Buying Guide
How to Choose a BJJ Gi: The Complete Buying Guide
Updated
Short answer: for most people, buy a pre-shrunk pearl weave gi around 450 GSM, sized to a real height/weight chart, in a color you're allowed to compete in. Everything below is the "why" — and the handful of cases where you'd choose differently.
A gi is the one piece of equipment you'll wear every single class for years. Buy well once and it pays for itself; buy badly and you'll feel it every round — too hot, too stiff, too short in the sleeves, or falling apart by month three. Here's what actually matters, in plain terms.
1. Weave — the fabric construction
"Weave" describes how the jacket fabric is knitted. It's the single biggest driver of feel, weight, and durability.
- Pearl weave — the modern standard. The best balance of light weight, strength, and price. If you're not sure, this is the right answer. (It's what we build our gis on.)
- Gold weave — heavier and very durable, a classic competition feel. Warmer to roll in.
- Single weave — light and cheap, but wears out faster. Fine for hot climates or a backup gi.
- Double weave — extremely tough and heavy. Rare now; mostly judo crossover.
2. GSM — how heavy the fabric is
GSM means grams per square meter — literally fabric density. Higher GSM = thicker, tougher, harder for an opponent to grip, but hotter and slower to dry.
- ~350–450 GSM — lightweight. Cooler, dries fast, easier to make weight at competitions. Our kimonos sit here (450 GSM pearl weave) — durable but noticeably more breathable than the heavyweight bricks other brands ship.
- ~500–550 GSM — mid-weight all-rounder.
- 650+ GSM — heavyweight. Built like armor, but you'll cook in summer.
For most people, lighter is the smarter buy: it's more comfortable, dries between sessions, and modern pearl weave at 450 GSM is plenty durable.
3. Fit — the part everyone gets wrong
A gi that fits badly is a gi you'll fight all night. Sleeves that swallow your hands make grip-fighting miserable; pants that ride up expose your shins. BJJ gis use letter sizing (A0, A1, A2…) based on a combination of height and weight, plus cut variants for different builds — slim, long, and wide. Don't guess: match your height and weight to a real chart.
If you're between sizes or built outside the standard range, custom sizing exists precisely so you don't have to settle.
4. Competition legality (if you'll compete)
If you plan to enter IBJJF or similar tournaments, the gi has to comply: a single solid color (typically white, royal blue, or black), a collar and fabric that aren't too thick to grip, and sleeve/pant lengths within the measurement rules. Training-only? Wear whatever you love. Competing? Check the ruleset before you buy so a referee doesn't bench you at weigh-in.
5. Shrinkage and care
Cotton shrinks. A quality gi is usually pre-shrunk, but cold wash + hang dry is still the rule — a hot dryer will turn your A2 into an A1. If you bought slightly long on purpose, a controlled wash can dial in the fit.
The honest summary
For 90% of people: a pearl weave gi around 450 GSM, sized to a real height/weight chart, pre-shrunk. Get that right and the only decision left is which design you want to walk onto the mat in.
Frequently asked questions
- What weave should a beginner buy?
- Pearl weave. It's the best balance of weight, durability, and price, and it's what most modern gis (including ours) are built on. You don't need anything more exotic to start.
- What is a good GSM for a BJJ gi?
- Around 350–450 GSM suits most people: light enough to stay cool and dry quickly, durable enough to last. Heavier 650+ GSM gis are tougher but much hotter. Our kimonos are 450 GSM pearl weave for exactly this reason.
- How do I know my gi size?
- BJJ gis use A-series sizing (A0, A1, A2…) based on height and weight. Match yours to a real size chart rather than guessing — and if you fall between sizes or have an unusual build, custom sizing is available.
- Will my gi shrink?
- Cotton gis can shrink, especially in a hot dryer. Wash cold and hang dry to keep the fit. A good gi is usually pre-shrunk, which limits how much it moves after the first few washes.
- Does the gi color matter?
- For training, no — wear what you like. For IBJJF competition, the gi must be a single approved color (usually white, royal blue, or black) and meet the fabric and measurement rules, so check the ruleset before buying a competition gi.