Adding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into your daily routine can have many great advantages, and it can be fun too. But in order to do this, there are a few steps you have to take first. This includes finding a gym and getting the right gear. There are plenty of pieces of kit you can invest in, but the first one should always be a Gi and a belt.
There are a lot of different styles of Gi to choose from, and among them several choices to consider. This may be one of the most stressful parts of the process, and so in order to help you out, we have compiled a list of the five best BJJ Gis available today.
If you’re interested in finding the right Gi for you and your future BJJ journey, then keep reading. We are sure we have found something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the five best BJJ Gis available on the market.
Best BJJ Gi Reviews
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Gi
Sanabul is one of the names that you either know or will get to know, depending on the level of experience you have in BJJ. There is a reason it is tested by professionals and has proven to be one of the top line options on the market today.
Product Highlights
- Designed with contrasting stitching
- Ultra-light single weave cotton
- Comes in 6 colors and 5 sizes
- Specially treated – antifungal and antimicrobial
The Good
There are a lot of elements about this Gi that shine. Not only the name on the label, as it is one of the most well-respected brands available today, but also the materials and design of the Gi itself. The fabric used is lightweight, which is great for more mobility, allowing for more fluid motions when sparring.
As you go through your practice or that tournament, your Gi will take a beating, and having extra support is a necessary feature. The simple design is finished with reinforced stitching, which improves the overall life and durability. On top of all this, the design is simple and is also finished with a treatment to help clean the Gi of bacteria as well as odor.
The Bad
There are a few things, though, that might be an issue for some. The first is that though they may be preshrunk, the pants still may shrink a bit after washing. The Gi also runs large, so if you want to opt for this choice, then you may want to choose the size below what you normally wear.
Pros
- It is easy to move around while wearing
- Treated to prevent fungus and odor
- Crafted with reinforced stitching for enhancing sturdiness
- Nice simple design that will look good
- Gi doesn’t need to be broken in
Cons
- Some issues with the pants shrinking after wash
- Problems with the overall sizing fo the Gi
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Hayabusa Gi
Our next BJJ Gi is a lightweight design from another big name in the Jiu-Jitsu arena – Hayabusa. It is crafted with comfort and performance in mind, which is why it found its way on this list.
Product Highlights
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Tie closure design
- Crafted in cotton (top)/ cotton blend (bottom)
- IBJJF complaint
- Reinforced seams
- Preshrunk
The Good
Hayabusa is another brand that has a reputation behind it, but they only have that because of the care and love put into the design of this Gi. This is a traditional cut Gi that is crafted in high-quality cotton that gives it both durability and a lightweight feel. Because of this, the mobility when wearing it is impressive, and you can be secure in the breathability.
The quality doesn’t stop there. Unlike many other options, this Gi is truly preshrunk, so there is no way that this Gi will shrink any further. All of this combined makes it a great investment and an excellent choice for those that are more serious about BJJ.
The Bad
With all that being said, there are some things that we feel we would be remiss without meeting. The Gi does have a sizing issue when it comes to fit. Many have found that the Gi is very baggy, which could be a problem for the fluidity of movement. The fabric is also saturated with color and tends to fade very easily.
Pros
- Traditional design that is simple but nice
- Strength and durability is enhanced with reinforced stitching
- Lightweight and perfect for summer training
- Mobility is maximized thanks to the feather-like feel of the Gi
- Even after multiple washes, the Gi has no shrinkage
Cons
- Some find the Gi a little to baggy
- Material has a faded color, which some may find annoying
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Fire Team Fit BJJ Gi
Our next Gi is a great option crafted with movement and durability at the core of its design. The preshrunk Gi comes in both men’s and women’s options as well as several great colors.
Product Highlights
- Ripstop drawstring pants
- Reinforced stitching
- Crafted in 450 GSM
- IBJJF approved
- Preshrunk
- Finished with an anti-odor treatment
The Good
What is better than getting a quality Gi and a bonus gift of a free belt? Not much! This little add-on helps make this Gi an even better investment than it already was. It is a Gi that is manufactured with high-quality, lightweight cotton. This will help with the fighter’s ability to move as they are practicing or sparring.
Along with that fabric, the cut of the Gi is impressive. It is fitted, which gives it a heightened comfort and also helps with the mobility range of the wearer. Plus, it is treated to keep odors from sticking to the weave of the fabric.
The Bad
There are some faults that may come up when you are looking at this Gi that could cause you to reconsider choosing this option, though. The first is that many people have a problem with the very visible stitching that affects the overall look but is also key to the Gi’s durability. The other primary issue is with the prominence of the logo.
Pros
- The model comes with a complimentary white belt
- Crafted in 450 GSM fabric to extend the life
- No worries about odors from sweat
- Lightweight material elevates the breathability of the Gi
- Designed with a tapered fit for a comfortable wear
Cons
- Some may find visible stitching a little undesirable
- Issues with the prominence of the logo
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Hayabusa Goorudo 3
Another entry from Hayabusa, the Goorudo 3 combines everything from other models with a little extra style. Adorned with kanji symbols, this Gi is sure to draw some attention at the gym.
Product Highlights
- 550 GSM – jacket
- Twill cotton – bottom
- IBJJF certified
- Pre-sewn embroidery and patches
- Pre-washed
- Tie closure
This is a fashionable Gi that is comparable to many of the other Gis on the market. After all, there is no reason why you can’t look cool and still have a piece of kit that offers high performance. The cut and fit of this piece provides a tailored look and will definitely draw eyes to you when you walk in the room.
The Good
One of the best features other than the cool vibe is the durability versus the weight. This is very balanced, which can be hard to find in BJJ Gis. But what do you expect from a professional and competition-ready design like this one from Hayabusa?
The Bad
Now there are some things that we think could be improved to elevate this Gi even further. The fabric is pre-washed, and yet the Gi still has serious shrinkage problems. If you are careful, you may be able to avoid them, but there is no guarantee. Also, because of the fashion aspect of this Gi, the price is a bit steep for some.
Pros
- Cut and fit for the perfect tailored look – flexibility and comfort
- Durability versus weight is well balanced for optimal performance
- Professional and competition-ready tapered Gi
- Sharp and cool looking design that will get you noticed
- Gi is compliant with IBJJF competition rules
Cons
- Some may find the Gi a bit pricey compared to others
- Serious issues with shrinkage after washing
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Fuji Submit Everyone Gi
Our final Gi claims that you can make everyone submit, at least that is what the name of the Gi model is, and that sounds pretty good for those into BJJ. In truth, this is one of the best products because of the quality of construction and the aesthetic.
Product Highlights
- 350g lightweight pearl weave cotton jacket
- Ripstop drawstring pants
- Extra stitching rows
- IBJJF approved for competition
The Good
This is another of those Gis that offers a great design for durability and style. There is a lot of personality in every stitch and the final design, so you can be assured that you will leave an impression. But along with that, it offers a lot of other great aspects. The Gi is approved by multiple martial art associations, including the IBJJF. This means that you will have no problem stepping on the competition floor when donning this amazing Gi.
The Gi itself is crafted to offer little resistance, which is done using a lighter fabric than other Gis. The cut is pretty comfortable, as well. And if you have ever had problems with your pants ripping mid-kick, you won’t have to worry about it in this Gi. The pants are triple reinforced to keep just this situation from occurring.
The Bad
Okay, so that all sounds amazing, but there is always room for improvement. When it comes to this Gi, the sizing and the stiffness of the collar could be improved. The Gi tends to run a little big, so you might want to opt for the next size down to make sure you get the right fit. As for the collar, some have found it to be a little too stiff for a truly comfortable wear.
Pros
- Gi is designed to appeal to a lot of personalities
- Design of the model is crafted for superior comfort
- Crafted with lightweight material for more mobility and breathability
- Approved by multiple associations for competition
- Triple reinforced pants give longer usability
Cons
- The issue with the sizing of this Gi (runs big)
- Some feel the collar is a bit too stiff
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Buyer’s Guide
In order to find the options we looked at above, we had to narrow down the choices first. In order to do this, we concentrated on five different features that we felt helped make Gi both a great investment and ones that offer superior performance.
We finally decided on the following five features, which we are sure will also help you in your decision-making process. Here are those five features.
Size
Size can be looked at in two different ways. The first is the actual size, in which case you want a Gi that is loose enough to let you have plenty of mobility but not so baggy that it hinders those movements. Most brands will give you a chart that you can follow that uses your height and weight to determine the size.
The other is the cut. You will want to pay attention to this as it plays a part in the Gi’s style and fit. Some models will have longer or shorter jackets. The same goes for pants as some will have looser or more baggy options. It would be best if you tried to figure out which will be most comfortable for you.
Material Type
There are typically three types of materials you will find BJJ Gi in, and each has its pluses and minuses. Here are the three types:
Single weave – This tends to be the cheapest option but doesn’t lack in aspects that make it a great choice. It will be super comfortable and great for ground attacks, which will mean less resistance for a better price. Many entry-level kimonos will be created in this fabric.
Double weave – Sometimes, this material is called rice grain fabric. This fabric is not found as much in BJJ but may make an appearance every now and then. It is heavier and thicker and may make fluidity of movement a challenge. It is more durable, though.
Fabric weave gold – This is the best of both worlds. Not only is this material durable, but it is lightweight and comfortable. Gis made with it will help balance mobility and resistance very well. It is also soft to the touch, which makes it even more comfortable.
Ideal Use (Training or Competition)
You have to also consider how your Gi will be worn. If you are looking for a Gi solely for practice, then any Gi will do. However, if you are looking at competing, there are guidelines to consider. The Gi must be white, black, or blue by competition rules.
The Gi has to match, so no contrasting bottoms. You also need to pay attention to extra patches included in the design as the competition rules are very precise when it comes to these.
Weight
Weight plays a role in both comfort and performance. If you are practicing or competing in a hot climate, you may want to choose a lighter weight so you have more breathability. This is also a great option if you are someone who sweats profusely.
The weight of the Gi will also affect the durability of the Gi. Thicker Gis will, of course, last longer. Although you can find lightweight options with reinforced stitching that can extend that Gi’s life if you really need more breathability.
Price Vs Value
As with any investment, you must consider what you get for the price. When choosing your BJJ Gi, you will want to look for the one that offers the best design and uses the best materials. This will vary from person to person and will depend solely on the budget you are working with.
BJJ Gi FAQs
Now that you know how to choose the right Gi for you, you may still have some questions. This is to be expected, and so we have collected several of the most commonly asked questions. We hope that we can help you with your entire decision-making process by answering them below.
What color Gi to buy for BJJ?
This is a question that really depends on what your use for that Gi is going to be. As we said above, if you are looking to use it simply for practice, you can really choose any color. Many models will offer a wide range of colors, and you can choose the one you feel shows your personality. But before you do that, make sure to contact your gym and make sure they don’t have any guidelines on this matter.
On the other hand, if you intend to make your way to competitions, this answer changes quite a bit. The IBJJF, which is the organization that runs all tournaments and competitions, only allows Gis that are white, blue, or black.
What should I wear under my BJJ Gi?
You can really wear anything; the decision is up to you. Some wear t-shirts under their top, and others wear nothing. Though the choice is yours, we highly suggest you try a rash guard. These are shirts and underwear that are lightweight, breathable, and durable so they help protect your skin.
They can also help protect your Gi. The fabric from rashguards tends to be wicking material, which means that it will be less exposed to your sweat. This, in turn, can extend the life of the Gi significantly.
How often do I wash BJJ Gi?
There is a lot of contact in BJJ, and so there will be germs passed around pretty freely. This means that we would suggest you wash your Gi every time you hit the gym. But if you can’t do that, it should definitely take a trip through the wash after a major session. When you walk out drenched in you and your sparring partner’s sweat, this is what we mean by a major session.
If you don’t wash it every time, then at least hang the Gi to dry outside in the sun after every class or practice. There should never be more than two times between washes.
How much will a BJJ Gi shrink?
Unless your Gi is preshrunk, you should expect a little shrinkage. There are, of course, some ways you can avoid massive shrinkage but the amount that shrinkage is hard to determine and depends on several factors include the fabric. The first thing to remember is that a cheaper Gi will shrink more than a more expensive option.
This is due to the fabric that the Gi is crafted in. For instance, the gold weave will shrink more than the pearl weave. Another factor that plays a part is the weight of the weave. Lighter weaves will shrink less than heavier weaves. Some Gis are crafted in ripstop, and it will shrink the least of any of the fabrics.
How to make your own patches for BJJ Gi?
Having your own patches is a nice touch when you purchase a Gi, but how do you do that? There are many companies that allow you to create your own custom design. Most will have you choose the shape and then type. Then you can upload a logo, and they will produce however many copies you want. This is the easiest way to do this.
Final Thoughts
With all this information, you should be able to make an informed decision on what BJJ Gi is the best available today. There are factors that play a key role, and these are what we used to choose the five options we took an in-depth look at. As we said at the opening, we are sure that there is something for everyone on this list.
Along with these options and the buyer’s guide, we also answered some questions that can help you well after you have made your Gi choice and are already out there sparing.
