A BJJ gi looks like a judo gi, but it fits closer to the body, weighs less and has narrower sleeves. Choosing one comes down to four things: the jacket weave, the size (A0 to A5 for adults), the color if you plan to compete under IBJJF rules, and how much it will shrink. The rest is personal taste.
BJJ gi vs judo gi: what actually differs
Judo gis are built to be gripped standing up and to survive violent pulls. A BJJ gi is built for the ground, where your opponent will use it as a handle, a lever and sometimes a rope.
| BJJ gi | Judo gi | |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Fitted, less loose fabric | Roomy, long jacket |
| Sleeves | Narrow, close to the forearm | Wide, made for gripping |
| Collar | Thick and stiff | Thick, often heavier |
| Weight | Usually lighter | Heavier, especially double weave |
| Competition colors | White, royal blue, black (IBJJF) | White or blue (IJF) |
Tight sleeves make life harder for your opponent: less fabric means fewer grips. For the judo side of the color question, see blue and white judogi rules. If you are torn between the two, our judo gi buying guide covers the other half.
Weave matters most
The weave decides the weight, the durability and how the gi feels on your skin.
Pearl weave. The most common weave in BJJ. Light, fairly tough and quick to dry. It is the default choice and the one we recommend for a first gi.
Gold weave. Thicker and heavier. It lasts a long time and is a bit harder to grip precisely. On the downside, it runs hot and dries slowly. It suits people who wear out a jacket in a few months.
You will also find single weave, which is light and wears out fast, and double weave, which is heavy and stiff. Manufacturers list a fabric weight (GSM), but brands measure it differently. Compare by feel, or between models from the same brand.
Pants are often thick cotton or ripstop. Ripstop is a light synthetic fabric that resists tearing. It dries fast and holds up well at the knees.
BJJ gi sizes: A0 to A5
Adult sizes go from A0 to A5, with A for adult. Most brands also sell women's cuts (often marked F) and kids' sizes (often marked M). Every brand publishes its own chart crossing height and weight. The numbers vary between brands, so read the chart for the exact model you want.
Two practical rules:
- if you fall between two sizes and the gi is not preshrunk, size up;
- if you are tall and slim, look for "L" (long) sizes that add length without extra width.
A gi that is too big gives your opponent free grips. A gi that is too short will fail the IBJJF gi check.
What the IBJJF gi check looks at
Before each match an inspector checks your uniform. These are the points that get people turned away most often:
- Sleeves: with your arm stretched out in front of you, they must reach within 2 cm of the wrist.
- Pants: they cannot end more than 2 cm above the ankle bone.
- Color: white, royal blue or black only, with jacket, pants and collar in the same color. Navy blue does not pass.
- Condition: no tears, no stains, no damp gi.
Men wear nothing under the jacket. Women wear a tight, stretchy top. The full competition rulebook is summarized in our guide to IBJJF rules.
Shrinkage and washing
An untreated cotton gi can lose several centimeters in the sleeves and pants after its first hot wash. Preshrunk models limit this but do not stop it completely.
- Wash cold or at 30°C (86°F).
- Hang dry, in the shade if you can.
- No dryer, unless you actually want it to shrink a little. If so, go carefully and check it often.
- Wash it after every session. A gi left in your bag is a breeding ground for skin infections.
The same habits apply to a judo gi, as explained in how to wash a judo gi.
How many gis do you need
Two. With only one, you have to wash and dry it between sessions that are close together, which is not realistic in winter. A third becomes useful once you train more than four times a week.
Before you buy
Do not order anything for your first class. Most gyms lend a gi or accept a judo gi. Wait until you know you are staying, then ask your instructor which sizes suit your build. Training partners with a similar frame are a good source too. For the rest of your first steps, read about your first BJJ class. If you are unsure about training without the jacket, see gi vs no-gi. The sport as a whole is covered on our Brazilian jiu-jitsu page.
Our take on a question that splits gyms: buy your first gi in white. It is accepted in every gym and every tournament, and it shows when it needs washing.