December 7

Choose the Perfect Gi for BJJ

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BJJ, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is known as one of the more 'gentle' martial arts, using leverage and positioning to achieve submission holds and chokes, so it’s important to find a comfortable gi that you're able to move in easily. 

It can be tough to shop online for the perfect BJJ gi, especially when you can't try the uniform on before you order, and with so many brands out there, it can be an overwhelming search.

To save you hours of trawling the internet, we’ve researched the best gis for BJJ available, whether you’re looking for a low-cost starter gi or a more professional-level gi for competitions. 

Let’s dive in.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Reviews

1 - Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

One of the lightest gis on the market, but at the same time one of the most durable. If sweating while practicing is an issue, say goodbye to it.

2 - Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 Gi

Really light, so you’ll forget you’re wearing it. The perfect combination of softness and weight, good for anything from small competitions to huge tournaments.

3 - Elite Sports Ultra Light BJJ Gi

A competition-approved, pre-shrunk, comfortable gi. Elite Sports is known for creating some of the most durable and comfy gis on a budget.

4 - Origin “The Path” Gi

The only gi manufacturer that makes their robes in the US. This gi uses their classic pants and their polysynth yarn, stronger than any pearl weave on the market. It’s a little bit more expensive than other choices, but you’re paying for quality and durability here.

5 - Tatami Essentials Gi

One of the lightest and also most durable gis out there. It features a modern slim-fit tailored style but it’s still competition approved. Fight in style.

6 - Scramble Athlete Gi

The best weight to strength ratio, that just beat Tatami and Elements on the market. A much lower cost choice that’s still good quality and reliable for both competitions and training.

7 - Sanabul Essentials V2

The V2 gi takes everything great about the original gi and makes it better. Worn by world champions, the Essentials Gi has become a firm favourite for competitors around the world. Despite how strong it is, it is really lightweight.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi - A Buyer's Guide

There are many options to consider when deciding which gi is right for you. 

Use our handy list of considerations to narrow down what you want and need from a BJJ uniform before you start your search.

Colour

Blue, black and white are all officially approved colours for BJJ suits if you're planning on competing in the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation). 

If you're just looking for a gi for training then the colour doesn't matter too much, but always check with your professor before making a wild colour choice, as some prefer you to stick with traditional colours. 

Collar Filling

There are a few types of collar available when choosing a gi for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, but the main options are cotton filled or, more recently, rubber filled. 

Cotton filled collars are more comfortable than rubber and not as restrictive, but they're easier for an opponent to grip. 

Rubber filled collars are more difficult to grip and don't harbour as many bacteria/germs as cotton collars, but they're more uncomfortable in a choke. 

Weave

Surprisingly, there are many different styles of weave when it comes to BJJ suits. The type of weave can determine how heavy the gi is, how long it will last and, of course, the price tag. 

Single Weave

The original and most basic gi on the market is a single weave. 

Pros
  • Lightweight - If a competitor is struggling to meet the weight required, a light single weave gi would be the best way to go. They're also perfect for training if you live in a warmer climate. 
  • Inexpensive - If you're just starting out on your Jiu-Jitsu journey, you might want to start with a low-cost, single weave gi.
Cons
  • Less durable - Single weave gis have a higher chance of tearing due to the thinner fabric.
  • Prone to stretching - They may become baggy over time, making them less comfortable and easier to grip during fights.

Double Weave

The double weave gi is essentially two single weaves weaved together. 

Pros
  • Hardwearing - The extra thickness of the fabric provides much needed strength and durability for gruelling roll sessions. 
  • Comfortable - Double weave gis provide extra comfort due to the quality of the material. 
Cons
  • More expensive - Double weave gis are more costly than single weave. 
  • Less flexible - Due to the thickness of the material, you need to make sure your suit fits properly so you're not restricted when you're competing. 

Gold Weave

The gold weave takes the best aspects from a single and double weave gi and combines them to make the perfect suit for Jiu-Jitsu.  

Pros
  • Strong and reliable - Gold weave gis are built to last.
  • Lightweight - You won't feel restricted or uncomfortable with a gold weave gi. 
Cons
  • High price tag - Gold weave gis are the top of the line, so expect to pay a higher price.  

Pearl Weave

The pearl weave is a relatively new concept that combines the lightweight advantage of the single weave with the strength of a gold weave gi. 

Pros
  • Lightweight - The pearl weave allows for easy airflow and keeps you cool during stressful rolling sessions. 
  • High quality - As one of the more expensive Jiu-Jitsu uniforms, you get a great quality gi with a pearl weave construction.  
  • Durable - the pearl weave gi is made with the strength of a gold weave gi, without being quite as pricey. 
Cons
  • Costly - Whilst pearl weave gis are a step down price-wise from the gold weave, it will still set you back more than a single weave gi. 

Price

Once you've considered all of the above, the bottom line when choosing a suitable gi will always be the cost. 

If you're a BJJ beginner, you're probably best looking at lower priced suits until you've decided whether it's for you. 

When you've been practicing BJJ for a while, it might be time to invest in a more durable uniform that will help you raise your game, but will likely be more costly. 

Final Thoughts

BJJ is great for people of all ages and sizes, as it is designed for smaller, weaker practitioners to be able to subdue much larger opponents, meaning it’s the perfect way to learn self-defence. 

It’s therefore super important to have the right suit to wear while you’re training and competing to allow for easy movement. 

Hopefully you’ve found this useful for learning about the different types of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu apparel available and what will work for you, to help you find the perfect gi.


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