Having the right BJJ gi is vitally important, it will essentially be your second skin multiple times a week when you’re training. Select the wrong type and you’ll find training less comfortable leading to the experience being less enjoyable and fundamentally likely leading you to go to training less often. Picking the best BJJ gi for you can be a challenge, but I’ve had extensive experience on the mats and will help you in the process.
Having trained and competed in BJJ for 6 years, I know what it is like to train in the right gear and the wrong gear! It can make a real difference to your performance, believe it or not. While some of you may have no intentions to ever compete, that doesn’t mean you don’t still want to invest in a quality gi. Comfort and confidence in the equipment is one factor that has led me to be successful in competitions and helped me stay consistent with getting to training regularly.
I’ve taken all the guesswork out of selecting the best BJJ gis for you in this article. Whether you’re just a hobbyist or looking to take on the world, you’ll find the right BJJ gi for you in the curated list I have put together for you.
Top Picks
| Best For | Best Overall | Best Protection | BJJ Enthusiasts |
| Product |   |   |   |
| Product’s Name | Shogun Fight BJJ Gi | Venum Power 2.0 BJJ Gi | Gold BJJ Gi |
| Guru’s Rating | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| More Information | Latest Price | Latest Price | Latest Price |
Who Should Get This?
Whether you’re a white belt BJJ enthusiast just starting out or a black belt BJJ master with over 10 years of experience on the mats, you need a BJJ gi, if not two. Depending on your needs, there are a wide variety of choices to select from. For example, someone looking to compete must ensure that their BJJ gi has been approved as competition ready.
While some people prefer heavyweight BJJ gis, others prefer lightweight ones. Some help with mobility, others with overall comfort. What you want to be sure of is that you know what you want before you start looking for your next BJJ gi. It is very easy to get sucked into the marketing of some great gis on the market, think about what you really need first and then look at the options.
No matter what your aspirations are with BJJ, you will need to get a gi. My intentions are to make that process as easy as possible for you. If you’re looking for a child, be sure to ask them their opinion on the matter before you make a purchasing decision, additionally I suggest going a size up so the gi will last a bit longer (growth spurts can cost you dearly in gis!).
10 Best BJJ Gis
1. Shogun Fight BJJ Gi – Overall Top Pick
Shogun has made a name for itself, delivering top-quality fight gear with eye-catching designs. They’ve definitely not missed the mark with this gi (pants included). Sponsored by multiple-time IBJJF world champion Vinny Magalhaes, you can rest assured that Shogun doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to bringing the best BJJ gi and other fight equipment to the market.
Key Features
- Incredible designs
- Premium feel
- Pearl weaving
Pros
- Durable
- Anti-rip technology
- Great fit
Cons
- Tag placement is uncomfortable (simply remove)
Verdict
I’m a huge fan of looking at the part when I’m rolling. While I absolutely love the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I also like looking fresh when I’m rolling. For those of you who are just as much into your aesthetics as you are the performance of your equipment, this is most certainly the choice for you. Needless to say, I will be purchasing another one of these in the near future.
2. Venum Power 2.0 BJJ Gi – Top Protection Choice
Venum is growing from strength to strength with its range of combat sports equipment and clothing. You don’t need to search very hard to see their branding plastered all around the world, especially in fight organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) among many others. The Venum Power 2.0 is for the person that is looking for a full-on premium feel when they real in their gi. While some prefer mobility, others prefer strength and support.
Key Features
- Ultra comfortable feel
- Reinforced sleeves
- IBJJF approved
Pros
- Super durable
- No color running
- Anti-rip technology
Cons
- Sizing can be a bit smaller than usual
Verdict
As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. This is very true in almost all circumstances. The same can be said for the Venum Power 2.0. You know you’re wearing a premium quality BJJ gi when you put it on and not only does it provide you with the necessary protection you need it also is super comfortable to wear. What I would suggest is that carefully select the right size for you, especially as these tend to be a bit on the smaller side when it comes to fitting.
3. Gold BJJ Competition Ready Gi – BJJ Enthusiast Choice
Gold BJJ is a company that has been formed exclusively from BJJ enthusiasts. This knowledge doesn’t go to waste when it comes to the quality of the designs and material selected to create their gis. Although it is most certainly not the cheapest BJJ gi on the market by any stretch of the imagination, it is definitely a top draw when it comes to quality, mobility, and breathability.
Key Features
- Well-balanced material density
- Built by BJJ practitioners for BJJ practitioners
- Excellent mobility and durability
Pros
- Colors that don’t run
- Great fit
- Minor shrinkage
Cons
- Ideally worn with a rash guard underneath to prevent chafing
Verdict
It’s hard to pick against the Gold BJJ gis, they really are some of the best BJJ gis on the market today. While some may shy away due to the price of them, I believe the cost is warranted. You can really sense the level of knowledge and understanding that has gone into this product and it makes for an absolutely wonderful BJJ gi to roll in both for practice and competition.
4. Sanabul Highlights Competition Ready – Lightweight Choice
With the likes of former UFC champions Michael Bisping and TJ Dillashaw among their team. Sanabul really does have its finger on the pulse when it comes to the needs of combat athletes around the world. They offer a wide range of equipment for people of all levels and budgets, the Sanabul Highlights gi range is ideal for those looking to compete in a lightweight BJJ gi that is durable.
Key Features
- Clean designs
- Lightweight
- IBJJF approved
Pros
- Excellent durability
- Increased mobility
- Approved by BJJ legends such as John Danaher
Cons
- Not very soft
You can’t have everything, right? While the Sanabul Highlights gi is most certainly one of the best on the market for performance, it isn’t the most comfortable. This should come as no surprise, it is clear that what Sanabul had in mind with this particular model was all about functionality above all else. For some this is most certainly the gi to go for, highly functional and affordable. However, for those of you that want a softer touch to your BJJ gi, I suggest looking elsewhere.
5. Ronin Competition Ready Gi – BJJ Strong Competitor Choice
Ronin are all about providing the best possible quality equipment with no extra bells, whistles, or funky designs. If you’re the purest that simply want high-grade equipment, this is the choice for you. No one will look twice at you when you’re rolling, no compliments on what you’re wearing, however, you’ll feel like a million bucks in the premium BJJ gi that you have on.
Key Features
- Clean look (no badges)
- Reinforcement in the crotch and knee areas
Pros
- Minimal shrinkage
- Color holds well
- Super durable
Cons
- Sizing can be a bit big
Verdict
Although not my particular favorite, there is little to be said negatively about the Ronin competition ready gi. It really is a quality piece that will likely last you for a considerable amount of time. For me, it is a bit too plain, but some people prefer plain, so this would be for them!
6. Shogun Ultra Light BJJ Gi – BJJ Aesthetics Choice
Shogun are making their way back onto my list, this time with their ultra light BJJ gi. It is an absolutely stunning piece, typical of Shogun, however this BJJ gi has been optimized for mobility making it a perfect option for those looking for a durable, fashionable and functional gi. As previously mentioned, few gis are as aesthetically pleasing as the ones Shogun produces. For those of you looking for the best of both worlds, this is a great option.
Key Features
- Eye-catching designs
- Pearl weave stitch
- Excellent mobility
Pros
- Breathable
- Premium cotton
- Durable
Cons
- Sizing can be a bit off (go up one ideally)
Verdict
I have never heard anyone complain about their Shogun gi before and that is saying something seeing as I’ve been around hundreds of BJJ practitioners in my time. Not only are they easy to spot a mile off, they are also known for their quality and durability. This specific model is really something special, not only can you be sure that you will experience high-quality in terms of quality, it will also allow you to move much more freely than most gis.
7. Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi – BJJ Super Mobility Choice
Considered to be one of the most premium brands in the BJJ space, Fuji have delivered an excellent competition ready Gi in the Suparaito. It is really an incredibly well-crafted BJJ gi that will deliver both durability and lightness to ensure you feel supported and free to move as you wish when training, rolling or competing. Although Fuji have many other options to choose from in terms of their Gi, the Suparaito is head and shoulders above the rest for the BJJ competitors among us.
Key Features
- Optimal mobility
- Excellent breathability
- Super light
Pros
- Competition ready
- Durable pearl weave
- Reinforced protection
Cons
- Very little shrinking (take into consideration with size)
Verdict
If you’re interested in a BJJ gi that allows for hypermobility and will last the test of time, this is most certainly a great pick. There is nothing aesthetically that amazing about this gi, but it will deliver in terms of performance time and time again. There is no need to worry about pants or sleeves ripping with any sudden force as the typically delicate areas have been reinforced.
8. Sanabul Essentials V2.0 BJJ Gi – Best Budget
Sanabul really are everywhere, even on my list! This particular BJJ gi is amazing value for money, I couldn’t create a list without having everyone in mind and for some of us budget really means everything! You won’t get the longest life out of this gi, nor will you be turning heads with the design. However, what you will get is a fairly well-produced BJJ gi that will stand up to abuse you’re likely to expose it to in your BJJ training sessions.
Key Features
- 100% cotton
- Lightweight BJJ gi
- Preshrunk
Pros
- Multiple colors to select from
- Accurate sizing
- Very affordable
Cons
- Soft collar that makes breaking grips slightly more difficult
Verdict
On a budget, you really can’t do much better than the Sanabul Essentials V2.0 gi. It really does everything you need, just not any of the things particularly amazingly. What more can you expect from a budget gi? In all honesty, I’m surprised they were able to create such a nice BJJ gi at such a low price, this may just be them selling at a loss to get customers to get used to their brand. Awesome budget deal, definitely consider this if price is an object.
9. Elite IBJJF competition ready BJJ Gi – Best BJJ Gi for Beginners
Elite haven’t been around for all that long, but what they have done is already made a mark in the BJJ equipment scene. Their ability to create quality gis at super competitive prices makes them a brand worth keeping in mind if you want to buy a competition approved budget BJJ gi. Although it doesn’t boast some of the benefits found with the other gis such as 100% cotton, it does still promise decent durability and mobility.
Key Features
- Many colors to choose from
- Thicker than other budget options
- Comes with a free white belt
Pros
- Decent fit
- Good breathability
Cons
- Can be a bit baggy
- Shrinks from heat easily
Verdict
Really there isn’t much else you can ask for when it comes to a budget-friendly BJJ gi. It is definitely in close competition with the Sanabul Essentials v2.0 gi, both incredible value for money. What I like especially about this gi is that it is IBJJF approved, meaning you can jump into your first tournament with this no problem. Additionally, it comes with a free white belt which is rarely the case with BJJ gis.
It is always good to see companies making equipment affordable for the masses, regardless of how much disposable income they have available to them. However, this can often come at the cost of quality to a dangerous level, this isn’t the case with Elite’s IBJJF competition ready BJJ gi. It is both affordable and decent quality, a real deal for BJJ beginners.
10. Sanabul Future Legend (Kids) BJJ Gi – Best Kids BJJ Gi
My list wouldn’t be complete without a mention for the best BJJ gi for kids. Once again, Sanabul have done an excellent job of catering to the needs of the market. Although the wear and tear is often fair less on kids’ BJJ gis than adult gis they still need to be made well to ensure that they last the test of time. Sanabul’s Future Legend kids BJJ gi does just that and at an incredibly competitive price too.
Key Features
- Many colors to select from
- Durable
- Comfortable
Pros
- Excellent breathability
- Provides ample protection
- Fits well
Cons
- Can shrink somewhat in the wash
Verdict
It’s hard to justify spending $100+ on a best kids BJJ gi, but at the same time going for a super cheap one is not the right move either! Sanabul have really understood the market well by bringing to the table the Future Legend range, quality at an affordable price. Not only will your kids enjoy wearing it, you’ll be happy to know that the durability compared to cheaper options will mean you don’t need to dip into your pocket for another kid’s BJJ gi any time soon.
Brief BJJ Gi History
The inspiration for the BJJ gi comes directly from Judo and its founder Jigoro Kano. There are many garments that it took inspiration from such as the Kimono. While there have been certain changes made to gis over the past 100 years in terms of materials used and minor design changes, overall it has stayed largely true to its original design.
Fundamentally the reason why the gi was first created was so that Kano and his students would be able to train in specific attire for the purpose of training martial arts and additionally it needed to be similar to the clothes worn in that period to ensure easy transference into the real world.
Factors to consider before buying BJJ gi
Best BJJ Gi Brands
There are so many excellent brands when it comes to BJJ. You can thank the massive explosion in popularity that has come about since Royce Gracie won the very first UFC 1 back in 1993. While there are some great options, some brands have definitely risen to the top as the go-to options. These include Venum, Fuji, and Sanabul.
Additionally, there are some up-and-comers such as Gold BJJ that are really making a name for themselves, they’re doing so by really understanding the needs of BJJ practitioners as they themselves are composed of BJJ competitors!
The main thing you want to look out for when it comes to picking a BJJ gi brand is quality and reliability. What are other people saying about that brand, how many of your training partners vouch for their quality?
What Size BJJ Gi Should I Buy? (BJJ gi size chart)
Picking the correct BJJ gi for you size-wise is about following the specific size guide of the gi designer you have selected. If you fail to make this check, you will likely find that the gi you order does not fit you as you had hoped it would.
| Size | Height(cm) | Height | Age(Approx) |
| 0000 | 100cm | 3”5’ and under | Aged 3-4 |
| 000 | 110cm | 3”6’ to 3”7’ | Aged 4-5 |
| 00 | 120cm | 3”8’ to 4”0’ | Aged 5-6 |
| 0 | 130cm | 4”1’ to 4”4’ | Aged 6-7 |
| 1 | 140cm | 4”5’ to 4”8’ | Aged 7-8 |
| 2 | 150cm | 4”9’ to 5”0’ | Aged 9-10 |
| 3 | 160cm | 5”1’ to 5”4’ | Aged 11-12 |
| 4 | 170cm | 5”5’ to 5”9’ | Teen / Adult |
| 5 | 180cm | 5”10’ to 6”0’ | Adult |
| 6 | 190cm | 6”1’ to 6”3’ | Adult |
| 7 | 200cm | 6”4’ to 6”7’ | Adult |
| 8 | 210cm | 6”8’ and over | Adult |
Venum for example tends to size a bit smaller than average while Ronin can be a bit bigger than usual. You can see where this can become a problem. Above I have shared for demonstrative purposes the “universal” BJJ gi sizing guide, this should help if you’re looking for a rough idea as to which size would be best for you.
Final Thoughts
Picking the best BJJ gi for you is an important decision to make. For the majority of us our gi will last for quite some time and there is nothing worse than wearing a BJJ gi a couple times a week that you simply do not like.
Really take the time to decide what are your requirements when it comes to picking out a BJJ gi. Do you want improved mobility? Or maybe you want ultra durability? There are many factors to take into consideration, so don’t just pick something that you think is a good deal based on price alone!
There are many premium quality choices available on the market, but premium doesn’t necessarily mean it is an excellent fit for you. I personally would go for the Venum Power Fit 2.0 if it is comfort and durability that is the most important factors to me, while the Shogun Fight is perfect for a blend of aesthetics and performance.
Lastly, don’t be shy if price really is an issue for you. Sanabul have done a wonderful job of creating a range of goods available to people of all budgets. That’s why the Sanabul Essential v2.0 range is a God send for those of you that really want to get decent quality at a fair price.
I hope you have found this guide useful, it has been a labor of pleasure putting it together for you. Hopefully, it will save you a lot of time, energy, and money! There really are so many options out there, be sure to pick the one that fits your needs specifically.
FAQs About BJJ Gi
What are the requirements for gi in BJJ competitions?
There are some specific requirements for BJJ gi measurements that are to be used at tournaments. These include the following.
- The athlete’s gi top should be able to reach their thigh.
- Their sleeves should be no more than 5cm away from their wrist when the arm in question is extended in a straight parallel direction to the ground below.
- The BJJ gi pants worn by the athlete should end no further than 5cm from their ankle bone.
The three colors that can be worn to competitions are: white, royal blue, and black. For the historians among you, white is the traditional color of BJJ gis, it is said to represent purity and truth.
How to maintain your BJJ gi?
There isn’t a whole lot that needs to be considered when it comes to BJJ gi maintenance that wouldn’t seem like common sense.
Firstly, you want to make sure that when you have finished training and come home that you take out your gi immediately from your gym bag and prepare it for washing (no one likes a smelling partner!).
Secondly, be careful not to wash your BJJ gi in very hot water! That is unless you want it to shrink and lose color. The ideal is to use cool water to clean your BJJ gi and then leave it to dry in the appropriate place so it is ready for your next training session.
Lastly, be sure to get more than one BJJ gi, this will mean that you will not have to rely on the one you cleaned being dry on time and it means that each BJJ gi will actually last significantly longer as they’re being used less often. It’s a win-win!
What do I wear under my BJJ gi?
There are a few options when it comes to what you can wear underneath your BJJ gi. The majority of regular BJJ practitioners will wear rashguards underneath their gi.
However, it isn’t necessarily a problem if you wear a T-shirt. The issue surrounding wearing T-shirts instead of compressed shirts only rises to the surface when we consider no gi bjj, this as the name suggests, is when a gi is not worn at all. The reason why this can become problematic is because T-shirts can easily “catch” onto your training partners limbs in movement.
Although I’ve mentioned both T-shirts and compression shirts as options to be worn under your BJJ gi, you can also opt for wearing nothing under your BJJ gi (if you’re a male!), confirm this with your gym as some may not allow this. I personally train with just my BJJ gi on.
Can white belts wear black BJJ gi?
There is nothing wrong with a white belt wearing any color BJJ gi as long as it is approved by the gym. Additionally, a black BJJ gi is also perfectly fine for a white belt to compete in. One thing to bear in mind is that it is the color of the belt that matters generally, not the gi.
What I mean by this is, don’t buy a white BJJ gi and a black belt because it is aesthetically more pleasing than a white BJJ gi and white belt. Belts are a sign of experience, gis are not.
How do I make my BJJ gi softer?
An easy way to ensure you can make your BJJ gi softer is to use softener! Especially with the lightweight BJJ gis you may experience that the interior is quite rough on the skin. This is primarily why BJJ practitioners will wear rashguards under their gi to protect them both from their opponent and their own gi.
Can I bleach a white BJJ gi?
Do not, I repeat, do not bleach your white BJJ gi! This is a terrible idea and will most certainly reduce the durability of your gi. Bleach is very powerful and will deteriorate the fibers of your BJJ gi within seconds.
If for any reason you want to whiten your gi, then find the appropriate product that doesn’t have such damaging effects as bleach. On the other hand, you can just brush it off and be alright with a BJJ gi that isn’t perfectly white! You are bound to make it look less than perfect over time and that isn’t a bad thing! That actually shows that you’ve been putting your time in on the mats.
How long can BJJ gi be worn?
You can expect your gi to last for approximately 2 years. However, this very much depends on a few factors.
Firstly, what was the quality of the BJJ gi that you purchased? Of course, those that are of better quality are far more likely to withstand the wear and tear of regular use on the mats.
Secondly, how well is the BJJ gi being maintained? Is the gi being washed regularly in cold water, being kept out of the sun for extended periods of time, and not getting into contact with products that could deteriorate its fibers?
Lastly, how often do you train? Some BJJ gis could last a lifetime if they’re rarely used, however, others could be out of use within a year if they’re used multiple times a day, multiple days a week.