BJJ Gis
For the Sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
What is a BJJ Gi?
A gi, also known as a kimono, is the traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts such as judo. It is made up of a jacket, pants, and a belt. The jacket is typically made of a heavy cotton material and is fastened with a series of ties or buttons. The pants are also made of a heavy cotton material and have a drawstring waist. The belt is worn around the waist and is used to indicate the wearer's rank.
Image Above: Fernanda Mazzelli, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, posing with a blue gi secured by a black belt.
Image Above: Harold Harder (left) and Rickson Gracie (right), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, posing in white gis secured by a brown belt (Harder) and a faded black belt (Gracie).
Advantages of Wearing a Gi
The gi provides a number of advantages in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling martial arts. The thick material of the jacket and pants allows for a better grip, making it easier to control an opponent. The material also holds up well against the stress of grappling and can withstand the wear and tear of regular training. Additionally, the gi can be used as a weapon, the jacket can be used to choke the opponent or the pants to control the legs.
Types of Gi Weaves
"Weaving" refers to the fabric production method of interlacing two sets of yarn. In relation to jiu-jitsu gis, there are four main weaves that you will find: single, double, pearl, and gold weaves.
Single Weave
A single weave is the simplest form of jiu-jitsu gi weave and is typically found in beginner gis. Single weaves are one of the lighter gis, having a GSM on the lower end of the spectrum.
Pros
Lighter and often more comfortable to train in (especially in hot environments).
Cons
The lighter fabric may be less durable (but this isn't always the case).
Double Weave
A double-weave is double the thickness of a single-weave (which is where the name comes from). This is a heavy gi material and is often used for competition gis. The thickness and weight of the gi make it hard to grip.
Pros
Durable
The thickness makes it hard for your opponent to get grips
Cons
Heavy, making it harder to make weight for competition
Less comfortable
Pearl Weave
Pearl weaves are the most common weaves used for gi jackets. The name "pearl" comes from the weave, which resembles pearls strung together.
Pros
High-quality pearl weaves are durable, hardly shrink, and are comfortable
Cons
Not all pearl weaves are created equal and poor quality ones are not durable and uncomfortable.
Gold Weave
The weaves in a gold weave have a distinct appearance that looks like a ladder. Gold weave gis are known for being durable, comfortable, and thick enough to make getting grips difficult.
Pros
Durable and comfortable
Cons
Tend to shrink more than other weaves
What Are the Best BJJ Gis and Where Can I Buy Them?
Best Overall Gi
FUJI All-AroundAn all around great gi for a reasonable price. This mid-weight, special weave gi is great for competitors and casual Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
Weave: Special
Price: $70-$120
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the FUJI All-Around
Durable. Multi-layered reinforcement across all stress points
IBJJF Certified. This gi will work for competitors.
Cost-Effective. At around $110, this gi is a good price.
Cons of the FUJI All-Around
Shrinkage. Prone to shrinking in the dryer.
Best Women's Gi
Sanabul Women's Essential Brazilian Jiu Jitsu GiA lightweight gi that is durable and that looks great! With seven eye-catching colors, this gi will help you look great while you kick butt!
Weave: Single
Price: Around $130
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the Women's Essential Gi
Lightweight. This single weave gi is comfortable and great for summertime training sessions.
Aesthetically Pleasing. Seven eye-popping colors will make you stand out from the crowd.
Durable. 350 gsm fabric will allow performance without tearing your gi.
Cons of the Women's Essential Gi
Unique Sizing. Sanabul gis tend to run larger than other brands. Make sure to check out their sizing guide.
Click Here to Buy the Sanabul Essentials Women's Gi on Amazon
Best Lightweight Gi
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra LightAn excellent lightweight option at an affordable price. At a mere $70, this bad boy will keep you styling on a budget. The lightweight construction is excellent for hot climates.
Weave: Single
Price: Under $70
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the V.2 Ultra Light Gi
Pre-Shrunk. No need to worry about it shrinking in the dryer.
Budget-Friendly. Coming in at under $70, this bad boy is a great price.
Lightweight. This will keep you cooler than heavier gis.
Cons of the V.2 Ultra Light Gi
Unique Sizing. Sanabul gis tend to run larger than other brands. Make sure to check out their sizing guide.
Best Pearl Weave
Venum Power 2.0 GiA solidly reinforced jacket designed to withstand the most brutal yanks and pulls of your opponents. They may try to rip your arm off, but at least this gi will still be intact!
Weave: Pearl
Price: $100-$150
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the Venum Power 2.0 Gi
Jacket: 450gsm Cotton Pearl Wave. This strong, reinforced weave will make sure your gi stays in tact.
IBJJF Approved. Competitors need not worry that this gi won't do the trick.
Excellent Aesthetics. Not only is this gi tough, but it also looks good too.
Cons of the Venum Power 2.0 Gi
Semi-Expensive. This gi runs around $150 - there are cheaper options out there.
Best Kids' Gi
Elite Sports Youth GiThis is an excellent option for children; this gi is lightweight, offers nine different colors, and even comes with a free white belt.
Price: $45 - $70
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the Elite Sports Youth Gi
IBJJF Certified. This gi will work for competitors.
No-shrinking. This gi comes with pre-shrunk fabric.
Free White Belt. Knock out two purchases with one by getting a free white belt.
Cons of the Elite Sports Youth Gi
Sizing for Children Can Be Difficult. This gi has a sizing chart on the Amazon product page, but there is still reports of mis-sized gis.
Best Men's Gi
Elite Sports BJJ GI for MenThis gi is everything you need for a great price. Not only is it IBJJF approved, but it also comes with a free white belt!
Price: $60
Retailer: Amazon
Pros of the Elite Sports BJJ GI for Men
Pre-Shrunk. No need to worry about it shrinking in the dryer.
Budget-Friendly. Coming in at under $70, this bad boy is a great price.
IBJJF Certified. This gi will work for competitors.
Cons of the Elite Sports BJJ GI for Men
Unique Sizing. This gi has reports of mis-sized gis.
