10 Best BJJ Gis Reviewed & Compared

How would you pick the a if you had to get one at this very moment? 

If you’re unsure or scrambling for an answer, that’s good, as you’re not rushing into what is ultimately a big and important decision. 

When it comes to selecting, a Gi many things need to click together (much like in BJJ) and we’ve put together what we hope is the best possible guide ever on how to pick the best Gi for BJJ. 

We’ll take a look at 10 amazing gi options, break down how to choose a BJJ gi and cover just about everything there is to know about selecting the right gi for your needs.

Let’s get to it.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall BJJ Gi – Hayabusa Lightweight Gi
• Best Lightweight BJJ Gi – Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi 
• Best For Beginners – Venum Contender Evo Gi
• Best for Competitions – Fuji Superaito Gi
• Best Budget Gi – Sanabul Essentials  

Best BJJ Gis

Ok, let’s crack on with our list, and take a closer look at our top picks.

Hayabusa Lightweight BJJ Gi

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Hayabusa is a brand that has been producing Gis since 2006, with a strong emphasis on heavier, competition-oriented kimonos.

They were not among my favorite brands until they came up with the Lightweight Hayabusa BJJ Gi. I saw it at a BJJ Globetrotters camp and had to get one for myself the moment I got back. 

This Gi is pure cotton, slightly heavier than other Gis, but light as far as Hayabusa standards go – 420 GSM.

It is a pearl-weave Gi, so everything that went towards making this Gi slightly heavier than others helps reinforce it so much, that you could probably withstand a drone strike if you turtle up in one (do not test this theory please).  

Anyway, this gi is built to endure regular intense training sessions, so you can have peace of mind it’ll hold up, no matter of often you’re training.  

Another important thing Hayabusa did with this Jiu-Jitsu Gi is to pre-treat the color. This means that the color of the material itself won’t fade, even if you wash it every day (which you should if you’re training as often). 

Pre-treating is not just for the color, though, as it makes the material itself more resilient, thus adding to the GI’s resiliency qualities.

The Hayabusa lightweight pearl weave Gi is available in 6 different colors, with two grey visions (grey/white and grey/pink) and Navy blue joining in on the usual gang of white, royal blue, and black which are an IBJJF requirement for competitors. You can get this Gi in 7 different sizes.

Pros

• Extremely durable – won’t tear, rip, or otherwise give way 
• The color won’t fade, no matter how much you wash it
• Great for both training and competing
• Heavy and sturdy, built for competition

Cons

• No belt 
• Heavier than most modern BJJ Gis

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Sanabul Essentials BJJ Gi

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Nobody makes high-quality, almost premium BJJ Gis at such affordable prices as Sanabul. Their essentials representative is the best Jiu Jitsu gi for those just starting out, those looking for a second/third Gi, or those currently on a budget. 

The Essentials Sanabul Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi is a 100% cotton Gi that is very conveniently preshrunk, and machine washable. That takes care of ease of use and durability, for the most part, as well as making the Gi very breathable. 

The design is also very elegant, with minimal compact-stitch embroidery on the chest and top of the shoulders. A contrast-colored crotch adds to the original design, which is reinforced by a stiff rubberized foam inside the collar, and subtle cuffs and side slit details that allow for the maximal range of motion.  

There are 6 colors of this BJJ Gi available, starting with the IBJJF-approved royal blue, white, and black, and adding style through the original green, grey, and Navy. The Gis are available in 5 different sizes. 

Professionals like John Danaher and Gilbert Burns stand behind Sanabul’s BJJ gear. With those names, you know it has been tested, and then some. 

Sanabul is such a professional brand, they even throw in a free belt with a color of your choosing with this Gi. 

Pros

• Machine washable
• Can be used for competing or training
• Free belt
• Affordable and high quality
• Aesthetic, minimal design

Cons

• Sanabul’s sizes are slightly larger than what we take as a standard in BJJ. 

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Gold BJJ Valiant Gi

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What better proof of Gold BJJ’s quality Jiu-Jjitsu Gis than another one featuring in our best Jiu Jitsu Gi list? This time, we’ll take a look at the Gold BJJ Valiant Gi, a heavyweight Gi designed for cold weather training and serious competitors. 

The versatile perl-weave makes another appearance here, replacing the Aeroweave in this Gold Gi. The weight on this is almost double that of the Aeroweave, with a 550 GSM jacket and 12 oz ripstop pants. Essentially you are getting the closest thing to an armor you can get in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Still, despite the weight this Gi allows a maximal range of motion and feels very comfortable. The rash guard neck liner helps greatly, wicking sweat away from the back of the neck where it gathers the most. Moreover, not having a full rash guard liner ensures longevity, as full rash guard liners tend to give way after strenuous use and disrupt the Gis structure.  

Available in two colors only: black and white, this Gi satisfies IBJJF standards. There is a bit more selection size-wise, with 13 different regular and in-between sizes available.  

Pros

• Machine washable
• Pre-shrunk
• Collects sweat behind the neck
• Available in many different sizes

Cons

• No belt
• Only two colors are available

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Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

Gold BJJ. A brand you can trust.

Don’t take my word on it, take theirs – they back all their stuff with a 100% money-back guarantee. To be honest, I doubt anyone has ever exercised the right to use it. As a proud owner of the  Aeroweave Gi, I can claim that this lightweight kimono wiggles its way into the favorite Gis closet for everyone who gets it. 

In fact, that is where the Aeroweave’s biggest strength lies – it is so light you feel like you’re only wearing a rash guard, and not a full-blown, competition-tested Gi. Gold BJJ claims this Gi is 40% lighter than a standard pearl weave Jiu Jitsu Gi. While I can’t confirm the percentages, I can attest that the Aeroweave is the lightest Gi I own, with a GSM of only 275. 

Most of these properties are down to the weave used to put the cotton together into this Gi. The signature Aeroweave makes the gGi, light, but extremely resilient and long-lasting. EVA foam makes the collars and lapels difficult to keep a hold of, and reinforced stitching prevents any tears or rips. 

Aesthetically speaking the Gi is pretty minimalistic and clean, with just the Gold BJJ logo on each sleeve of the jacket and the sides of the hips, and an inspirational “for the journey” embroidered message on the inside of the top lapel.  

The Gi is IBJJF legal, at least in terms of the white, royal blue, and white versions. It is also available in grey and navy blue which look great but won’t get you into an IBJJF competition. Size-wise, you’re covered (pun intended) with a dozen different regular and in-between sizes available.

All in all, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better gi able to withstand the intense training and competition associated with BJJ. 

Fuji Superaito Gi

It has been a while since I’ve worn a Fuji Gi, but I remember the feel of the Supraito. Fuji’s Gis are extremely comfortable, albeit a bit sturdy and stiff, but that is exactly what you’d expect from a competition BJJ Gi.

Fuji does not have as many Gis as some other brands, but every single product is usually top-of-the-line.

The Superaito is not a pure cotton Gi, which is somewhat unusual. It is a blend of cotton and polyester (55% and 45%, respectively). This makes it very, very durable, as it is more elastic and flexible than pure cotton Gis. 

This is a Gi meant for competition, so it is nearly impossible for your opponent to hold on to it. The Superaito is also fairly lightweight (250 GSM) and features contrast stitching which serves both an aesthetical and a practical supportive purpose. It has the stamp of approval from Roger Gracie, Renzo Gracie, and Xande Ribeiro, after being tested by them in battle. 

Six different colors of this Gi are available, with burgundy, green, and grey adding a bit of variety to the classic three: white, blue, and black. In addition, Fuji offers 12 different sizes. Keep in mind that the cut is athletic, with a tight, competition fit, so make sure to read the size chart carefully before ordering.  

Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi

One of the leading Gi brands in the world is Venum Fightwear. To be honest, they also excel at all other types of martial arts gear, but somehow, their Gis and rash guards are always on point. They have been around for a while and have several different lines of Gis, which they update from time to time. 

The Contender Evo BJJ Gi is one of Venum’s modern gi designs, with a focus on functionality. It is a gi made 100% out of cotton, with an inner custom woven tape to ensure both durability and that the jacket keeps its form after extended use.

Pearl weave guarantees the structure won’t rip or tear, while also making the Gi feel light and comfortable (350 GSM). This in turn is great for rigorous training sessions that I’m sure you’re used to by now. 

For those who like uncluttered Gis, this one only has the Venum logo on the top of the shoulders on each side. It does say “contender” on the inside of the jacket skirt, but that is a hidden message to give wind in the sails of competitors. 

The pants are cotton, 230 GSM featuring a drawstring closure and strategic reinforcements at the knee and ankle areas. 

Available in four different colors: blue, white black, and dark grey, and 10 different regular and in-between sizes. This is the perfect first Gi for anyone just starting out. Actually, given the low price and high-quality ratio of this Gi, it is also a great option as a second/backup Gi for more seasoned grapplers.  

Sanabul Highlights Professional Gi

Where there is one best gi for BJJ, there is probably another, as is the case with Sanabul’s Highlights Professional Gi. A medium-weight Gi, this is one made with competition in mind, but still adhering to the brand’s main product – very affordable high-quality BJJ Gis. 

That said, we will begin with the fit of this Gi as its standout feature. A lot of testing and thought has gone into how this Gi fits competitors so that it is up to par with IBJJF regulations but does not allow opponents any more gripping areas than absolutely necessary. 

The cut is athletic, and the fabric comes completely pre-shrunk so that it fits as a glove from the get-go. Made out of cotton, with a 425 GSM jacket, this is a mid-weight, heavy-duty Gi you can easily rely on for tournaments. 

Design-wise, it is more colorful than Sanabul’s Essentials Gi, with the Highlights Pro Gi featuring more of Snabul’s branding on the front of the jacket and the pants. 

It comes in IBJJF-approved color only in regard to the base, while the branding is available in different colors on the same base (all black, or black base with red branding, for example). You can get this Gi in 5 different sizes.

Shogun Fight Premium BJJ Gi

Adding a bit of variety in the best BJJ Gi brands department is Shogun, offering a Jiu-Jitsu Gi with what is arguably the best design of all the Gis in our list. 

This premium Gi is all cotton, 450 GSM pearl-weave, and looks better than most Gis you can find out there. It has colorful, rich embroidery on the sleeves, chest area, and pants, as well as contrast stitching. What really sets it apart design-wise is the full rash guard liner, depicting full sublimated Japanese Samurai-inspired art.

The Gi is a looker but also performs admirably. Reinforced stitching, rip-stop pants, and woven tape on the cuffs and base of the Gi jacket make this a strong and durable Gi for BJJ. 

The Shogun Fight Premium BJJ is available in the IBJJF-approved white, blue, and black colors, and in 8 different sizes.  

Hayabusa Goorudo 3 Gold Weave Jiu-Jitsu Gi

Hayabusa keeps on delivering durably Gis that I guess will even become bulletproof sometime in the near future. Their Goorudo 3 Gi, apart from the weird naming, features a unique gold weave which is the kevlar of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis.

100% premium cotton, put together with the gold weave makes this Gi heavy-duty and heavyweight with a 550 GSM jacket and 12 oz pants.  The sturdiness of this Gi does not only provide a long-lasting Gi for the athlete wearing it but also a firm and uncomfortable surface to grip for their opponents. 

If you can come to terms with the weight (something that I personally can’t, even after 12 years of training) then this is a Gi you buy once, and you can wear until you decide to quit Jiu-Jitsu (or become unable to train on account of accumulated injuries).  

The Gi is IBJJF-approved in white, blue, and black, and it also comes in grey to add variety. Size-wise, you can pick from 6 different ones

Gold BJJ Foundation Gi

Gold BJJ is definitely dominating here, with a third representative of their brand among the best BJJ Gi options currently available on the market. After their ultra lightweight and ultra heavy kimonos, this time they offer something in the middle –  the unisex Foundation Gi.

Gold BJJ’s Foundation Gi is a perfect fit for both male and female grapplers. It is a 450 GSM pearl weave jacket, which is considered the standard these days. It is medium-weight, very durable, and comfortable to wear on account of the 100% cotton material. 

A rash guard neckliner also adds to the comfort via sweat-wicking properties. Whoever said you can’t both look and feel good whilst at a training session?

Reinforced stitching makes it almost impervious to tears, and pre-shrunk fabric guarantees a tight fit, with no excess shrinkage provided you follow washing and drying directions. 

In addition to availability in the three classic BJJ colors (black, white, and blue) and 13 different sizes, this Gi features small details like a stretchy drawstring, inner cuff detailing, and clear branding that make it very appealing to real connoisseurs. 

Fuji All Around BJJ Gi

Concluding today’s best BJJ Gi list is another Fuji Gi. The All Around Gi is exactly as it sounds – a perfect Gi for everyday use, including traveling for seminars, competitions, or camps.

This is only the second Gi on our list, in addition to the Venum Evo Contender, which features a cotton-polyester blend to ass flexibility and elasticity to the Gi. It is a soft, lightweight Gi, with a thick collar and reinforcements stitched in layers to ensure resilience. The twill cotton pants have a premium cotton blend drawstring closure.  

The person behind this Gi si Judo Olympic medalist Jimmy Pedro, a Fuji athlete, and a BJJ black belt.   

You can get the Fuki All Around BJJ Gi in 5 different base colors (black, white, blue, pink, and navy) with different lettering/logo colors available on the three IBJJF-approved color bases (black, blue, and white).

How to Choose the Best BJJ Gi

Just pick one above. Seriously, this is the exact list of Gis I use to grab a new one whenever it comes to that. 

Still, if you want to know and understand what makes some Gis better than others, and to perhaps put together your own best BJJ Gi list, just keep in mind all of the following criteria: 

Weave

One of the most important, and maybe confusing aspects of buying a new gi is the material and weave used. There aren’t many other sports in the world where the material of your clothes has such a significant impact. 

Weave refers to the way the Gi material, mostly cotton or cotton-polyester blends is put together. Gi weaves come in different densities, which reflects on a Gi’s performance qualities, in terms of weight and durability. 

There are too many Gi weaves to cover here, but for the purposes of picking out the best Gi for BJJ for yourself, you really need to understand only the few most prevalent ones; 

Single Weave Gis

This is the simplest way of putting a Gi together. Single weave gis are very lightweight, but do not provide too much in terms of durability and sturdiness. Ideal for warm weather, soft Gis, but not a good fit for most serious competitors

Double Weave Gis

As the name suggests, this weave doubles up on the single, thus making a far more durable Gi. In that regard, double the material means double the weight, so despite their durability and sturdiness, double weave Gis are heavier than single weave, which some competitors who cut a lot of weight find to be unacceptable. 

There aren’t many modern Gis that use this weave anymore, but it was very common about two decades ago. 

Gold Weave

The Gold weave is a medium to heavyweight weave that has a distinct ladder-like appearance if you take a closer look at the fabric of a Gi featuring this type of weave. It creates an almost indestructible Gi, at the expense of weight once again, and even more so compared to a double weave. 

While a gold weave gi provides a better balance between weight and durability compared to the double weave, it also tends to shrink significantly if washing instructions are not followed very carefully.  

Pearl Weave

The absolute winner in regard to weaves these days. A pearl weave Jiu Jitsu Gi has the appearance of multiple strings of pearls all strung together. It is the most popular Gi weave choice, perfectly balancing light weight and sufficient durability. 

It also allows manufacturers to produce a wider range of different GSM Gis using the same weave. 

Rip-Stop Material

Rip-stop material is the mesh-like material usually seen in the pants of gis. I think Atama was among the first to introduce it in gis, and it caught on since then, so much so that I’ve worn even the entire Gis (jacket and pants) made out of rip-stop material. 

The mesh-like structure means the material is extremely durable as it is reinforced all over, while still staying very thin and comfortable. It also helps wick moisture away, and when reinforced at the knees and pant cuffs, will last a very long while.  

All in all, rip-stop material is a must-have to withstand the rigors of MMA training. 

GSM

GSM is short for Grams per Square Meter and refers to the weight of a material per square meter. That means that 450 GSM means the material weighs 450 grams per square meter. The rule of thumb with GSM is the lower the number, the more lightweight the Gi is.

• Heavy-duty Gis are the ones weighing 550 GSM or higher and are usually sturdy and stuffing. 
• Medium-weight Gis fall in the 305-500 GSM range and are balanced in terms of durability and comfort. Most competition Gis are in this weight range and usually feature a pearl weave.
• Lightweight Gis are those under 350 GSM, often featuring specialty weaves like the aeroweave or honeycomb weave. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight, but can’t match the durability of a heavier Gi.   

Whenever you’re inquiring about the GSM of a BJJ Gi, take into account the weather and conditions you’ll be training in mostly and pick according to those. The warmer the weather, the lower the GSM number should be. 

Color

Gi color is a personal thing, as many Gi manufacturers have come to learn over the years. While white, blue, and black are guaranteed in all brands, given competition requirements, people like to spice things up during training. 

Colors like pink, grey, green, and beige started appearing in gyms around the world and they offer a much-welcome sight of diversity and originality if you ask me. 

When you’re picking out Gis for yourself, go for competition-approved ones first. Those will be your go-to for both training and competing. Your second or third Gi can be a uniquely colored one if you so prefer, and you can use it anywhere outside of IBJJF tournament mats. 

Brand

Jiu Jitsu gi brands are pretty individual and something that requires experience. Everyone has their own tastes and experiences with various brands, so broadly speaking, there is no right or wrong./

In the past 12 years, I’ve tried most brands out there, and have a few that I prefer over others, but that’s all down to personal preferences, body type, training/competition goals, my BJJ game, etc. 

If you’re new, stick to proven brands like the ones covered in this article and you won’t go wrong. Do not be fooled by expensive promises of limited edition Gis that are all about the looks and are not at all functional where it counts – on the mats. 

Size & Fit

I’ll start with fit since size tends to be a bit tricky when it comes to BJJ Gis. That said, having a well-fitting gi is extremely important, so pay attention. 

Usually, having a baggy Gi is not the best choice in BJJ as it offers a lot of gripping options to your opponent and it is restrictive. Most BJJ Gi brands do not even manufacture baggy Gis, so you won’t have to care about this too much. 

The only situation in which the cut and fit plays a significant role is male and female Gis. While the ladies in our sport can freely get away with wearing a male Gi, it does not fit, nor perform as well as a specific female Gi does. 

You can check out the video below to see a visual reference for how a gi should fit.

Size-wise, you’ll need to become quite proficient with measuring tape and reading different BJJ Gi brands’ size charts. 

The letter A (standing for adult) is followed by a number, usually between 0 and 6. 

This is how most BJJ Gi brands mark their Gis, but the size of A1 Gi from Fuji and Sanbul, for example, will have minor differences, so measuring yourself is a must. Some brands out there, like Gold BJJ, also offer in-between sizes like A1L or A5H. These are not standardized and usually define in-between sizes for lengthy, stocky, wide-shouldered, etc individuals.     

Lastly, and I cannot stress this enough – make sure to be aware of exactly how much a Gi shrinks, as all BJJ Gis have a certain shrinkage rate which you have to factor in when selecting the best size for you. 

Tournament/ Competition Considerations

There are specific and detailed rules for BJJ Gis in tournaments, but when you’re looking to select a Gi you need to remember that you won’t be wearing it only to competitions unless you’re already a seasoned pro. 

Therefore, when you are selecting a Gi for yourself, stick to tournament colors; black, white, and/or royal blue, but do not sweat it past that. You’ll be using that Gi for training a lot more than you will be competing in it, so if you’re new, just pick one of the three allowed colors and do not look too much into details like patches and branding past that.  

Price

This is an obvious one but still, worth discussing, albeit briefly. You will, of course, buy Gis within your price range, which luckily, is not an issue as there are plenty of very affordable excellent quality Gis out there, like Sanabul’s.

Price plays an important role in terms of gathering enough Gis when you’re starting off, regardless of your competitive aspirations or lack thereof. Namely, you’re better off buying a couple of lower-priced Gis, so that you have enough for training and competing, rather than splurging on one higher-priced one. 

This is extremely important particularly when you’re buying a Gi you’ve never tried on before – try to resist overpaying as you might end up disappointed. 

Types of BJJ Gi

While there are different brands of BJJ Gis, there are also different types of Gis that Jiu-Jitsu brands offer. While the differences in some of these types might be subtle, they are noticeable and important in terms of performance.  

Lightweight BJJ Gis

A lighter gi weighs below 350 GSM and is usually the first pick for warm-weather training and competitors who have big amounts of weight to cut. If you’re interested in the best options check out our review of the best lightweight BJJ Gis.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gis for Competitions

Competitors usually have different requirements Gi-wise, compared to those only picking out Gis for training. Competition BJJ Gis have a specific fit, sturdiness, and flexibility that are crucial to successful performance on the mats. 

Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Gis

A women’s BJJ gi is of course, different to men’s, with their own cuts and sizes – their needs Gi-wise are different, and men’s BJJ Gis are not suited to accommodate them. The best BJJ Gi brands have a complete series of women’s Jiu-Jitsu Gis which also require careful choosing. 

Kids BJJ Gis

Last but not least, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniforms for the tiny champions, the future of the sport. Given children’s growth rate, kids Gis have an entire size system of their own, as well as an abundance of different sizes. 

How to Choose the Right Size BJJ Gi

Reading BJJ Gi charts is an art form in itself, but it is not the hardest part.

Size charts are not too difficult to make sense of, but measuring yourself is where you can make cardinal mistakes that will completely ruin your BJJ Gi-picking experience. 

Before I let you know how to precisely measure your body so that you can pick the best BJ jGi size for you in a foolproof way, let me offer an easy workaround: 

A useful little trick I employ when researching a Gi brand I’ve never worn before is to see if I can find someone in the gym, or a tournament wearing the Gi I am interested in, and ask them to try it on.

Even if it is bigger or smaller, you’ll get the idea of the size you’re aiming for, plus, you’re trying on a Gi that has already shrunk somewhat.  

Since trying on a Gi is not always an option, sometimes you’ll have to do the dreaded measurements:

1. First, measure your height and weight. Make sure you’re standing straight and looking forward. 
2. When you’re measuring the circumference of your chest, breathe normally and do not hold your breath. 
3. Aim to measure around the fullest parts of your waist and chest.
4. When measuring your arms, measure starting from the end of your shoulder and going forward to the end of your wrist. 
5. Similarly, when you’re measuring your legs, start from the top of the hip and go all the way to the ankle. 
6. Remember to always measure both sides of your body. If the measurements end up different, calculate an average and then consult the Gi size chart of a specific brand. 

BJJ Gi Rules for Competitors

The tournament rules and regulations for Gis cover a Gis length, width, color, the state of the Gi and belt in general, and the placement of patches. 

The IBJJF rulebook on the subject is usually taken as the standard one as it is the most strict and limiting rule set in terms of Gi requirements. There are people tasked with checking if competitors’ Gis fulfill IBJJF standards at most IBJJF competitions, with the biggest tournaments providing the most rigorous checks. 

According to this rulebook, the sleeves and pants of competitors Gi cannot exceed the length of their wrists and ankles, respectively. The width of sleeves is also measured using a special tool, as there are limitations to business as well. 

A competitor’s Gi also has to be in good general shape, meaning no tears or hanging threads are tolerated. The same goes for a competitor’s belt in IBJJF tournaments. 

Color-wise, only blue, black, and white are allowed for competitors. That hwoever, is only a requirement by the IBJJF. The UAEJJF, or more precisely, the AJP, does not have any color requirements nor any Gi checks, which is useful to know, as they are becoming as big, if not bigger than the IBJJF in recent years. 

In terms of placement of patches, allowed areas, and size of patches, I urge you to check out the appropriate section of the IBJJF rulebook directly.  

Best BJJ Gi Brands

It is difficult to pick and choose the best brands as personal preferences always tend to cause bias. In order to present a few of the truly best ones we went with brands that are tested and recommended by some of the best, on top of ticking all the right boxes in our best BJJ Gi checklist. 

Sanabul

Sanabul appeared on the market in 2014, which is relatively late compared to most other well-established BJJ brands. However, their high quality gis, offered at incredible prices, quickly earned them a spot among the best of the best. 

Their aim is to produce unique products that do the trick on the mats and look good in the process. They set out toward achieving that goal by using huge names in the sport like John Danaher to test out their products, getting a stamp of approval from those that matter. 

Of course, having high-quality products and being reliable in terms of customer support also helps.

Gold BJJ

Put together by grapplers from San Diego, one currently a purple belt and the other brown. They provide the Jiu-Jitsu community with quality gear that fits different needs, from everyday training to professional competitive engagements on a regular basis. 

Gold BJJ gis are among some of the best in the world, particularly in the lightweight department, and they continue to innovate with all kinds of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear, including rash guards, belts, and backpacks. 

Gold BJJ has been on the scene since 2016 but has risen rapidly, due to filling a void that the BJJ community had in terms of Gis, not unlike Sanabul did with their affordable gear.

In my opinion, this is currently the best BJJ gi brand out there, and I absolutely love all of their gear.

Venum

One of the brands that are always going to make an appearance in any article dedicated to Gis and any other combat gear is always going to be Venum. From UFC sponsorships back in the day to standing behind some of the best athletes in grappling, Venum has been issuing out professional gear since 2004.  

The brand’s vision is continuous improvement, which is why they re-design and re-issue their best series on a regular basis, never satisfied with a Gi as the ultimate perfect product. 

FAQ’s

A few more burning questions we might have missed are going to get our attention at the very end of this article, in order to provide the best possible guide to picking out a Gi for you. 

Do I Need to Wear Anything Under My Gi?

No, but it is advisable to wear a rash guard in training, as it has moisture-wicking properties that are going to protect the Gi in the long run, extending its lifespan. 

Competition-wise, the IBJJF only allows ranked rash guards for male athletes, so it is better to just go with a Gi jacket on and nothing else. 

Will My Gi Shrink in the Wash?

All Gis have a certain shrink rate, but it is insignificant in pre-shrunk ones. Still, with Gis either completely or mainly made out of cotton, if you put one in a washing machine on a warm/hot setting, it will certainly shrink. 

The simplest way is to cold wash and hang dry your Gi immediately after training. Stick to the brands’ recommendations in terms of whether to use a washing machine or wash it by hand.

A good BJJ gi brand will either offer their gis pre-shrunk, or provide detailed instructions as to the best way to wash the gi.  

How Often Should I Wash My Gi?

Every time you train, you should put your Gi in the bag or backpack, head home and immediately wash it. This helps keep the Gi clean, avoids the build-up of odors and microbes, and extends the lifespan of your Gi. 

Remember, Gis are meant to be washed, not to soak up sweat from several training sessions in a row. 

Is One Gi Enough?

If you’re training more than twice a week, one Gi is simply not going to cut it. 

I’d recommend at least two, and in the best case scenario, three, with one being a dedicated competition Gi. However, you’ll soon figure out the addictive side of collecting Gis and then you’re in real trouble.

What is the Difference Between Male and Female Gis?

The difference is mostly in the cut of the Gi jacket, as ladies’ Gis need to accommodate the breasts in a way that makes training comfortable and unrestrictive. The waistline of the jacket is also smaller, for a tighter fit, especially in women’s competition Gis.  

What is the Best Gi Color? 

This one is down to you. I personally like white, as it does not fade at all, but in modern times with Gis pre-treated against fading, this really is not an issue to worry about. Stick to a color you can use in a competition if you only have one or two gis, but outside of that, go with what you please. 

Final Thoughts

I really do think I covered everything I could think of in terms of selecting the best BJJ Gi for any occasion. 

You now have a ready-to-go list, as well as a complete guide to understanding Gi material, sizes, brands, and everything else important in selecting the almost perfect Gi. Why the almost perfect? 

You’ll never be satisfied with one Gi, especially with the rate at which the best brands are coming up with new, improved ones. 

Enjoy the ride and best of luck on your BJJ journey.

Recommended Reading:

• Best Grappling Dummies for BJJ Reviewed & Compared

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