How to Choose Your First BJJ Gi

If you're brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you don't need to buy a gi before your first class — most academies, including ours, have loaner gis for trial students. But once you decide to train regularly, owning a gi that actually fits you well makes a real difference in how comfortable and effective your training feels. Here's what to actually pay attention to, and what you can safely ignore as a beginner.

What a gi is made of: understanding the weave

Traditional BJJ gis are woven from cotton (or cotton blends), and the weave type is the first thing to understand because it determines weight, durability, and how the jacket feels during grip fighting.

• Single weave — a lighter, more flexible fabric. Cooler to train in and easier to move in, but less durable over time and more prone to tearing under heavy grip-fighting.
• Double weave — a heavier, thicker fabric woven with a doubled thread pattern. Far more durable and resistant to grips being ripped or torn, but hotter and stiffer, especially before it's broken in.
• Gold/pearl weave and hybrids — modern middle-ground weaves that aim to combine reasonable durability with lighter weight. A common choice for competitors who want durability without the bulk of a full double weave.

For a first gi, a mid-weight single or gold-weave option is usually the most practical choice — light enough to train comfortably in warm rooms, sturdy enough to survive regular use while you figure out what you actually prefer.

Fit matters more than brand

Because so much of BJJ involves gripping the gi itself — collar, sleeves, pants — a poorly fitting gi becomes a real handicap. A jacket that's too long gives opponents extra fabric to control. Sleeves that are too baggy make wrist and sleeve grips easier for your training partner to establish. Pants that are too short or too loose interfere with guard retention. Most gi brands use their own sizing charts based on height and weight rather than generic S/M/L labels, so always check the brand's specific chart rather than assuming your size in one brand carries over to another. If you can, try a gi on in person before buying, or ask training partners what size they wear relative to your build.

Weight and thickness (GSM)

Gi fabric weight is usually measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Lighter gis (roughly 350–450 GSM) are common for competition and hot climates; heavier gis (550 GSM and above) are more traditional and durable but warmer. As a beginner, you don't need to overthink this number — a mid-range GSM in a reputable brand will serve you well for both training and, eventually, casual local competition.

What you actually need on day one

• One properly fitted gi (jacket, pants, and a plain white belt if you're a true beginner — your academy will tell you when a colored belt applies)
• A rash guard or plain t-shirt to wear underneath, per your academy's dress code
• Flip-flops or slides for walking to and from the mat (bare feet only on the mat itself)

What you don't need right away: a second gi in a different weave, competition-cut pants, or premium embroidered patches. Those are upgrades for later, once you know how often you train and what you prefer.

Check your academy's patch and color requirements first

Before ordering anything, always check with your academy about patch requirements and acceptable gi colors. Many schools require their own patch to be sewn onto the gi, and some competitions and academies restrict gi colors to white, blue, or black. Buying a gi in the wrong color, or one that can't accommodate a required patch, is an easy and completely avoidable mistake. When you join our Fundamentals program, we'll walk you through exactly what's required before you spend a dollar — and until then, our loaner gis mean you can start training with zero gear at all. Your first class is free, gi included.