So you choose the perfect BJJ Gi

In the past, buying a Jiu-Jitsu gi was pretty simple – there just weren’t many options. Today, however, a growing Jiu-Jitsu industry offers a huge selection of gis in different styles, materials, and sizes.

So how do you find the right gi for you? Here are a few things to consider:

The perfect fit

Your gi should be neither too loose nor too tight. For experienced practitioners, this may be obvious, but beginners often risk choosing a model that is too wide or uncomfortably tight, especially with the pants. Unlike regular clothing, your gi is heavily stressed – so you should test it before buying.

Do a squat to check if the pants offer enough freedom of movement. Stretch your arms in all directions to make sure the fabric at the shoulders doesn’t restrict you. Have a training partner grab your sleeves and pant legs to see if they have too much excess fabric. If you can hide a soccer ball under your sleeve, it’s probably too wide. But a skin-tight gi without grip options is also not welcome. Also consider competition rules like the IBJJF guidelines: the fabric should have at least 7 cm distance from your skin.

The right length

The length of your gi is often a matter of taste. Some prefer the traditional length, where the hems end just below the wrists and ankles. Others like it shorter, as it makes it harder for opponents to grab the gi. For people with longer limbs, there are brands that offer “L” sizes (long).

If you compete, however, length and fit must meet certain standards. For example, according to IBJJF, sleeves must not end more than 5 cm above the wrist when you stretch your arms, and pant legs not more than 5 cm above the ankle. If you don’t plan to compete, you can experiment and also choose shorter styles.

Material: Cotton, Ripstop, or Hemp?

Cotton is the standard for BJJ gis, but ripstop models are gaining popularity. Ripstop, a tear-resistant fabric made of polyester or a polyester-cotton blend, is lighter and shrinks less. However, in most competitions, only ripstop pants are allowed – the jacket must be made of cotton or a similar material.

Hemp gis are another option, especially for environmentally conscious practitioners. They absorb moisture better than cotton, have antimicrobial properties, and develop fewer unpleasant odors. However, they are often more expensive and also shrink somewhat when washed.

Color and style

The color of your gi depends on your taste, your dojo’s rules, and competition regulations. Some schools only allow white gis in class, while others permit more colorful options. For competitions, usually only white, blue, or black gis are allowed, with the top and bottom matching in color.

Outside of the rules, many brands offer gis in a variety of colors and designs – from classic white to bright custom editions. And if you’re creative, you can even dye your gi yourself, for example with tie-dye.

Feel comfortable and confident

In the end, what matters most is that you feel good in your gi. If you think, “I look great in this and can give it my all,” then you’ve made the right choice.

Have fun on the mat and Oss!