Last Updated March 14th, 2023: Whether you just took your first Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class and are looking to start your journey or you’re a seasoned vet. We have put together a complete guide to help you choose the best BJJ gi for your needs. The Jiu-jitsu gi has evolved a lot since Jigoro Kano created the first unbleached heavy white cotton gi prototypes.
Since the early 1900s, the BJJ gi has gone through several modifications to be adapted for modern-day competition purposes. Also, over time colors, designs and new weaves have been created. Like single and pearl weaves and even hemp weaves. To find the best gi for your needs you will need to know the differences between pearl vs. gold weave, figure out your correct size, and even how to keep your bjj gi looking fresh.
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Because there are so many different types of Gi’s available on the market today, it can be difficult to sort through them all, and really find the best gi for your needs. That being said, after practicing BJJ for the past 8 years I’ve tried and tested quite a few different gi’s and I’m ready to share my experiences! Below you will find my top 3 gi’s and individual reviews explaining why I enjoyed them, and if they’re the best for you! I hope you enjoy our best bjj gis reviews below!
One of the most popular uniforms on the market is manufactured by FUJI, who has been involved with BJJ and martial arts for the past 25 years. FUJI is a supplier for multiple world champions, and there's a reason they are one of the best in the world, and arguable have the best bjj gi around.
For being a mid-weight gi you expect it to have some sort of durability to it, and FUJI does a great job with this. This BJJ gi features extra layers of stress protection throughout the design, which helps to prevent any rips and prevents general wear and tear. Along with this, it is manufactured with a stiff extra thick collar which makes the collar last much longer than traditional collar designs.
This is a very high quality gi you get for under a hundred dollars. If you're looking for a gi that will give you competition level performance without breaking the bank, then I think FUJI really nailed it with this one.
Overall if you’re simply looking for the best on the market, then it would be hard to go wrong with the popular Fuji’s Standard BJJ Gi. It is designed to be a middle-weight competition level gi that is comfortable and has the durability to last through any training session or match you throw at it and for a very reasonable price compared to some of the competition. I’ve had my gi for the past two years and it has treated me well, and I recommend it to all practitioners no matter their level of experience! This gi also comes in a variety of sizes, so it's perfect for anyone! Make sure you give this gi a chance because it truly is one of the best jiu jitsu gi available today and I would buy it again in a heartbeat!
This wouldn’t be a proper list if it didn’t feature at least one Tatami gi! Tatami has been around for about 10 years and has been working diligently at creating high quality equipment for BJJ and other martial art disciplines. Tatami blew up in the market when they released the Tatami 5.0 gi which was very popular and a huge hit! But now they’re back with an even better gi, the Tatami 6.0! They are considered some of the best competition level gis in the industry, so if you're looking for a good gi, then make sure you look at Tatami as it's probably the top rated bjj gi available!
Because this is a high level bjj gi, you should be expecting high level comfort and durability, and thankfully Tatami have delivered on both of those. Every new version of the Estilo has been improved upon, and as this is the 6th version, you can be assured that this is pretty much the best possible. It is manufactured with a 550 GSM pearl weave jacket, and 12 oz canvas pants. The jacket features a unique woven tape lining cuffs, pant cuffs and base of the jacket which helps with the overall fit and also improves the overall durability.
Along with this, the comfort of this gi is second to none. It features unique vents throughout which helps to provide you some relief from heat, while still ensuring that it's structurally durable. The overall comfort is probably the highest of any other gi that I personally have tried, and there's a reason world class athletes such as 2017 ADCC Champion JT Torres uses this gi.
Overall this is definitely a top BJJ GI from a company that is all about quality designed uniforms. Tatami is a highly trusted brand within the BJJ community. A Tatami gi was the first gi I ever owned, and I had such great experiences with it, I'll become a Tatami fan for life. This one comes with the unique cooling design which really helps to keep you cool and comfortable. If you’re looking for a high-quality Gi that is durable, and also extremely comfortable, then I would suggest you take a look at the Tatami 6.0 Gi!
This brand new gi by Sanabul has taken everything that was great with their V1 gi, and have taken to another level! This ultra-lightweight gi is voted for our best budget BJJ gi strictly due to the quality of product that you get for the very affordable price. It provides a great combination of comfort, durability and also pure performance. Manufactured from preshrunk 450 GSM pearl weave fabric, the jacket is extremely durable but still lightweight. Along with this, the pants are manufactured from 250 GSM ripstop material along the seams to prevent rips and tears.
For a gi labeled as ultra lightweight, the Sanabul Essentials V2 is an extremely durable gi. The pants feature ripstop technology, and reinforced knees to help with knee support and ensure that the knees last as long as possible. Along with this, the jacket features a foam rubber collar which extends the life of the collar and adds a good bit of comfort as well. This terrific pearl weave material also helps to make this top our list for our recommended gis, and is great for anyone looking for a quality gi.
The only downside for this gi is that the sizing can be a little untraditional. That being said, they have a handy size guide to take a look at and to find which size will fit you the best. We've also created a Sanabul Essentials Sizing Guide for you to check out.
The Sanabul Essentials V2 has to be the highest value out of any gi on this list simply due to the value you get for the price you pay. It's one of the cheapest gis on our list but it rivals the others in terms of performance and quality. Many argue that this is the best uniform available, and there are definitely many features that back up this claim! I wouldn't think twice about giving this another buy!
If you’re looking for a beginner bjj gi that doesn’t have all the advanced features, and simply gets the job done, then I can’t recommend this Elite Sports Lightweight Gi enough! This makes an excellent first gi but also has enough performance for any level athlete. This uniform is designed to be a great entry level option that gives you everything you might need when you’re starting out, at a price that is extremely reasonable! I would argue that this is one of the best starter gi, and also a very solid jiu-jitsu gi choice for more experienced practitioners as well. This product comes with quite a bit of different sizes as well, so it's great for anyone! Although it's marketed towards beginners, make sure you give this jiu jitsu gi a chance, and you'll find yourself with a great product with a low price!
This competition level gi is manufactured with lightweight 400GSM pearl weave preshrunk material, which gives it a nice light weight and helps with reducing body heat. Along with this, the pants are designed out of 400 GSM ripstop fabric and also features a rope pull drawstring to ensure the perfect fit for you. This EliteSport gi also features reinforced stitching along the major stress points which helps to ensure a longer life and helps prevent against tears and rips. I've personally used this gi for about 2 years and haven't had any issues with durability! Along with this, it features an anti-odor microbial treatment which greatly helps reduce the overall smell after training, and helps reduce bacterial buildup.
This BJJ gi is another budget friendly product, and actually gives you a pretty high amount of performance for the price you pay. With prices just over $50, you'll definitely get your moneys worth from this IBJJF approved competition gi from Elite Sports.
Overall this is one of the best BJJ gis around, especially for those who are looking for a simpler and less expensive option. I used this Elite Sport for a few years when I was starting out and it truly got the job done, and easily makes my top 10! With this lightweight designed pearl weave gi, you can’t get one better! You could definitely argue that this is the best BJJ Gi, so check out some more reviews below, and you be the judge!
The fourth item on our list is another gi by Fuji, and it's definitely top of the industry! The Fuji Sekai is a more premium jiu-jitsu gi, but it's packed full of features that not many other uniforms can compete with.
This lightweight gi from FUJI does a great job of having a good balance between comfort and durability. I have used this gi quite a bit and haven't had any sense of uncomfort. Along with this, it features triple reinforced ripstop pants, and a stiff collar with extra stitching for added durability. With the Sekai you don't have to worry about durability and you can be sure it will hold together for a while.
Overall the Fuji Sekai should be one of the first premium gis that anyone who is serious about BJJ should look at. It offers unrivaled flexibility and durability to match. Along with this, it features a bit of style all while still being IBJJF compliant! If you are someone that is serious about BJJ or is looking to take their gi to the next level, then the Sekai is the one for you!
If you're looking for a high quality premium gi for a reasonable price, then Hayabusa's newest jiu-jitsu gi, the Gold Weave Warrior is the one for you! This was designed to be a premium level bjj gi for high level practitioners, but due to the reasonable price it would also make a good choice for an entry level practitioner who is serious about the sport.
I would argue that this Hayabusa is one of the more comfortable gis on our list due to the 550 GSM ultra soft 3 gold weave design. It feels nice on your body and not overly scratchy like some do. Along with this, it also features intricate stitching that starts on the back and goes all the way to the chest for added durability. The reinforced stitched definitely holds up and I have had no issues with durability, and the added comfort is definitely a huge plus!
Hayabusa has made a name for themselves in the jiu jitsu industry and it's all because of their high quality products. The 3 Gold Weave Warrior is no different. It's extremely comfortable, has reinforced stitching so it's very durable, and is a very reasonable price for the quality you receive. I would definitely recommend this gold weave gi to someone looking for comfort and durability!
When you're doing your research on the best BJJ gi for you and your needs, then you need to understand the difference between the different types of weaves available. Each weave is going to give you some different pros and cons, so make sure you read below to understand what each one is good for, and which weave is best for your needs!
The single weave fabric is lighter and typically less expensive. It is often used for training during hot summer months. Typically these range between ( 300-550 gsm). If you are someone that trains in hot and humid climates, then I would definitely recommend you make sure you at least own a single weave gi for training and maybe only use a double weave gi when you absolutely have to.
Expert Advice: If you are close to the weight limit and weigh in wearing your gi, a single could be useful for keeping you in a lower weight class.
The double weave makes use of significantly more fabric than your standard single. It is heavier, harder, expensive and more durable. The stiffness of the material can be more abrasive on the skin of both your opponent and yourself. Traditionally, the double weave is found in Judo gis, however, contrary to popular belief there are jiu-jitsu companies that make a double weave like Ronin, Tatami, Isami, and Atama.
Expert Advice: This thick and stiff fabric makes it very difficult for your opponent to escape from a submission it is great for training during the colder winter months.
The Gold weave is a hybrid between the double and single weaves. These aren’t necessarily double weaves but not quite a single. It has the lightness of the single and the durability of the double weave. But the appeal of the Gold weave is it has the lightness of a single weave with all the durability benefits.
Expert Advice: Gold weave is sturdy but light and will last for years to come. This gi is great if you want a durable introductory BJJ gi that can handle tough roll sessions and competitions.
The pearl weave is somewhere between a single and a gold weave. Pearl weave tends to be very popular for competition as they are light and durable. Thanks to their construction the pearl weave fabric allows air to pass through. This type of weave is characterized by the tiny pearls or bumps in the fabric and is a variation of a single weave fabric.
Expert Advice: The pearl weave is ideal for jiu-jitsu competitors due to their lightweight and durable build.
Bamboo is a softer jiu jitsu gi weave and unlike cotton doesn’t shrink after multiple washes. Also, thanks to the bamboo fibers moisture absorption this fabric tend to dry faster and allows for faster evaporation of sweat and keeps your jiu jitsu gi smelling better. Bamboo itself is an antibacterial fiber and it is believed to help prevent bacterial build up. The big benefits to Bamboo is that they are soft, eco-friendly, and absorb sweat. You could argue that bamboo might be the best material, but they are more expensive and actually very hard to find.
Expert Advice: The Bamboo weave material is ideal for hot summer training sessions thanks to their soft material, breathability, and sweat absorption. In my personal opinion I think this really could be the future, and the best bjj gi will probably feature bamboo at some point in the future, but the industry isn't quite there yet.
Hemp is great for eco-friendly BJJ practitioners. Hemp takes half the land and resources to have a good crop to process it. Similar to bamboo overtime hemp fabric softens with each wash. Hemp fabric is best for warm, humid climates thanks to its breathability, moisture absorption and resistance to mildew.
Expert Advice:
The Hemp material is ideal if you want to invest in a solid jiu jitsu gi that will last for years to come. As the market continues to advance, I think the future best BJJ gi will probably be made out of hemp (or maybe bamboo), but currently the technology isn't quite there yet, so maybe in a few years we'll see more options.
Ripstop weave is one of the newer weaves and is superior compared to cotton drill weaves. Ripstop material has become popularized due to it being hard to grip, tear and it is a long-lasting material. Ripstop weave is composed of reinforced interweaves threads at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern. One of the main advantages of ripstop for Brazilian jiu-jitsu aside from its light construction is it is designed to stop rips and tears before they spread throughout the weave. I would argue that Ripstop is a super high quality fabric weave for Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi pants purely due to its durability.
Expert Advice:
Ripstop pants are great for training due to their lightweight feel and durable material. If you're looking for durability, I would recommend you only pick ripstop pants!
Cotton Twill Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi pants are strong and heavily textured. Cotton drill pants last longer and are still preferred by BJJ practitioners. This is a classic, and often considered the best, but over time this material shrinks more in length and width.
Expert Advice:
These pants are great for beginner jiu-jitsu and more traditional BJJ practitioners. These pants are fairly comfortable and will last a while.
Duck Canvas Cotton is a heavy, plain woven cotton fabric. Duck canvas cotton is one of the more durable gi fabrics. It is considered a sports weight fabric too. Thanks to duck being a tightly woven fabric it makes it waterproof. Also, thanks to its construction it is resistant to wear and tear. If you are looking purely for durability, these might be your best bet.
Expert Advice:
This weave construction is great for anyone looking for pants that are durable and waterproof. Thanks to its weave construction they don’t retain water and stretch during training.
The single weave fabric is very light and generally less costly in the short term. They are wonderful for training during hotter summer months but will wear out faster. If you're looking purely for warm weather training, then single weave will be your best bet.
The double weave has twice as much fabric per square meter. Hence the name, this type of fabric is mostly used in Judo gis. However, this weave can be found in some Jiu-Jitsu gis as well. Due to the tighter woven fabric, this gi will retain heat more and weigh you down. The best thing about these Brazilian jiu jitsu gis are they are extremely durable and will last you years to come.
The best jiu-jitsu gi will be form fitting having very little loose fabric especially around the wrists, ankles, and collar. To ensure proper fitting, you’ll first need to understand how your body type relates to gi sizing.
BJJ gi sizes often comes in sizes A0 – A6. The ‘A’ stands for ‘Adult,’ and the number represents the different sizes. The lower the number, the smaller the size; the higher the number, the larger the size. Along with this, Female sizes are depicted by the letter F, and children sizes are depicted by the letter M.
When you're looking at different brands you'll have to understand that the sizes can truly range quite a bit depending on the brand. For example in the chart below you'll notice that Sanabul has the A1 and A2 sizes being able to fit most adults.
That being said, I've seen some brands that will be much most specific with their sizes and their can be a huge difference between even an A2 size and A3 size.
Sizing will differ across the best BJJ gi brands, but it helps to understand how it should fit you and how it should feel. You'll want to try on different sizes if possible to see which gi fits you best.
Even the best gi is going to face some amount of shrinkage over time. Whether you use a dryer or hang them up to dry, you are going to encounter this problem.
You can buy a pre-shrunk gi, but even they will shrink a little as you continue to wash them. Your gi can shrink as much as a full inch on your sleeves and pants. It is best to buy your gi at a maximum size to allow for possible shrinkage over time.
As you might be aware of, depending on if you're simply training at the gym or you're planning on competing in an official competition, you'll have to pay attention to what Gi you're using.
Depending on the type of gym you train in there may be strict rules in place regarding color, design, and patches. While the rules may vary a bit there are some that tend to be fairly common. I would definitely recommend if there are any gi rules at your local gym before you purchase a gi. That being said, most gyms are pretty relaxed when it comes to a training gi.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has developed strict guidelines in regard to your Brazilian jiu jitsu gi. If you are in competitions, the only authorized competition gi colors are white, black, and blue. Your top and bottom must match in color. Painted bjj gis are not permitted unless done in an approved patch area. These must be for sponsorships only.
You can have patches on your competition gi only in approved areas as demonstrated by the diagram below. If a patch is not entirely sewn or in an approved area, it will be removed by a Brazilian jiu jitsu gi inspector.
Following this BJJ gi buying guide will ensure you comply with all competition gi regulations and guidelines.
What Brazilian jiu jitsu gi you wear for training will depend on your gym’s affiliation and your instructor’s preferences. Some instructors require that you wear only white and others don’t care what color gi you wear at all. If you're new to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym you might as well just ask if they have a preference on gi color just to be safe!
Generally speaking, if you stick to white, blue or black colored BJJ gis you should be in the clear. Although the color isn't a huge influence on the best gi, it's always nice to consider.
Note there are quite a few gi brands, with new gi brands popping up seemingly everyday. These above are just some of the ones I've personally used and are trusted in the industry. I'll continue to update this list as I have more experience with additional brands.
When looking for a BJJ gi, you might be concerned with price. Thankfully there are uniforms for every price range! These prices can vary quite a bit depending on which brand you're selecting, the size (adult vs. kids), the fabric quality.
Generally speaking for a quality gi you’ll be spending anywhere from $50-$150. That being said, some of the less expensive gi options are slightly lower quality or might not be approved for competition. Depending on the fabric, whether it's pearl weave cotton or duck weave, that influence your price. Although I would recommend pearl weave cotton just because the price is similar to single weave, while giving you great quality. Whether you're looking for a starter or a competition gi, you should be able to find something in your price range!
When you’re thinking of getting a BJJ gi, you might be concerned on what the colors actually mean, and which color bjj gi you should get. That being said, the actual color of these bjj gis actually don’t mean much!
A white gi is often seen as the classic and traditional uniform color. Along with this the blue gi was soon introduced to help distinguish between two fighters during a match. Recently the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has allowed black gis during competition.
So that being said, if you are competing, then you’ll need white, blue, black gi.
But if you’re just training, then you have a bit more freedom for which color gi you wear. Gis come in a huge range of colors, and if you’re just training then you can pick whatever you like!
Now that you have made it through the complete best BJJ gi buyers guide you should know everything there is to know about finding the best jiu-jitsu gi that’s right for you. Whether you're looking for Brazilian jiu jitsu or any other form of martial arts, there's a uniform available to you!
We have compiled a list of BJJ Gi review to help you find the perfect BJJ Gi possible. Whether you’re new to BJJ or a seasoned vet you can benefit from our reviews! I hope this guide has helped you when buying a gi, we'll be sure to continue to update this guide as new gis come out!
