weave, double weave, or something else. Make sure you pick the right size because you don’t want a too big or too small Gi. Don’t forget to check if the Gi is good for competition, especially if you’re going to compete.
Still feeling stuck? No worries. Shoot me a message if you have questions. I know picking the perfect Gi can be tough, and I’m happy to help you!
