If you are practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) then the most important thing, other than learning proper techniques for self-defense, is to have the best BJJ Gi. A high-quality BJJ Gi is essential equipment for any practitioner as it lets them do training without the fear of your Gi tearing.
To help you master this art and pick the right Gi for training, we have listed the important qualities to look for in a BJJ Gi before buying one. We have also reviewed the best Gi’s so that you can buy one that fits your needs and budget.
What Makes a Gi the Best BJJ Gi? (Buyer’s Guide)
The market is already saturated with different products from different brands. Make sure you don’t end up investing in a BJJ Gi that is not made to withstand the rigor of Jiu-Jitsu training.
Here are the essential features you must look for in a BJJ Gi before buying one.
Color of BJJ Gi
BJJ Gi is available in different colors in the market and you can choose the one that you like. But if you are a competitor and planning to fight in IBJJF then you must know that they have a color restriction which means you can only select one color from white, black, and blue.
But if you are buying a Gi only to practice in, then ask your trainer whether they have any color restrictions in the training center or not. If there is no such restriction you can pick any of your favorite colors.
Type of Weave
Single Weave
Single weave Gi is the most popular among beginners. The reason is it is less costly as compared to the Gi’s having other types of weaves.
This Gi has a single weave, it is thin, airy, and light in weight which makes the first experience for beginners comfortable. But its downside is that its thinness makes it less durable.
Double Weave
It is very much similar to a single weave other than the fact that it has double weaving which makes it thicker, more durable, heavy in weight, and more costly than the Gi having a single weave. It also gives you a hard time with your competitor every time he/she tries to grip it.
Once you get used to the BJJ training and make up your mind to keep doing BJJ in the long run then go for the double weave Gi. Investing in it initially when you are not sure whether you would like to continue the training or not. Why buy an expensive Gi if you only stay do Jiu-Jitsu for a few months?
Gold Weave
Gold weave has the best characteristics of single and double weave combined. It is durable and thick like double weave Gi but light in weight like a single weave Gi. The only con is that it is expensive so make sure you will stick to training for several years.
Weight and Thickness
The weight and thickness of a Gi depend on the material and weaving used during its manufacturing. Both these characteristics are important as they can affect performance greatly.
The lighter the weight of a Gi is the more comfortable, easy to wash, and dry it would be. Double weave is the heaviest among all weaves.
Similarly, the thickness is another feature that you must look for before buying a BJJ Gi. The thicker the material is the longer the Gi will last.
Review of the 7 Best BJJ Gi’s
Now that you have some basic Gi knowledge about features that make up a great Gi. Let’s look at some of the best Gis for your next BJJ training class.
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi BJJ Gi for Men & Women
This Gi is the right choice for you if you are interested in learning BJJ as well as Judo as it can be used for the training of both. It is available in five colors i.e. white, blue, black (all three colors that are required for the IBJJF competition), gray and military green.
It is antimicrobial so you won’t have to worry about getting itchy patches on the skin etc. It comes with a free white belt and its jacket has pearl weave that makes it durable and lightweight.
Pros
- Follows IBJJF regulations.
- Affordable.
- Ultra-lightweight (350gsm).
Cons
- Cloth shrinks.
2. Elite Sports Kids BJJ GI, Youth IBJJF
Its material is preshrunk, so you won’t have to worry about buying it in a larger size. Also, its material does not hold sweat for longer so your kids won’t come home with a sweaty smell. It is available in six different sizes and seven colors (black, white, blue, navy, gray, pink, and green).
Pros
- IBJJF-approved design and color.
- Ultra-lightweight.
- Made from preshrunk material.
Cons
- Comes with elastic waistbands.
3. Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra-Light Preshrunk BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi
If you are a fan of Judo as well as BJJ then this Gi is what you need to buy. It is very lightweight yet it is very durable. It comes in six different colors including white, black, and blue. Its jacket has a single weave and a rubber collar. It is recommended for training/practice.
Pros
- IBJJF approved.
- Quality at an affordable price.
- Good for Judo and BJJ training.
- Belt of any color free.
Cons
- Hard to find a suitable size.
4. REEVO Guard Ultra-Light BJJ Gi – Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu
This Gi is made up of ultra-light cotton fabric that weighs 400 gm. It comes in five different sizes i.e. A0 to A5 size. The jacket of REEVO Gi has pearl weave and its underarms have synthetic double-layer material that makes it vented. Its pants have a full-length knee patch that increases their durability.
Pros
- Has a tough collar and full-length knee patches.
- Durable.
Cons
- Comes in a few colors.
5. Your Jiu-Jitsu Gear Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Premium 350/450 Uniform
This Gi comes in two different weights of fabric; one is standard 450 and the other one is light 350. It has a pearl weave which makes it light yet reliable Gi. Its collar has rubber filling which will make gripping hard for your competitor. There is no design on this uniform which makes it a bit bland for some people.
Pros
- Durable.
- Comes in two fabrics.
- Free white or blue belt.
- Jackets are made up of preshrunk material.
Cons
- Not stylish.
6. Sanabul Core Competition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Gi IBJJF Approved
It is made up of lightweight fabric that has gone through anti-odor and anti-microbial treatments. It has a single weave which makes it very light in weight. You can use it not only for regular training classes but for competition as well. It comes in five different colors which are white, black, blue, gray, and navy.
Its cross stitching on the pants and the thickness of the top make it comfortable for you and hard for your competitor to get a grip on it.
Pros
- Design and color are IBJJF-approved.
- Durable and affordable.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Picking the right size is difficult.
7. Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Children BJJ
This Gi is a good choice for your kids as it has triple stitches on all the points that are prone to be ripped off. It also has a three years replacement warranty so that you won’t have to worry about losing your money. Its material is lightweight and has pearl weaves that make it durable and light. Its size ranges from K000 to K4.
Pros
- Comes in seven sizes and seven colors.
- IBJJF approved.
- Ultra-lightweight.
Cons
- Fabric may shrink.
Final Verdict
BJJ Gi is an important part of training A poor choice of BJJ Gi will really help your training. Hopefully, we have helped you to make the best choice for picking a Gi for your training.
We like the Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra-Light Preshrunk BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi out of all the Gi’s that were reviewed. It is light in weight, comfortable, durable, and above all affordable.