BJJ Gi Weaves: What is the Difference?

If you have bought Jiu-Jitsu gis before, you have probably wondered:
What is all this talk about “weaves”? And what exactly is the difference?

Don’t worry – we’ll explain it to you step by step. 👇

GSM = Weight

Almost all Jiu-Jitsu gi manufacturers specify the GSM of the fabric.
GSM stands for grams per square meter and describes the weight of the fabric used.

Most gis range between 375 GSM and 890 GSM, with exceptions above and below.
Typically:

• Lower GSM range → Single Weave or Pearl Weave

• Middle range → Pearl Weave or Gold Weave

• Higher range → Double Weave

Unfortunately, there is no official standard in the gi industry for the terms. Some brands use the terms freely just to describe the approximate fabric weight.

Weave = Structure and Appearance

You have probably noticed that some gi fabrics look different or feel different.
This is due to the weave – that is, how the threads are interlaced.

To explain:

• The warp are the threads stretched lengthwise on the loom.

• The weft are the threads woven crosswise through the warp.

Single Weave

In single weave, the weft thread goes over one warp thread and under the next.
This creates a smooth and flat fabric – light, flexible, and comfortable to wear.

Technically, Pearl Weave and Gold Weave are also variants of single weave,
but differ in how the weft thread is woven.

Pearl Weave

As the name suggests, this weave resembles rows of pearls lying side by side.
This happens when loose and tight weft threads alternate.
The loose weft threads form the typical “pearls” – small raised dots on the fabric surface.

The variant Pearl Weave Plus has a slightly diagonal structure, giving it a flat, rope-like pattern.
Pearl weave is today the most popular weave for gi jackets – light, durable, and breathable.

Gold Weave

Gold weave has a ladder-like pattern.
.
Here, thicker warp threads are combined with thinner ones, and the weft thread skips several rows before being woven back in.

This creates a textured, durable surface.A similar variant is the Honeycomb Weave, where the structure looks more honeycomb-shaped

– hence the name.

Double WeaveDouble weave is literally .
woven double.It uses two or more sets of warp threads and
multiple weft threads.This results in a

thick, heavy fabric

that is extremely durable – perfect for tough training or competitions.Which weave is the best?

• The honest answer: It depends entirely on you.Some prefer

• light gis for more freedom of movement.Others like

• heavy gis because they feel more stable or because the opponent can hold heavier grips..

• Some claim that gold weaves shrink more.

.
Others say double weaves last the longest.The truth is:,
The

lifespan of your gi
depends more on how often you use it and how you care for it than on the weave itself.
In the end, only two things matter:👉 Whether you prefer a light or heavy gi

.
👉 And whether you like the feel and look of the fabric.Want to know which gi weave suits your style best?.