The Top 5 Best BJJ Gis for Beginners (2024)

Are you new to BJJ and need a gi but are unsure what to look for or how much to spend?

Welcome to my review of the top 5 best BJJ gis for beginners.

You could “just grab any old gi and hit the mats.” That might work, but you could also be that person whose gi is falling apart after six months because you went too cheap or too lightweight—or sweating buckets before warm-ups are even done because it’s too thick.

Want to know three truths about buying BJJ gis?

• Being comfortable in your gi will positively impact your BJJ experience (and vice versa).
  
• Finding the “right” gi for you is not complicated. You have to know a few basic criteria.
  
• Knowing how to care for your gi after getting it is as important as buying the right one.
  

Let’s get to it.

Brand new to BJJ? Check out my Ultimate Beginners Guide to BJJ!

Understanding BJJ Gi Basics for Beginners

First, a BJJ gi isn’t just one piece of clothing. It’s actually made up of three parts: the jacket (which, fun fact, is called a “kimono” in BJJ-speak), the pants, and the belt. The jacket is a super important part of the gi. It’s designed to withstand all the pulling, grabbing, and general abuse that BJJ brings.

Now, let’s talk fit. I can’t stress this enough – size matters! You don’t want to show up to your first class in a gi that is way too big or too tight. Not only will it be embarrassing, but it will make training way harder than it needs to be. A properly fitting gi should be snug but not restrictive. The sleeves should hit just above your wrists, and the pants should stop at your ankles. You should be able to bend your legs and flex your shoulders in their full range of motion.

Cotton is king in the BJJ world. Most gis are made from heavy-duty cotton fabric that can stand up to the rigors of training. You’ll hear terms like “pearl weave” or “gold weave” thrown around – these refer to different weaving techniques that affect the gi’s weight and durability. As a beginner, don’t stress too much about this. Just know that a heavier gi is generally more durable but can be hot and take longer to dry.

Oh, and here’s something super important – if you’re considering competing, pay attention to the IBJJF rules. That’s the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and they have some pretty specific guidelines about gi color, patch placement, and even the thickness of the collar. Don’t be that guy (or gal) who wears the coolest-looking gi with a bunch of patches, only to find out it isn’t competition-legal when you get to the tournament!

Now, let’s dive into what you should look for in your first gi!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First BJJ Gi

Here’s what matters.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room – your budget. You’ve probably already figured out that BJJ isn’t a cheap hobby, so going for the cheapest gi might be tempting. It’s OK to buy a less expensive gi, but if you go too far down the bargain path, you risk getting one that lasts only six months. Think of the total cost of ownership: pay a bit more upfront but spend less over time.

At the same time, plenty of quality options are out there that are decently durable and won’t break the bank. My advice for your first gi is to aim for something mid-range.

Comfort is key! You’ll spend a lot of time in your gi, so it must feel good. Look for a gi that’s breathable and not too stiff. I bought my first gi from my BJJ school and used that alongside an older judo gi from a previous martial arts life. This combination worked (I even bought my school’s logo patch and had it sewn on my judo gi), but the truth is the judo gi was a bit too heavyweight and stiff for routine training. But it was fine until I was ready to pay for another BJJ gi.

Weight is another factor to consider. Lightweight gis are great for hot climates or if you sweat a lot (no judgment here; we’ve all been there). They’re also easier to pack if you plan on traveling by train, and they dry faster after washing. On the flip side, heavyweight gis are more durable and last longer. As a beginner, a midweight gi is usually a safe bet.

Don’t get too caught up in the brand name hype. There are some fantastic lesser-known brands out there.

Lastly, let’s talk aesthetics. Look, we all want to look good on the mats. But as a beginner, functionality should be your top priority. It’s one thing to look cool, but as a white belt, you don’t want to be all sizzle, as you have no steak! Remember, cool patches or fancy designs will NOT compensate for poor quality or fit.

Consider Buying Your First Gi From Your Local BJJ School

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk about an often-overlooked option – buying your first gi from your local BJJ school. Sure, it might not always be the most budget-friendly decision, but there are some serious perks to consider. First, you get to try on the gi before buying it. I did this, and I avoided all the headaches with sizing issues. Plus, many schools carry high-quality GIs that are ideally suited for beginners.

But here’s the real kicker – when you buy from your school, you’re directly supporting the place where you train. It’s a great way to show commitment and help keep your local BJJ community thriving. Your instructors will appreciate it.

So, while it might cost a bit more upfront, the benefits of buying local for your first gi can be worth it. This is just something to keep in mind as we explore our top picks!

Customizing Your Gi with School Patches

Here’s another pro tip: consider buying a plain gi with no logos and customizing it with your school’s patches. Gis with no logos are often cheaper than branded ones. Remember the old judo gi I mentioned earlier? It had no logo, so I added a large back patch on the back of the jacket with our school’s logo. It looked great!

Many BJJ schools offer their patches and thus encourage students to add them to their gis. It’s a great way to make your gi uniquely yours. Plus, if you ever switch schools (life happens), you can easily remove the old patches and add new ones. Just be sure to check with your instructor first – some schools have specific rules about gi patches. But customizing your gi can be a fun and meaningful way to connect with your BJJ community if it’s allowed.

Alright, enough said about the basics. Here are the top 5 best BJJ gis!

Top 5 Best BJJ Gis for Beginners

Here are the top 5. When you include buying from your school, you have a total of six options.

1. Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra Light BJJ Gi – Best Overall for Beginners and Best Budget-Friendly Option

This gi proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get a quality BJJ uniform.

Pros:

• Very affordable

• IBJJF approved for competition use

• Lightweight and breathable

• Good durability for the price

Cons:

• Pants may run long for some users

• May not last as long as more expensive options

Summary: The Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra Light BJJ Gi is an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. It offers competition-legal quality at a fraction of the price of many other gis.

2. Tatami Nova Absolute BJJ Gi – Most Durable for Heavy Use

Built like a tank, this gi is perfect for those who train hard and often.

Pros:

• Extremely durable construction

• Comfortable despite its toughness

• Good value for money, given its longevity

• Suitable for all levels of training

Cons:

• Heavier than some other options

• Can be warm in hot training environments

Summary: The Tatami Nova Absolute is the go-to choice for durability. This is for you if you’re looking for a gi that can withstand intense, frequent training sessions.

3. Toro BJJ Gi – Best for Style-Conscious Beginners

Toro gis are known for their stylish designs that do not compromise quality.

Pros:

• Stylish and unique designs

• Good quality construction

• Comfortable for long training sessions

• Mid-range pricing

Cons:

• Some designs may not be competition legal

• Slightly more expensive than basic beginner gis

• Customer reviews suggest they tend to shrink, so buy a bit bigger, especailly in the shoulders

Summary: The Toro BJJ Gi is an excellent choice if you want to look good while training without sacrificing quality. It’s perfect for beginners who wish to express their style on the mats.

4. Fuji Summerweight BJJ Gi – Best Lightweight Gi for Beginners

This gi is a godsend for those training in hot environments or who sweat a lot.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and breathable

• Dries quickly after washing

• Durable despite its lightweight

• Comfortable in hot conditions

Cons:

• May not be ideal for cooler training environments

• Lighter fabric may not be as grippy for specific techniques

Summary: The Fuji Summerweight BJJ Gi is the top choice for hot climates or practitioners who prioritize lightweight gear. It offers comfort and performance without weighing you down.

5. Venum Contender BJJ Gi – Best for Competitions

This gi is designed with the competitive beginner in mind.

Pros:

• IBJJF approved for competition use

• Sharp, professional appearance

• Good balance of durability and weight

• Reinforced seams and knee padding

Cons:

• Higher price point than some beginner gis

• Sizing can be tricky for some body types

Summary: The Venum Contender is the ideal choice for beginners who are focused on competition. It offers a professional look and competition-ready features at a reasonable price point.

How to Care for Your BJJ Gi

Care for your gi, and you’ll get the maximum life out of it (1-3 years, depending on training intensity).

WASH YOUR GI AFTER EVERY SINGLE TRAINING SESSION. Your training partners will thank you, and so will your gi. Use cold water and a gentle detergent. Hot water can cause shrinkage, and harsh detergents can break down the fabric faster.

Don’t let your gi sit in your gym bag for hours after training. It’s a one-way ticket to gi ruination. If you can’t wash it immediately, hang it to air out.

When it comes to drying, I only use air drying. It keeps the gi from shrinking and saves on wear and tear. I always hang my gis in a well-ventilated area so they fully dry.

Don’t wait too long to buy a second gi. Rotating your gis allows each one to fully dry and recover between uses, which can significantly extend their lifespans.

Gi Lifespan

Under normal training conditions, a good quality gi can last 1 to 3 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on factors like training frequency, washing habits, and the intensity of your rolls.

Signs that your gi is reaching the end of its life include the noticeable fraying around the collar, sleeves, or pant cuffs and thinning fabric.

The biggest issue limiting lifespan is the emergence of a persistent odor and discoloration that does not go away with washing.

Even if you’re diligent about washing your gi after every training session (which you absolutely should be), you will notice that your gi starts developing an ammonia like smell over time.

I remember the first time I noticed this. I pulled my freshly washed gi out of the closet. It smelled fine, but when I started rolling and it got sweaty, I noticed an unmistakable ammonia-like smell. (Caused by bacteria that can survive regular washing and detergent, especially in the collar and armpits where sweat accumulates.) At the time, I thought it was my training partner’s gi. Later that night, I realized it was my gi that was stinking. You can imagine how bad I felt about that! I thought I had done a crappy job of washing it, so I threw in extra detergent and made the wash cycle longer. But that didn’t help.

Over time, I heard about a few hacks for combating the GI funk. I have tried all of these: #1 worked for me; #2, #3, and #4 have not. #5 is something you always need to do.

1. Pre-soak your gi in vinegar and water before washing or add vinegar to the wash cycle. This helps kill odor-causing bacteria.

2. Use a sports-specific detergent designed to tackle tough odors.

3. Add a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle for extra odor-fighting power.

4. Occasionally wash your gi with an enzymatic cleaner to break down persistent odors.

5. Make sure your gi is completely dry before storing it. Moisture is the best friend of odor-causing bacteria.

Eventually, none of these methods work anymore, and you’ll know it’s time to retire the gi and treat yourself to a new one. Your training partners will appreciate it!

Remember, taking good care of your gi isn’t just about maintaining your equipment – it’s about respecting yourself, your training partners, and the art of BJJ. A clean, well-maintained gi is a sign of a dedicated practitioner. Now, get out there and roll (in a fresh-smelling gi)!

Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Buying a BJJ Gi

Don’t make these rookie mistakes, ok?

First up: Accidentally choosing the wrong size. Always check the sizing chart when buying online. From what I’ve seen, there is no standard sizing within BJJ (or any martial arts gi’s), so you can’t just buy an A2 from Elite because you bought an A2 from your school, and it fits okay.

Prioritizing looks over functionality. Of course, we all want to look good on the mats, but that super cool gi with all the patches and embroidery won’t do you any favors if it falls apart after a month of training.

Ignoring the climate of your training environment is another big one. My judo gi seems to be a lot hotter to wear during my summer rolls.

Thinking the most expensive gi is automatically the best. Some high-end gis are amazing, but plenty of mid-range options will serve you just as well as a beginner.

Conclusion

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? Choosing the fitting gi as a beginner is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Remember, the best gi for you is one that fits well, suits your budget, and can withstand your training.

To recap, our top picks are:

1. Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra Light BJJ Gi – Best Overall for Beginners and Best Budget-Friendly Option

2. Tatami Nova Absolute BJJ Gi – Most Durable for Heavy Use

4. Fuji Summerweight BJJ Gi – Best Lightweight Gi for Beginners

5. Toro BJJ Gi – Best for Style-Conscious Beginners

6. Venum Contender BJJ Gi – Best for Competitions

Each of these gis has its strengths, so consider your needs and preferences when choosing. Remember, your gi is an investment in your BJJ journey. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you on the mats. And don’t stress too much about perfecting it right away. Part of the fun of BJJ is growing and evolving – and that includes your gear choices!