Ultimate BJJ Gi Size Charts [2024]: Perfect Fit Guide for All Brands

The most expensive gi is the one that doesn’t fit! With return shipping costs, restocking fees, and training time lost, a wrong-sized gi can cost you hundreds of dollars in mistakes that are entirely preventable.

Whether you’re buying your first gi, preparing for competition, or helping outfit your entire gym, this comprehensive guide with our comprehensive BJJ gi size charts will ensure you get the right size every time.

New to BJJ? Check out our Ultimate Beginners Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

Quick Reference

Brand-Specific Size Charts & Fit Guides

Every BJJ gi brand has its own unique approach to sizing, and while similar, they do have their own BJJ Gi size charts, so you need to look at each brand’s up-to-date information before buying. Understanding these differences can make the difference between a perfect fit and a costly mistake. Let’s break down the sizing characteristics of our top five recommended brands, each known for particular fitting qualities that suit different body types and training needs.

When you are done learning how to get the best gi fit from this guide, check out our comprehensive guide to the best BJJ gis for beginners where we break down the top options in the market today.

1. Elite Sports IBJJF Ultra Light BJJ Gi

Elite Sports has earned a reputation for consistency in their sizing, making them an excellent choice for first-time gi buyers. Their IBJJF Ultra Light model features pre-shrunk fabric, which means what you see is what you get – you won’t have to worry about significant size changes after washing. The athletic cut works well for most body types, providing a balanced fit that’s neither too loose nor too restrictive.

Key Fitting Tips:

• Choose your true size for competition-ready fit
• Size up one if you prefer a looser training fit
• Ideal for athletic builds without being overly tight
• Minimal shrinkage means easier size selection

2. Tatami Nova Absolute BJJ Gi

Tatami’s European heritage shows in their sizing approach, with a cut that tends to be more fitted than American brands. The Nova Absolute stands out for its heavyweight fabric and durability, but this also means you need to account for some shrinkage in your sizing decisions.

Fitting Considerations for Tatami:

• Consider sizing up if you’re near the top of the weight range
• Allow for 1-2% shrinkage after first few washes
• Perfect for stockier builds due to roomier chest area
• European cut provides a more tailored appearance

3.Toro Brand BJJ Gi’s – (PRIMO Brand shown here)

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.

Fitting Considerations for Toro:

• Customer reviews suggest to buy a bit bigger, especially in the shoulders.
• The Toro Gi has a slimmer cut that fits tighter in and through the chest area in particular.
• Pants: The pants also have a more fitted feel as opposed to the balloon pants feeling you often get with some Gi pants. Therefore, I feel more comfortable in A3 pants versus the normal A2’s I wear with other Gi brands.

4. Fuji Summerweight BJJ Gi

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

Fitting Considerations for Fuji BJJ Gi’s:

• Customers say the fit is accurate, but another cusomer pointed out that the lightweight gi was maybe a tiny bit longer than other Fuji gi’s. So his A2 fit more like an A2L, but he felt it would shrink to perfect size.

5. Venum Contender BJJ Gi

The Venum Contender is a high quality competition BJJ gi.

Fitting Considerations for Venum:

• Note Venum uses a slightly different size naming convention than the other brands. For example, Venum’s A2.5 size corresponds to A2H with the other brands we have reviewed here.
• Venum states their Gi’s are pre-shrunk!

Ready to put this knowledge to use? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best BJJ gis for beginners where we break down the top options for every body type and budget.

Measurement Guide

Essential Gi Measurements: Your Starting Point

In this section, we will show you exactly how to measure for a bjj gi.

Getting accurate measurements is the foundation of finding your perfect gi fit. Before you start, gather your measuring supplies: you’ll need a soft measuring tape (the type used for tailoring), something to record your measurements, and ideally, a friend to help ensure accuracy. While you can measure yourself, having assistance will give you the most precise results.

Start with your basic measurements of height and weight, as these are the primary sizing factors all gi manufacturers use. For height, stand straight against a wall first thing in the morning – this gives you your true height before daily activities compress your spine. Similarly, take your weight measurement in the morning before eating for the most consistent results.

Next, focus on your upper body measurements. The chest measurement is crucial for proper gi fit. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your chest, usually just under your armpits. Keep the tape parallel to the ground and breathe normally – you don’t want a measurement taken while holding your breath, as this will result in a gi that’s too tight during regular use.

For shoulder and arm measurements, you’ll need three key dimensions.

• First, measure your shoulder width by running the tape across your back from shoulder point to shoulder point.
• Then measure your arm length from your shoulder to your wrist – this is critical for competition-legal sleeve length.
• Finally, get your wingspan measurement by spreading your arms and measuring fingertip to fingertip, which helps ensure proper jacket width.

Lower body measurements are equally important for proper pants sizing.

• Measure your waist where your belt naturally sits during training – this might be different from where you wear regular pants.
• For hip measurements, wrap the tape around the widest point of your hips to ensure comfortable movement in your gi pants.

How to Measure Height, Arm and Leg Length

Height:

Arm length:

Leg Length:

Pro Tip: Always take each measurement twice to confirm accuracy. A few extra minutes during measuring can save you hours of hassle and potentially hundreds of dollars in returns or replacements.

Understanding BJJ Gi Sizing Systems

The BJJ gi sizing system might seem complicated at first, but it follows a logical pattern once you understand the basics. The standard sizing system uses A-sizes, ranging from A0 to A4, with A0 being the smallest standard adult size and A4 being the largest. Most practitioners will fall somewhere between A1 and A3, with A2 being the most common “average” size.

Beyond the standard A-sizes, manufacturers have developed special designations to accommodate different body types. The ‘L’ (Long) designation indicates additional length in the arms and legs, perfect for those with longer limbs but standard body mass. The ‘H’ (Heavy) designation provides a wider cut for more muscular builds while maintaining standard length measurements. Women’s specific cuts are typically marked with an ‘F’ designation, featuring a more tapered waist and shorter sleeve length, while kids’ sizes use the ‘K’ prefix.

Understanding these designations is crucial because they allow you to find a gi that fits your specific body type rather than trying to make a standard size work for a non-standard build. This knowledge becomes particularly important when shopping across different brands or when looking for competition-legal fits.

Body Type Guide

Making Sense of Your Measurements: A Body Type Approach to Gi Sizing

One of the most challenging aspects of gi sizing is understanding how your unique body type interacts with both standard sizing and inevitable shrinkage. I’ve found that combining body type analysis with shrinkage patterns can make the difference between a good fit and a perfect fit.

Different areas of a gi shrink at different rates, and this affects each body type uniquely. For instance, while an athletic build might need to worry more about shoulder shrinkage, a tall, lean practitioner might find sleeve shrinkage less problematic due to their proportions. Let’s break down exactly how to approach sizing based on your body type and where you need to pay special attention.

Common Body Types and Solutions

Understanding these relationships between body type and shrinkage patterns will help you make smarter sizing decisions, especially when you’re between sizes or considering different brands. Keep these patterns in mind as we move into our brand-specific recommendations, as some manufacturers account for these variations better than others.

Competition and Technical Info

Competition Sizing Guide

Competition gi sizing requires extra attention to detail, as even small measurement discrepancies can lead to disqualification. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) maintains strict guidelines about gi measurements, and understanding these requirements is crucial for competition success.

IBJJF Requirements:

Jacket Specifications:

• Sleeve must reach the wrist when arms are extended
• Maximum 7cm space when lapels are crossed
• Length must fully cover buttocks
• Fabric must be consistent thickness throughout

Pants Requirements:

• Length must be 2-3 inches above ankle
• Width should allow 4-6 inches of space around leg
• Material must not be too thin or transparent

Competition Preparation Timeline:

Expert Fitting Tips

Successful gi fitting goes beyond basic measurements. The key lies in understanding how different factors affect your gi’s fit over time.

Pre-Purchase Considerations:

Training Frequency Impact

• 3+ sessions per week: Invest in multiple gis
• Competition focus: Prioritize exact measurements
• Casual training: Emphasize comfort over precise fit

Material and Shrinkage:

Material Type | Expected Shrinkage | Wash Temperature

• Single Weave | 3-5% | Cold/Warm
• Pearl Weave | 1-2% | Cold
• Gold Weave | 2-3% | Cold/Warm

Maintenance Tips for Optimal Fit:

• Wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage
• Hang dry whenever possible
• Avoid fabric softeners that can weaken fibers
• Iron on low heat if needed for competition

Problem Solving

Common Sizing Challenges & Solutions

Every BJJ practitioner has a unique body type, and finding the perfect gi fit often requires understanding how different builds interact with various gi cuts. Let’s explore common challenges and their solutions for three primary body types.

For athletic, V-shaped torsos, the main challenge lies in finding a gi that fits both broad shoulders and a narrower waist.

• Look for brands that offer tapered cuts, such as Elite Sports or Venum.
• If you find a gi that fits your shoulders perfectly but feels loose at the waist, considering an A2H size might provide the right proportions.
• Minor alterations, like taking in the waist, are also possible without compromising the gi’s integrity.

Stockier builds often struggle with standard sizes that don’t account for broader chest and thigh measurements.

• The solution typically lies in seeking out brands that offer H (husky) sizes, with Tatami Nova Absolute and Fuji being particularly good options.
• Rather than trying to size down for length, which can result in uncomfortable tightness, opt for your proper size and have the pants hemmed if needed.

Tall and lean practitioners face the challenge of finding gis with adequate length that don’t swim in width.

• The key is focusing on brands that offer L (long) sizes, which provide the necessary length without excessive bagginess.
• Both Fuji Summerweight and Elite Sports excel in this category, offering cuts that maintain competition-legal measurements while providing a clean, professional appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose between two sizes if I’m in between?

A: Your choice should depend on your primary training goals:

• For competition: Go with the smaller size if within IBJJF limits
• For regular training: Choose the larger size for comfort
• If cutting/gaining weight: Base it on your target weight
• For your first gi: Opt for the larger size to account for shrinkage

Q: How much will my gi shrink after washing?

A: Shrinkage varies by material type:

• Single weave: 3-5% shrinkage
• Pearl weave: 1-2% shrinkage
• Gold weave: 2-3% shrinkage

Best practice: Always wash in cold water and hang dry to minimize shrinkage.

Q: What’s the difference between regular A sizes and H/L sizes?

A: Each designation serves a specific body type:

• Regular A: Standard cuts for typical proportions
• H (Heavy): Wider in chest and thighs, same length
• L (Long): Longer sleeves and pants, same width
• F (Female): More tapered waist, shorter sleeves

Q: How do I know if my gi will pass competition inspection?

A: Your gi must meet these key requirements:

• Jacket must cover your buttocks
• Sleeves must reach your wrist bone but not fingers
• Pants must be 5-7cm above ankle bone
• Material can’t be too thin or thick
• Allow only a fist’s worth of material at pinch points

Q: Can I machine dry my gi to shrink it to size?

A: While possible, it’s not recommended because:

• Shrinkage is often uneven
• Fabric can become damaged
• Colors fade more quickly
• May void manufacturer warranty

Better approach: Buy the correct size and maintain it properly

Q: How do women’s gi sizes work?

A: Women’s sizing follows these general guidelines:

• F sizes run smaller than A sizes
• Features more tapered waist
• Shorter sleeve length
• If F sizes unavailable, go one size down from men’s sizing

Q: How often should I remeasure myself?

A: Measure yourself:

• Every 3-6 months of regular training
• After any significant weight changes
• Before purchasing each new gi
• 2-3 months before competition

Q: What alterations can I make to my gi?

A: Acceptable modifications include:

• Hemming pants/sleeves (most common)
• Minor seam adjustments
• Note: All alterations must still meet competition standards
• Adding length is not recommended

Q: How do international gi sizes compare?

A: Use this conversion guide:

US/Brazil | Europe | Japan

• A0 | 2 | M
• A1 | 3 | L
• A2 | 4 | XL
• A3 | 5 | XXL

Q: What if my gym requires a specific brand?

A: Follow these steps:

• 1. Check your gym’s exact requirements
• 2. Ask experienced students about their sizing experience
• 3. Consult your instructor for specific brand advice
• 4. Consider purchasing directly from your gym

Conclusion

Finding your perfect gi fit doesn’t have to be complicated once you understand the fundamental principles of gi sizing. Remember to:

1. Take accurate measurements following our guide

2. Consider your primary training goals when selecting sizes

3. Account for potential shrinkage based on material type

4. Consult your instructor when in doubt