If you're looking to buy a BJJ gi, then this article is for you. BJJ is a grappling martial art that originated in Brazil, and differentiates itself from other grappling arts because it focuses on ground fighting. BJJ has become popular in the last few years as people see its effectiveness on TV or YouTube. 

When choosing your BJJ Gi, there are a few things to keep in mind: What weight will suit my lifestyle? How much do I want to spend? And what style should I go with? We'll answer these questions and more below!

The BJJ gi can be a difficult purchase for many beginners in BJJ. Not only are there many different brands to choose from, but you also have to decide on the right style of BJJ gi for your body type.

This blog post will go over all of the factors that need to be considered when buying a BJJ Gi so that you can make an informed decision on which one is perfect for you!

Weight of the Jiu-Jitsu Gis

The weight of the BJJ Gi is an important thing to consider when making your purchase. The lighter the gi, the cooler you will be in warm weather training and competitions, it is a common myth that they will be less durable, but that is not true if it's bought from the right gi manufacturer.

Heavier Gis are typically thought to be more durable, but can be quite hot in summer weather. It is important to find a BJJ Gi that is comfortable for you.

BJJ gis come in various weights and below are some of the differences. These definitions aren't meant to match your physical weight but rather the gi's weight itself.

Lightweight gi

lighter gis are best for hot weather BJJ training and competition. BJJ gis that are 450-550 GSM fall into this category.

Ultra light gi

An ultra lightweight gi usually weighs in at around 350-400 grams and are best for very hot weather or if you're looking to cut weight for a competition.

Middleweight gi

GIs in this weight category usually weigh between 550 and 650 GSM and are good for everyday training.

Heavyweight gi

GIs that weigh 650 GSM or more usually fall into the heavyweight category and are good for training in colder weather.

Heavy gi

Why would someone want to buy a heavier gi? BJJ gis can range in weight depending on the materials used to make them. BJJ Gis are usually made out of cotton or a blend of cotton and another material like polyester, hemp or bamboo.

The percentage that each one makes up will contribute to how heavy it is overall. For example, if you buy an all-cotton BJJ Gi then it would be very lightweight whereas if you bought one with half cotton/half polyester then it would probably weigh more due to the other materials involved.

Style

The BJJ Gi style you choose is a personal preference. Some BJJ students prefer the traditional blank white gi while others have no problem with something more modern that doesn't follow Japanese tradition as closely.

Many martial artists coming from a judo background might choose to continue wearing their judo gi as a they transition or incorporate jiu-jitsu into their skillset. Their usually isn't many or any differences at all, but it is up to the gym rules to decide if this is allowed.

White Gis

White gis are the most common, coming from jiu jitsu traditions. Although many newer gyms aren't as strict about the color of the gi and will allow for different colors.

When buying and owning any gi, it's important to take good care of it as may turn yellow and dark due to sweat stains. It's essential that it is washed after each use to prevent this from happening.

Black Gis

These jiu jitsu styles often offer a more bold look and can help practitioners express themselves on the mats in a different way. Unlike the white gis, black can naturally hide stains better, but a good wash after each use is still necessary.

When to wear a black gi vs a white BJJ gi?

Most BJJ schools will have their own protocol for when students are required to wear either a black or white BJJ Gi. This is typically done in order to create a team unison and likeness among the group.

I'd highly recommend you check with your gym owners/instructors on which gi colors is acceptable for training before making a purchase.

Style - Single Weave vs Double Weave BJJ GI's

BJJ GIs also come in different styles which include single weave Brazilian Jiujitsu gi , double weave gi , gold weave Brazilian Jiujitsu gi and pearl weave BJJ GIs.

Single weave gis are the lightest and most breathable, but it is also the least durable.

The double weave BJJ GI is heavier and more durable than the single weave, but less breathable.

The gold weave BJJ Gi falls in between the two with increased durability over the single weave and better breathability than the double weave.

Finally, the pearl weave BJJ GI is the most popular style because it is very strong and lightweight. It also has great airflow so you don't feel too hot when training or competing.

The BJJ gi weaves typically don't make much of a difference in terms of functionality and is often a minor consideration when looking to buy a gi.

Which style should I buy?

This really depends on your own personal preference and what you think will work best for you. If you are someone who sweats a lot or tends to get very hot when training, then the pearl weave BJJ GI would be a good option for you. If you are looking for something that is more durable and will last longer, then go with the double weave BJJ Gi.

A Luxury Look

Luxury jiu jitsu gis are popular with both beginners and experts in for many reasons, one being that they are usually crafted with higher quality materials and a part of a limited collector's series.

Some brands have been around for decades making them veterans in the martial arts industry. Usually they cost at least $250 per gi and up to $425. They definitely aren't considered affordable for most people, especially when considering the frequency of training, (on average 3-4 times a week).

A new wave of luxury brands have been emerging within the past few years at slightly lower prices allowing more practitioners to enjoy the luxury look and comfort feel.

Submission Shark's gis matches many premium brands but offers preorders at 50% off and special 'splash sale' and 'shark week' events for savings on all items. If you able to get one before their reservation spots are taken, you can get grip on a luxury gi for about $149.

Price

The price of the BJJ Gi is another thing to consider when making your purchase. Some Brazilian jiu-jitsu Gis can range in price from around $85 to approx. $100. It is important to find a BJJ Gi that fits your budget, but also remember that you get what you pay for.

A more expensive BJJ Gis will be made of a higher quality cotton and have a dense weave. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis that are more expensive will also usually fit better, as cheaper BJJ Gis can have irregularities in stitching or material.

Submission Shark BJJ Gear makes great BJJ gi's for an affordable price.

Free Shipping

Another thing to consider when buying a new gi if you are on a budget is if the brand covers shipping costs. Submission Shark offers free shipping for all residents of Canada and United States and will look to have free shipping worldwide.

Money-Back Guarantee?

If the gi comes with malfunctions, tears or rips, you should have the peace of mind knowing you can get your money-back. Submission Shark gis come with a warranty and protection promise that guarantees your satisfaction.

Materials Used For Jiu Jitsu Gi

The most common materials used for jiu jitsu gis are cotton, bamboo and hemp. Cotton is typically less expensive and will work well.

Benefits of Bamboo Fiber

 

Bamboo BJJ Gis are becoming more popular because bamboo is naturally antibacterial and resistant to stains. It is very soft against the skin, wicks moisture away quickly and is a sustainable resource. Bamboo BJJ Gi's were first developed in Japan and are now produced all around the world.

Benefits of Hemp Fiber

Hemp BJJ Gis are also becoming more popular because hemp is antimicrobial, extremely durable and has antibacterial qualities.

Submission Shark will be releasing both a hemp and bamboo style gi in the near future. You can sign up to the newsletter to stay ready for the preorder.

There are many more benefits to these two fibers and helpful details to note. A more in depth on the benefits of hemp and bamboo will be addressed in a future article.

Regenerative BJJ brands

Something to consider when purchasing the best gi for you may depend if the company is engaging in regenerative projects. Submission Shark removes 1kg of plastic from the oceans per order at no extra cost for you. Not everyone will necessarily care, but it's a nice little bonus you can feel good about when ordering a high-quality gi.

More and more people are looking to actively contribute to sustainable brands. 96% of people feel their own actions, such as buying ethically, can make a positive difference. 91% of people believes brands should contribute to climate actions.

As of writing, it looks like Submission Shark is the only brand in martial arts that is contributing in this manner. If this is a concern for you, then reach out to the brands and see what their stance is.

Some BJJ GI companies will also contribute to carbon offsets to help reduce some of the environmental impact of delivering. If this is an important issue for you, be sure to ask about it when ordering your next BJJ GI!

BJJ Gi Affiliation:

Another thing to consider when purchasing a BJJ gi is what affiliation/team you support. There are many different brands of jiu jitsu gis available on the market, each with their own unique set of patches and designs. If you already have a favorite team or player, it might be worth checking out one of their affiliated BJJ gi brands to show your support.

Sparring BJJ Gi vs Competition BJJ GI

There are some differences between BJJ GIs you would use for the gym and those that are designed for competitions. For example, BJJ gis used in regular training will usually have fewer patches on them because they don't need to be as durable or flashy.

Also, competition BJJ gi pants often come with rubberized waist lines so that you cannot ride up during rolling/sparring sessions.

These small details can make a big difference when it comes time to compete! There's also different colors of belts given out at each belt level which is very important if you plan on competing more seriously down the line. You must wear an authorized color of BJJ gi during your BJJ competition!

Everyday Training Gi

Depending on your gym's policies, these gis can be worn on the mats freely allowing you express yourself however you'd like.

Competition Gis

The international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) typically has the strictest requirements compared to other martial arts competitions. See more about their rules and regulations when it comes to uniform.

Comparing The Gi Brands

The right jiu jitsu gi manufacturer for you depends on the gi buying process. You can buy a budget gi but it is important that you are aware if they are pre shrunk gis and if the gi material is of high-quality.

Many gi manufacturers will not be able to produce high-quality, well fitting gis. This is something to consider, especially if you are a new BJJ practitioner.

Submission Shark has a blue and black premium gi that has plenty of great reviews from other martial artists like you. Feel free to check it out for your next gi purchase. Along with the blue and black (Limited Edition Shark Frenzy), you can also buy a gi that is white, blue and black (The Ice Breaker).

These gis tend to sell out quick and have been reviewed as the perfect BJJ gi from martial arts practitioners within the jiu jitsu community.

Authentic Ownership and Counterfeits

This is something to consider when choosing the best jiu jitsu brand for you. Many counterfeits of popular and rare jiu jitsu gis can be found on the market, essentially devaluing the rarity and collectability factor of limited editions styles.

Submission Shark uses blockchain technology to verify their authenticity with the help of a third-party app. You will receive a special certificate of authenticity to go along with the physical item while its data is recorded digitally.

Secondary Markets

This helps allow for future resells on the secondary market which is a great idea if you decide to leave the sport or if you are shopping for kids gis knowing they will grow out of them within a few years.

How To Wash Your BJJ Gi

When you purchase a BJJ Gi, the manufacturer will include specific instructions on how to launder the gi. Many people recommend air drying your BJJ Gi to maintain its color and integrity, but if you must machine dry it use a low heat setting and avoid using fabric softener as this will coat the fibers of the gi and make them less absorbent.

BJJ Gis for Females

BJJ Gis for Females are usually made using a specially-designed BJJ Gi pants pattern to make them smaller and more form fitting. Jiu-jitsu Gis for females will often come with shorter sleeves, but this is not always the case as some BJJ students prefer longer sleeve lengths.

Submission Shark BJJ Gear has many different styles of Jiu Jitsu gi's that are perfect for women! (Not Including the Shark Frenzy BJJ Gi)

Jiu Jitsu Gi For Kids

You can find a Gi for Kids that are made specifically with smaller fighters in mind. BJJ Gis for kids have shorter sleeves and pant legs making it a better fit for youth jiu jitsu practitioners

Jiu Jitsu Gi Sizing

Choosing the right BJJ gi for you depends highly on selecting the correct size. When choosing the right BJJ gi size, it is recommended that you follow along the size chart provided by the brands.

Gi sizes usually range from:

M1, M2, M3, M4 (Kids)

F1, F3, F3, F4, F5 (Women's)

A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 (Men's)

Return Policy

What happens if you select the wrong size gi? The size for the gi determines your overall usability and satisfaction with the item. It's essential that the place you are shopping from comes with a return option similarly to the one Submission Shark has.

Dryer Shrinking

If you buy a pre shrunk gi, you should not expect for it to shrink if hang dried. Often martial arts practitioners will place either the gi top / gi jacket into the drier for a few minutes to allow the heat to shrink it to get the perfect gi fit.

Most gis will not require an additional 'shrink' because they are preshrunk but if you choose to do this process, I'd suggest starting with one gi at a time and only the jiu-jitsu gi part that you wish to shrink. For example if you need a smaller jacket but the pants of the gi fits well, you can leave the gi pants out of the dryer.

Customer Support

It can be helpful to order your new jiu jitsu gi with a brand that has great customer support to ensure a clear communication and satisfaction with the item. Submission Shark has been known to have excellent customer support.

If you have any questions regarding any BJJ gear, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We love helping people like you and are happy to help you choose the right git for you.

Choosing The Right BJJ Gi For You

As you can see there are several factors to consider when buying your first BJJ Gi or picking out another one if it becomes worn down from heavy use.

It is important to take into account what weight BJJ Gi will suit your lifestyle, how much money you want/need to spend on it and whether or not you want a traditional or modern BJJ Gi style. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and a more expensive BJJ Gi will usually be of higher quality!

~ BJJ gis come in weights ranging between 450 and 550 GSM (grams per square meter).

~ The price of the jiu-jitsu Gi can range in price from around $95 to over $425.

~ It is important to find a jiu-jitsu Gi that fits your budget, but also remember that you get what you pay for. A more expensive BJJ GI will be made of a higher quality cotton and have a dense weave.

~ The style of the BJJ Gi is a personal preference. Some BJJ students prefer the traditional BJJ gi cut while others have no problem with something more modern that doesn't follow Japanese tradition as closely.

~ BJJ Gis for Females are usually made using a specially-designed jiu-jitsu Gi pants pattern to make them smaller and more form fitting.

~ As you can see there are several factors to consider when buying your first Gi or picking out another one if it becomes worn down from heavy use.

~ It is important to take into account what weight BJJ Gi will suit your lifestyle, how much money you want/need to spend on it and whether or not you want a traditional or modern BJJ Gi style. Don't forget that you get what you pay for and a pricing with the BJJ Gi will usually be an indicated of higher quality!

The perfect gi for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Most martial artists prefer high quality gis as the gi fits better and it's important they withhold durability as you are training jiu jitsu frequently.

You also would want to shop for a comfortable BJJ gi that hasn't been used too much, or better yet brand new to ensure they are clean to support the best hygiene. Your training partners will appreciate you wearing a new gi that is clean to the gym.

We hope you found this blog post on BJJ Gi helpful! If you have any additional questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. Happy shopping! (Submission Shark Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Collection)