I'm not the strongest guy in the world, but when I put on my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi for the first time, it made me feel invincible.
I wasn't initially sure what to expect when I got into BJJ because it's a martial art that relies more on technique than strength. But after putting on my gi for the first time, I felt like a part of a long tradition and was ready for anything.
In Brazilian jiu jitsu, that feeling is amplified. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is an interesting sport. It's got a lot more to it than most martial arts, and the outfits worn for combat are specific in terms of cut and color.
As one of the most grab-intensive sports available to you, you need to choose a gi with qualities that are different from judo or karate. But what exactly makes a good Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi? And which manufacturers deliver?
In a hurry? Here’s our top pick.
OUR TOP PICK
The Sanabul Essentials V.2 takes our top spot because not only does it combine a lot of forethought and design to give beginners in Brazilian jiu jitsu the key things they need, but it does it reliably and at an attractive price point.
The V.2 has a lightweight weave. That means it’s useful for summer training, and won’t weigh you down in terms of freedom of movement.
That’s important when you’re new to the sport and trying out moves.
You need both the freedom to try new things and the lightweight weave for skin breathability.
The V.2 Ultra Light Preshrunk gi will give you both of those things in a single gi.
As a beginner, you also need your gi to withstand some rough, some tumble, and quite a lot of grabbing.
Sanabul has a longstanding industry reputation of working with master practitioners and trainers to ensure its gis can stand up to everything beginners can put them through.
The V.2 comes pre-shrunk, so you can simply hand wash it in cool water and let it hang dry.
If you still need to shrink the gi to get it down to size, hand wash it in hotter water and you can shrink anything up to one full size out of it.
And because newcomers to Brazilian jiu jitsu can be relied upon to practice, practice, and practice some more, the Sanaubul V.2 comes pre-treated with both an antimicrobial and an anti-odor treatment, for ease of cleaning and prolonged freshness even with extensive use.
The V.2 to the top of our list is that it goes above and beyond to open up Brazilian jiu jitsu to anyone who wants to learn.
The V.2 standard is also available in a specific Women’s Essentials variant, which is more fitted and sized for women’s bodies.
That means women aren’t forced into wearing a “unisex” shaped gi which is essentially designed around the bodies of men.
The V.2 is also available in a range of color combinations, which are great for use when training, and which can encourage newcomers into the sport.
All of this is available in the V.2 at a reasonable cost, because as a beginner, you don’t want to pay too much for your first gi, in case it turns out not to be your thing.
The Sanabul V.2 gives you a great sturdy lightweight single-weave gi that can take what you throw at it but isn’t going to break your bank if you decide Brazilian jiu jitsu’s not for you.
This combination of design to take you forward, but a price point that never feels like pressure is why the Sanabul V.2 is our top pick for a beginner gi for BJJ.
Pros:
- Lightweight single-weave gi for ease of training
- Durability despite the lightness, so you can punish the gi
- Pre-shrunk for ease and safety of cleaning – further shrinkage at your control
- Anti-microbial and anti-odor coatings to keep you safe and fresh, however hard you train
- Dedicated women’s sizes and cut
- Several color options
- Priced to give you an easy access point into BJJ
Cons:
- Some competitions run by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) take issue with the color design of the V.2, so check before you enter.
EDITORS CHOICE
The Elite Sports Ultra-Light BJJ Gi is another gi that’s built with very lightweight fabric, so that you aren’t distracted by the weight of your gi and can focus on your jiu jitsu.
As with the Sanabul, it’s also delivered pre-shrunk, so you don’t have the hassle of worrying about any shrinkage in the wash.
And also like the Sanabul, it comes pre-treated with antibacterial and anti-odor treatments, so you can keep on training in the Elite Sports gi for longer without sweat or smells becoming a distraction.
The Elite Sports is competitively priced too, so you don’t end up paying for a whole lot of high-tech gi you’ve no use for.
And one feature which on its day could let the Elite Sports compete for the top spot on our list is that its color schemes come pre-approved for IBJJF competitions.
That means unlike the Sanabul, you can enter those competitions with complete confidence your gi is up to inspection for the event.
Where the Elite Sports gi is less flexible than the Sanabul though is in its sizing and cut – there’s no body-friendly design or sizing for men and women in the Elite Sports range.
You simply have to find the right size for you and go with a standard design.
That said, the Elite Sports beginner gi gives you almost everything you could need in your first gi, with the added bonus of certainty any time you apply for an IBJJF competition.
That’s more than enough to make it our second choice for best BJJ gi for beginners – and on its day, it might easily compete for the top spot.
Pros:
- Lightweight gi for ease of movement
- Single-weave for breathability
- IBJJF-approved for competition
- Lots of color combinations
- Antibacterial and anti-odor coatings
- Pre-shrunk for ease of sizing and cleaning
- Competitive on price, meaning you won’t break the bank if it’s not for you
Cons:
- No differentiation on body-type or size, so you just choose from a single sizing chart
BEST VALUE
One of the important things about Brazilian jiu jitsu is the look of your gi.
Some IBJJF judges will take against an otherwise perfectly competent competition gi if, for instance, there are additional color panels that spoil the flow of the eye.
Others won’t, but it’s a thing worth noting. The Your Jiu Jitsu Gear BJJ Gi is your friend if you’re aiming to compete at a serious level, because it’s relatively clean and free of maker’s advertising.
As looks go, it’s a great aesthetic and is likely to get waved through any kit inspection.
Originally designed by a Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist, Your Jiu Jitsu Gear brings a lot of experience to the look, the fit, and the durability of its beginner’s gi.
Single-weave for breathability, one thing to be aware of is that it’s more at home in winter training environments.
The Your Jiu Jitsu Gear gi is a heavier weighted gi than either of our first two, so be aware of that before you buy – if you’re training in Florida, go lighter weight.
For any Alaskan friends of Brazilian jiu jitsu, the Your Jiu Jitsu Gear gi might well have your name on it.
Though not literally, of course – that would spoil its initial clean lines.
The collar of the Your Jiu Jitsu Gear gi is rubberized, to help resist the grabs and grips of your opponent.
Meanwhile, the pants are reinforced and come with a stretch drawstring for ease of movement.
The Your Jiu Jitsu Gear gi is available in four color options for personalization to suit your aesthetic.
While it has fewer bells and whistles than our leading gis and comes in just slightly higher on the pricing scale, the Your Jiu Jitsu Gear gi has enough to recommend it that it lands a comfortable bronze medal spot in our list.
Pros:
- Single-wave breathable gi
- Clean lines and uncluttered aesthetic
- Designed by a BJJ specialist
- Great for winter training
Cons:
- Heavier gi, so may be too warm for summer environments
- No active antimicrobial or anti-odor treatments
RUNNER UP
Sometimes, to find perfection, you need to take a little from Column A and a little from Column B and blend them to taste.
That’s the essence of the Fuji BJJ gi.
With some awards to its name and a longstanding reputation in the gi-making world, Fuji announces itself as a contender to be taken seriously.
Neither lightweight nor heavy, the Fuji gi has a stiffer, thicker collar and layered reinforcement at all the gi’s stress points, for durable jiu jitsu and comfortable use long term.
It’s made of a 100% cotton blend for breathable comfort, and is fully IBJJF-certified.
While it’s not as high-tech as some of our list-leaders, and ranges in price from the extremely affordable to the reasonably committed, as a solid example of the mid-high end of the gi market, you can’t really afford not to take at least one look at the Fuji BJJ gi.
Pros
- Mid-weighted gi, to allow for reasonable comfort in any environment
- Highly durable
- 100% cotton blend for breathability
- IBJJF-certified for a hassle-free competition experience
- Stiffer, thicker collar than many gis, for long life despite much grabbing
Cons
- Less shrink-safe than some gis on our list
- Beyond the cotton blend, no active anti-odor treatment
- Price varies, and can be expensive for beginners
RUNNER UP
If you’re a BJJ beginner with a little cash to invest in your new hobby or sport, the Hayabusa Lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi is definitely worth a look.
As the name suggests, we’re back in the lightweight category with the Hayabusa gi.
Sewn with gold weave and delivering a customized fit, this is a gi that gives you some serious comfort, while also being strong enough to take everything you throw at it in training or competition.
Looking like something between a Star Fleet uniform and a smoking jacket, there’s no denying the Hayabusa has its own unforgettable aesthetic, and it’s available in four color options.
But while it may look more staid than some gis on our list, its combination of lightweight fabric, a tailored fit, and supreme comfort while training makes the Hayabusa a beginner gi to consider – if you can afford it.
Pros:
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Constructed with gold weave for additional durability
- Customized fitting for unbeatable comfort
- Distinctive look
Cons:
- Price – you need a good chunk of change to consider this as your beginner gi
Buyer’s Guide
When buying your beginner gi, there are a few things to keep in mind before you press the ‘Buy’ button.
Suit Your Environment
There are gis available at every weight level, from ultra-lightweight to heavyweight. The bottom line on this is to choose a gi that suits your training and competition environment.
Training in Alaska? Go heavier weight, so your gi keeps you suitably warm. Training in Florida? Ultra-lightweight, breathable fabrics are your friend.
Wherever Possible, Go Technological
If you can get a gi that seems like it will fit well and match your environment, and it also offers solutions to microbial growth and odor under extreme use, go for it.
It’s not that Brazilian jiu jitsu makes you especially stinky, but it’s a high-energy activity that goes on for quite some time when you’re training. Sweat and odor solutions are both your friends, and the friends of everyone around you.
Keep An Eye On The Price
As with any new hobby, unless you have money to burn, it’s wise to start out with a good, rugged piece of equipment that doesn’t do too many special things, and doesn’t charge you for doing them.
That way, if you discover that BJJ is not your thing, you won’t have overcommitted to it too early
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a formula for deciding the best BJJ gi for beginners?
Everyone is individual, so everyone will have their own version of the formula. But as a beginner, look for a gi that lets you move freely, doesn’t overheat you, and is easy to clean and maintain.
After that, make sure it’s suitable for what you want to achieve – IBJJF certified if you want to compete in the Federation’s competitions, for instance.
How do I know whether I want a light, middle, or heavyweight gi?
Look around you. What’s your training environment like?
Usually, we’d advise going lightweight first, as it will help you discover your range of BJJ movement without unnecessary weight.
Should I have multiple weights or types of gi?
Eventually. That’s a thing that will happen naturally, but as a beginner, don’t overcommit. Get one good, all-purpose gi to start with, and build your wardrobe from there.
Also, don’t train and compete in gis that are too different, or you’re training in knife work and competing in a gunfight. You want to be able to bring all your training to bear in competition, so keep them as close together as possible.
