The Gi is a traditional garment across many martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gi is essentially a BJJ fighter’s uniform.
It’s integral to developing some of the key skills involved in Jiu-Jitsu combat and, due to the fact that ranking belts are worn tied around the Gi, they are also a symbol of pride and achievement.
Here at BJJ Addict, we’re committed to helping all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters to unlock their full potential. That’s why we’ve decided to compile a selection of the top 5 best lightweight BJJ Gis on the market.
These Gis will provide you with what you need to build on your grappling skills without leaving you feeling weighed down or overheated.
We’ve also put together a Buyer’s Guide and FAQ section, so you can learn more about the most important features of a lightweight BJJ Gi and find answers to some of the most asked questions surrounding the traditional BJJ apparel.
Need the best quality lightweight Gi as soon as possible? Take a look at our top pick:
Hayabusa Lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi
- 420 gsm cotton-polyester pearl weave
- Seam reinforcement
- 8 oz ripstop pant reinforcement
- Tailored fit
- 6 available sizes
- 11 colors
- Approved for competition wear
OUR TOP PICK
Hayabusa’s Lightweight Jiu-Jitsu Gi provides the perfect combination of comfort and durability for fighters of all abilities!
What first impressed us about the Hayabusa Gi was the high quality of the fabric. Weighing in at 420 gsm, the pearl-weave cotton-polyester fabric manages to be extremely tough and lightweight at the same time.
This makes the Hayabusa Gi perfect for fighters looking to make a long-term investment into high-quality BJJ gear without sacrificing speed or comfort.
Also contributing to the durability of this Gi is the reinforced seam construction, which stops the Gi from coming apart at what are typically the weaker areas of the garment.
Certain areas of fabric have also been reinforced with 8 oz ripstop paneling. As a result, this Gi is so durable in its construction that it has been approved for IBJJF competition!
The tailored fit of this Gi means that the fit is perfect: tight enough to feel secure but not too loose, either.
Another impressive feature of the Hayabusa Lightweight Gi is its heavy-duty fastenings.
The pants feature a bungee cord drawstring that will stay securely fastened around the wearer’s waist, even throughout intense fights.
The self-tie jacket closure, meanwhile, allows the wearer complete control over the fastening of the jacket in terms of tightness and knotting.
You can find this Gi in sizes A0 to A5, which covers the majority of the sizing spectrum for BJJ Gis. There are also 11 understated color options that will allow your moves to shine in competition.
Pros
- Premium 420 gsm pearl-weave cotton-polyester
- Reinforced seams
- 8 oz cotton-polyester ripstop reinforcement
- Tailored fit
- Bungee pant fastening cord
- 6 size options
- 11 color options
- Competition-approved
Cons
- Some issues surrounding the size guide
EDITORS CHOICE
Sanabul manufactures some of the best BJJ gear available on the market, from rash guards to gloves, and their range of Gis is no exception to their high standards.
In fact, some of the world’s most renowned BJJ fighters wear Sanabul gear, so there’s no question of this brand’s quality.
The Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra Light Preshrunk BJJ Gi is the best lightweight Gi Sanabul has to offer, and it’s also unquestionably one of the best options available to buy right now.
The pearl-weave cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable as well as comfortable to wear. However, it’s also highly durable and tear-resistant, so there’s no risk of it tearing easily during grappling despite its lightweight feel.
The fabric has also been treated to make it more moisture-wicking, so it will stay dryer and fresher for longer while you’re wearing it.
Sanabul has incorporated other features into its lightweight Gi design to ensure its toughness. These features include tapered sleeves and a thick, rubberized collar for grappling convenience and durability.
The Sanabul Essentials V.2 Gi is available in 6 minimalist, classic color options that will help you to look stylish and professional. This Gi also covers sizes A0 to A4.
This does mean that the 2 larger Gi sizes are not available, although Sanabul’s Gis run larger than other brands, so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most fighters.
This Gi is preshrunk, which means you won’t need to worry about it shrinking in the wash and no longer fitting correctly.
However, you still should not machine-wash this Gi. Washing should only be done by hand.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Light but durable pearl-weave cotton
- Rubberized collar
- Tapered sleeves
- 6 color options
- 5 available sizes
Cons
- Must only be washed by hand
BEST VALUE
FUJI’s Summerweight BJJ Uniform is one of the most highly recommended lightweight BJJ Gis on the martial arts apparel market.
This is an all-cotton BJJ Gi, constructed using a pearl-weave. At 450 gsm, this fabric is thick enough to withstand intense grappling, but not so heavy that it will feel stuffy or restrictive.
The FUJI Summerweight Gi also features a rubber collar for extra strength where your gear will need it most.
Additionally, the bungee cord drawstring on the pants is extremely strong and won’t break or come undone during a fight.
In fact, this Gi is so durably constructed that it’s been approved for competition wear by IBJJF, UAEBJJF, and NABJJF.
With the purchase of the FUJI Summerweight Gi, you’ll also receive 2 sew-on patches to decorate your gear.
Pros
- 450 gsm pearl-weave cotton
- Rubber collar
- Bungee pant cord
- Competition-approved
- Includes 2 sew-on patches
Cons
- Some reported sizing confusion
RUNNER UP
The Air BJJ Jiu-Jitsu Gi from Flow Kimonos is aptly named because of how its construction allows optimal air circulation.
The 350 gsm cotton material of the jacket is incredibly lightweight due to the pearl weave but, thanks to the high quality of the stitching, it’s also very durable.
The 8 oz ripstop cotton pants, meanwhile, are equally comfortable and breathable while remaining tough and tear-resistant.
This Gi features 4 extra-wide belt loops so you can attach any Jiu-Jitsu belt, including ranking belts, to fasten the jacket.
The pants, on the other hand, are fastened using a high-density, foam-filled drawstring that will remain secure once tied and won’t fray or break.
You can purchase this Gi in 9 size options, including half sizes, so the chances of you finding your perfect fit is maximized.
The Flow Kimonos Air BJJ Gi is preshrunk, so there’s no risk of your Gi shrinking further as long as it is laundered on a cold wash and air-dried.
Pros
- 350 gsm pearl-weave cotton jacket
- 8 oz ripstop cotton pants
- High-density foam drawstring
- High-quality tonal stitching
- 9 size options
Cons
- Pants run slightly tight
RUNNER UP
This Ultra-Lightweight Jiu-Jitsu Gi from Gold BJ will definitely have you going for gold!
The jacket of this Gi is made from incredibly light 275 gsm cotton fabric, pearl-weaved for extra lightness.
However, thanks to the reinforced stitching, the lightweight fabric won’t tear easily during grappling, so you don’t have to sacrifice longevity for breathability.
The pants are made of 10 oz ripstop material, which is extra breathable and won’t leave you feeling sweaty or overheated after an intense session.
This Gi also features EVA foam padded lapels for extra durability and solid grip, so wearing this Gi will help you to improve your grappling skills and escape your opponent’s grip in the long term.
Gold BJJ carries this Gi in sizes A0 to A5, including some half sizes and large sizes, so most BJJ fighters will be able to find it in their ideal size. 4 color options are also provided.
Pros
- 275 gsm pearl-weave cotton jacket
- Breathable 20 oz ripstop pants
- Reinforced stitching
- EVA foam lapels
- A0 to A5 plus half and large sizes
- 4 color options
Cons
- The provided size guide does not work for everyone
Best Lightweight BJJ Gi Buying Guide
Now that we’ve shown you the best lightweight BJJ Gis money can buy, you’ll probably have some idea of what makes a standout lightweight Gi.
However, you’ll probably also have realized that there’s a lot more to consider in a lightweight BJJ Gi than simply the weight of the construction.
This buyer’s guide will help you to make all the considerations necessary for choosing the best lightweight BJJ Gi!
Material
Of course, the material out of which your BJJ Gi is made will play a fundamental role in determining the quality, comfort, and durability of your gear. That’s why it’s so important to pay close attention to several features of the fabric.
Most BJJ Gis will be made of cotton. This is largely due to the softness, strength, and versatility of the fabric.
Often, polyester will be blended in with the cotton to add extra breathability and tear-resistance, which we highly recommend in a lightweight Gi. Reinforced ripstop polyester is often used to make BJJ Gi pants extra durable and lightweight.
You’ll also need to pay attention to the gsm of the fabric. Gsm is an abbreviation for ‘grams per square meter’ and tells you the weight and thickness of the material.
Ideally, you want the gsm to be high enough to indicate that the material will be tear-resistant, but low enough to show that it isn’t too heavy. For lightweight Gis, this should be between 300 and 500, although extra lightweight Gis can have gsms in the 200s.
The weave of the fabric is also important. As you might have noticed, all of the Gi jackets included on our list are made using a pearl weave, which is the most lightweight fabric weaving technique seen in Gi construction that doesn’t compromise durability.
Whatever the material of your lightweight BJJ Gi, we recommend opting for designs that use reinforced stitching to ensure that the seams of your Gi remain intact for as long as possible.
Size
Getting the sizing right with your BJJ Gi is absolutely crucial for allowing safe and proper grappling as well as comfort. However, because BJJ Gis use a specific sizing system, sizing is also one of the most frequently encountered obstacles in purchasing BJJ Gis.
We’ve tried to include Gis in our review section that are available in as many sizes as possible to increase the chances of a comfortable and practical fit.
For the most part, this means that you’ll find sizes A0 to A4 or A5. Where possible, we’ve included brands that stock half sizes so that you can select a middle ground if you’re not sure or if your measurements don’t suit a whole size. Large options of sizes are also available through some brands.
Be sure to consult the individual size guides provided by manufacturers as well as customer reviews to gauge accurate sizing, including whether sizing runs small or large for a particular brand.
Fastening
Even the best, most durable and lightweight Gi in the world is going to be more or less useless if it keeps coming undone during fights. That’s why the fastening system of both the pants and jacket of a BJJ Gi is a vital factor to consider.
Most BJJ Gi jackets fasten using a belt system so that you can wear your ranking belt with your uniform. We recommend purchasing a Gi with a jacket that has several wide belt loops so that most belt sizes will be compatible with it, and so that the belt will stay securely in place.
Where pants are concerned, a durable cord that won’t come unfastened easily is of the utmost importance. For this purpose, we recommend either a bungee-cord fastening or a foam-filled drawstring cord.
These types of cord are difficult to break and will stay in place once fastened so you won’t have to worry about the security of your Gi while fighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BJJ Gi?
Whether or not you absolutely need to wear a Gi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu entirely depends on what kind of BJJ you’re practicing.
For anyone who isn’t aware, within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are 2 different kinds of fighting. These are Gi Jiu-Jitsu and no-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. In Gi Jiu-Jitsu, opponents are permitted to grab onto one another’s clothing for grappling purposes.
In no-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, this is not allowed, and the participants wear tight-fitting rash guards instead of a Gi.
Obviously, if you’re practicing Gi Jiu-Jitsu, you will definitely need a Gi. However, there are times such as in training where gear will not be regulated and you will need to decide whether nor not to wear a Gi.
Wearing a Gi might initially seem impractical. One of the most common complaints (and the reason for writing this article) is that they often add more weight and heat, which many fighters worry would compromise their fighting skill.
However, there are actually many benefits to training and fighting with a BJJ Gi. Training with a Gi means that you will have to work slightly harder to escape your opponent’s grip, teaching you how to do so more effectively in the long term, and will improve your grappling technique.
