If you’re looking for the best BJJ GI possible for your training or competition you’re at the right spot. I’ve been trying a lot of GIS lately and together with all the old ones I tried it’s really hard to conclude the best one, but I’ll do my best to tell you which ones are the best and why.
I’ll split them into a few categories like the cheapest GIs, the best GI overall, etc. so you can find the one that suits your needs more easily.
Here are the list of the best GIs in the market right now:
The Best Gi Overall
Hayabusa Goorudo 3
- MATERIAL: Jacket: 550-GSM gold weave cotton. Pants: 12oz twill cotton with stretch drawstring. IBJJF approved BJJ kimono for training or competition.
- DURABILITY/QUALITY: This gi was made to be sturdy, tough, and durable to withstand hard training, strong grips, and all the challenges Jiu Jitsu throws at you.
- FIT: Gi weight per size: A0 - 3.9 lbs, A1 - 4.2 lbs, A2 - 4.5 lbs, A3 - 4.6 lbs, A4 - 4.7 lbs, A5 - 5.8 lbs See product description below for SIZE CHART,
- FEEL: The Goorudo 3 Gi uses gold weaved fabric, which means that despite its durability, this gi is still soft and feels great to wear.
- Unique Design: The intricate embroidery and patches create a distinct appearance that's unique to the Goorudo line.
“The first GI and the one that I find the best right now in 2024 is the Hayabusa Goorudo 3. Maybe I’m a bit biased toward this GI as I’ve been wearing them for a long time right now, but in years of wearing Hayabusa, I still can’t find something that I hate on these GIs. While I own a grey color and I like it with white patches, this Gi comes in 4 colors: grey, blue, white, and black. I’ll now try to explain what I like about it.
This Gi can’t go unnoticed in front of your teammates. It simply looks sick. Considering it looks super, everyone will ask where you got it, what its price is, etc. I’ve had it for 6 months now, and I can say that no traces of use are visible on it, and I use it minimally once a week. I haven’t noticed any significant shrinkage, but generally, I take care of my gis, and stretch the arms and legs before drying, so I’m not authoritative in this case.
The only problem I noticed is that this kimono smells weird, or rather, it stinks for the first few washes. After a few washes, everything is okay, but it can be inconvenient for your teammates.”
The Best Lightweight GI
Fuji Suparaito
- For the Serious Competitor: Our flexible gi is designed to enhance your skills so you can apply every technique during training & competition with with nothing getting between you and your opponent
- Lightweight: This FUJI Gi comes with a 350g pearl weave jacket paired with triple-reinforced rip-stop pants and bungee drawstring
- Premium Material: Our Gi is made with a soft, FUJI premium cotton blend that will work as hard as you do, ensuring a comfortable fit for every grappler
- The Design You Can Trust: FUJI Jiu Jitsu Gi featuring contrast stitching and decorated with the FUJI and Suparaito logos
- Competition Approved: FUJI BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) apparel is tested and approved by world-renowed legends like Xande Ribeiro, Renzo Gracie, Rilion Gracie, Roger Gracie, Brazilian Top Team, and thousands of others
I’ve been wearing the Fuji Suparaito for years now, and all I can say is that I’m still impressed with it. This is one of those gis that will undoubtedly fit you perfectly, and in which you’ll feel comfortable at all times. However, Fuji GIs are known for fitting people well. I think the reason is in the shoulders, which have a wider cut, so all those with “shorter shoulders” will be extremely satisfied with this kimono because it will make them look broader.
Considering it’s a lightweight kimono, I can say that the quality is excellent, and it’s a very durable kimono. Shrinkage is almost nonexistent, or at least I haven’t noticed it.
In short, if you want a kimono in which you look good, feel good, and which is lightweight and durable, don’t look any further because you can’t go wrong with this one.
The Best Budget GI
Zafco Grace BJJ Gi
- 100% PRE-SHRUNK COTTON: Our exclusive pre-shrunk 350GSM Pearl Weave cotton formula means minimal shrinkage and maximum comfort from day 1. No more waiting weeks for your Gi to shrink to the right size. Our Gi is ready to go right out of the box.
- IBJJF APPROVED: Our Gi has been approved by the IBJJF for competition use. While many brands claim to be IBJJF legal, this Gi has been lab tested and is the real deal. If you're looking for a Gi that you can use for IBJJF tournaments, look no further.
- MULTI-PURPOSE: The ZAFCO Grace BJJ Gi is designed to be used for both competition and training. The durable fabric and reinforced stitching make it a long-lasting investment that will withstand the rigors of daily training.
- VARIETY OF COLORS: The ZAFCO Grace BJJ Gi is available in a variety of colors, including white, blue, black. Whether you prefer a classic look or something a little more flashy, we've got you covered.
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: At ZAFCO, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and satisfaction. If you have any questions or concerns about our products, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help.
I received this Gi a few months ago, and I must admit I’m thrilled with it considering its price. You really can’t ask for much more for this money because this is a product that will last and in which you’ll move like never before. You’ll feel like you hardly have it on.
Unfortunately, I’ve only worn it about 10 times, so I can’t confirm how durable it actually is. From what I see, all the important parts on this GI are reinforced, so I don’t think there should be any issues with the durability of the kimono.
If you’re looking for a super cheap GI, this is the right choice for you.
Basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi Properties
OF course, the financial availability of Gi is one of our primary concerns. But, this must not be the only determinant of whether or not you’re going to acquire new armor. There are a few more factors that massively influence how a BJJ gi is going to fit you.
- BJJ Gi sizes range from A0 to A5. The letter A stands for adult sizing. The number is a representation of the actual size of the Gi, in terms of adults. These are just the main numbers, as there are categories that are in between. For example, some brands offer sizes like A 1,5, etc. Remember to always check the size chart of the brand you’re considering buying. While you’re looking at size, also make sure you choose the correct BJJ Gi size that fits you. You want neither a tight BJJ Gi nor a very baggy one.
- The rate of shrinkage is the rate at which the Gi is going to get smaller after you wash it. This plays a huge role if you’re at the upper border of a Gi size. For example, buying an A3 Gi might not be smart if you end up looking at A4 sizes after washing them a few times. Nowadays, most Gis is pre-shrunk. However, always leave a little room for skepticism as a small shrinkage rate might still be in play.
- BJJ Gi Color is important if you are a competitor. Later on, we’re going to discuss competition rules more, but for now, know that you’ll be limited to three main colors. If you’re Gi is not white, black, or blue, you won’t be able to compete in it. Check out the IBJJF Gi color rules here. When you train, you can go for any color or combination of colors you like.
- Collar build is an important part of every premium GI. Most BJJ GI collars are filled with cotton or rubber. If the collar is thick it will be harder to choke you because gripping is much harder with a thick collar. Especially those filled with rubber foam. However, this is not something everyone would agree to. It’s not the case with thin collars, but they are harder to keep in place. The only advantage of thick collars is when someone tries to choke you with them it will be hard for them to keep their hand on your carotid arteries.
How to Choose the best size for your GI
If you train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu selecting the proper size is very important. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gis is usually not too baggy, it’s all in the fit. You don’t want to be swimming in fabric, but you don’t want to feel like your outfit is compressing you either. Luckily, most BJJ brands offer size charts for every model they make so you can look up your body measurements online or by talking to someone at the academy store. There tend to be two ruler sizes: height and weight, so if you’re a short/lightweight guy with long arms or a girl with a small waist – go for a smaller size so it will perfectly fit your proportions, while people with a longer torso, wider shoulders or larger waist should go for a bigger one.
BJJ GI Weaves and Fabrics:
Single Weave
Single Weave is the most basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi weave. It is a popular type of weave among grapplers, mostly due to its price. It is very similar to the double weave but with the added benefit of less weight. This makes them perfect for competitors or training in hot areas. One more category of grapplers that can consider a single weave Gi are beginners. It is affordable, comfortable, and easy to take care of. The drawback of this Gi is obviously, durability. Furthermore, Single Weave Gi offers a good gripping surface for your opponent which can also be a hindrance.
Double Weave
Double Weave Gi contains the same pattern found in a single weave Gi. The main difference, though, is that the single weave is repeated. This feature makes the double weave one of the best out there. It provides more thickness, and durability and is heavier compared to a single weave. It is very difficult for opponents to establish grips on a double weave Gi. The thickness which may make it hard to wear is the only con of this weave.
Gold Weave
Gold Weave is a combination of double weave and single weave. Its primary function is to take only the best of both and discard the useless. it has the thickness and durability of a double weave but possesses the light weight of a single weave. In the modern-day game, many competitors go for the gold weave. It offers a lot of advantages and next to no faults. What it also does, is cost more than a single and double weave. In the end, the gold weave is strong enough to withstand competitions and everyday training.
Pearl Weave
Pearl Weave is currently the most used weave in Jiu-Jitsu GI production. The main advantage of the pearl weave is that it’s durable even when used with low GSM fabrics. Being a very durable weave it’s well known for being very comfortable to wear. If you can afford it, don’t think twice.
Ripstop
Ripstop material is a great way to reinforce the materials used for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu GI. It’s used in the way that the original fabric is reinforced with another material to increase its resistance to ripping and tearing. It is usually used on BJJ GI pants to make them more durable. It’s a square pattern that looks like it’s added to the main Jiu-Jitsu GI fabric.
Which Fabric and Weave to Look For When Buying a new GI
This is where most people go wrong. As you become more experienced in Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll discover where your desire lies in terms of BJJ Gi material. For now, you need to be aware of the basic options and what each of them brings. Honestly, considering the average cost, what people mostly look for is durability. This is very closely tied to the material and weave the Gi is made of.
The thickness of the Gi is one more very important property that people should consider. The thicker the BJJ Gi, the harder it is for the opponent to grip and manipulate. The tougher it is for them to close their fist, the better for you. However, thickness often time means more weight, so be careful. The thickness is determined by its weave. There are several main types of weaves common to Jiu-Jitsu Gis.
If you train in grappling, chances are you will sweat a lot. Being sweaty is not bad by itself – it’s the body’s way of cooling down, but if your gi gets soggy and sticks to your skin then it becomes unpleasant. There are several types of materials that Jiu-Jitsu Gis can be made from cotton, pearl weave, gold weave, etc. If you want to get rid of all the moisture as fast as possible, go with 100% cotton or ripstop pants and lightweight material for the top. And even if you don’t like ripstops because they make a lot of noise when rolling on them, at least try to get one that has a double layer on the knees and seat
Competition GI Hacks
When you compete, there are several guidelines you need to follow with your BJJ Gi. It has to fit the standards set by the organizers. It also has to give you every advantage over your opponent. There are a few aspects of a premium jiu-jitsu gi that you have to consider in this sense.
Rule-wise, you need to have either a blue, black, or white Gi. Apart from the patches that come with it, you most likely won’t be allowed anything more. So make sure you do not have an academy or personal patches on your competition Gi. Furthermore, you need to have the size and state of your Gi right. Your sleeves can’t be too long or too short. This also holds true for your pants. Furthermore, you need to have a clean GI with absolutely no tears anywhere. Otherwise, you won’t be able to even enter the competition area.
The best bet for competitors is going for a lightweight Gi. When you cut weight, this is going to come in really handy. Furthermore, any Gi that makes your opponents struggle for grips is a great option. The BJJ gi also needs to fit you perfectly and not impede your movement. Look for a Gi with narrower sleeves. do not forget the rules and shrinkage rate, though. In terms of Gi pants, what you want is durability. Always go for ripstop versions.
BJJ Gi History
The Gi is not specific to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gi, or Kimono was the traditional outfit of the Japanese samurai. In those days, different colored Gi’s demonstrated affiliation with different clans. Those Gi’s were nothing like the ones we know today, though. The modern concept of the Gi is mainly due to Judo’s founder, Dr. Jigoro Kano. His modifications resulted in a tighter Gi, that fit better and was also sawn differently.
This model of the Gi is what we still have today, with certain small modifications. Actually, Gis for different martial arts has the same base but different specifications. Compared to Kano’s model, the BJJ Gi has tighter sleeves and is made from a much sturdier material.
In the beginning, BJJ only had white Gis, just like Judo. It was somewhere around the 1970s that people started experimenting with different colored GIs. As the competitive scene of Jiu-Jitsu grew, so did the interest of different businesses. This, in turn, resulted in the first patches of sponsors appearing to the Gis of competitors. As we all know, today’s BJJ Gi variations are endless, although only a few fit competition requirements.
What is a good BJJ GI?
It’s hard to answer what is a good BJJ GI as it depends mainly on your affinities. There are many different options from fabrics to colors. So, the answer would be that the good BJJ GI is the one that suits you best and makes you feel good while wearing it.
What Color BJJ GI should I get?
If you want to compete there are only three colors approved by IBJJF, white, royal blue, and black. In case, you’re not a competitor you can choose any color you want. The most popular color for non-competitors is Navy Blue.
How tight should BJJ Gi be?
BJJ Gi shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Tight Gi will greatly impact your moving ability while loose Gi will make you “easy to catch”, giving your opponent an advantage. Make sure to buy Gi with a wider groin so it won’t limit your leg’s range of motion.
How long do BJJ Gis Last
BJJ Gi usually lasts around 2 years if you use it regularly. Its duration is mostly about the time spent on the mat. Pants usually last less than a jacket but you can purchase them separately.
How Many Gis Should I Own?
It depends on how many times a week you’re training. It also depends on GI weight weather. If you dry the GI in the fresh air the heavier kimono takes a long time to dry depending on the weather. So, having 2 BJJ Gis is the optimal number if you want to have fresh Gi for every training session.
How much does BJJ Gi cost?
The cost of the BJJ Gi is somewhere around $50 to $200. Simple Gis will cost around $50-$70 while better-looking and more durable Gis will cost around $150-$200. Some GIs cost over $200 but it’s usually about the brands and limited edition series.
Can white belts wear black BJJ Gi?
Yes, of course! White belts are allowed to wear any Gi color in most academies. Although some BJJ academies like AOJ allow only white Gi color.
Does the color of your GI matter in BJJ?
No! The color of your BJJ Gi doesn’t matter by any means. The only restriction on colors is that IBJJF and a lot of other BJJ competition federations only allow white, royal blue, and black Gi colors.
Should I wash my GI after every use?
Absolutely! In the BJJ training session, you change partners, roll on the mats with others and you’ll sweat a lot. Your Gi will be full of bacteria and dirt. While it’s not good for your health you will also smell bad if you show up with unwashed Gi.
How do I choose a BJJ Gi?
You’ll choose your GI while having your affinities on your mind and taking the GI you like the most. Watch for:
- GI Weave type – choose the weave of your preference. Durability, weight, comfort, etc. depend heavily on GI weave type.
- Reinforcements – Reinforced knees, stitchings, or collar improves the GI quality and wearing experience.
- Weight – People usually choose lightweight Gis for summer and heavy Gis for winter.
- Size – Make sure you check the chart sizes of your chosen gi for the best fit
- Color – White, Royal Blue, or black if you’re a competitor, any other color if you’re not a competitor.
- looks – If you look good you feel good, and if you feel good you roll good.
Do you Wear clothes under your Gi?
Yes, you need to wear a rashguard under your Gi jacket and underwear under your Gi pants. Some people wear compression pants under the Gi, especially in the wintertime but it’s uncommon. Also, wearing shorts under Gi pants makes it easier for you to switch from Gi to No-Gi training and sparring.
What is the best weave for a BJJ gi?
Pearl Weave is the best weave because even with the low GSM it’s still strong and durable and can withstand everyday training and competition. It’s the most used weave nowadays.
Closing Thoughts On The Best BJJ GI
Is it possible to recommend the best BJJ gi? One that will fit your body type, your personal needs, and preferences best out of all the other hundreds of gis on the market?
The answer is no. Every GI, even premium GIs is different for everyone because every human being has a different morphology (body type), and physique, and their way of using them is also specific. If you are short, have wide shoulders but a small waist, have long limbs with a short torso – so basically an X-shaped body type – you can’t expect a kimono made for someone who fits into O or square shapes to fit you perfectly even if they’re labeled as “unisex” size.
Therefore, I can just give some advice from my experience and hope it will be helpful, but in the end, you will have to try it out to see what fits your body type best. Also, if after trying several models you don’t like any of them, then look for other brands.
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