You can find BJJ gis in a variety of colors, designs, fabrics, and most importantly, prices.
You can pick up cheap BJJ gis online from random brands that no one has ever heard of, but the quality tends to be less than ideal.
Of course, you can spend a good chunk of change on a high-end, quality gi, but how necessary is that really?
Or perhaps, if you know where to look, you can find high-quality, yet affordable BJJ gis that are comfortable, durable, and look good.
Well, today, we’re going to be doing exactly that.
Exploring the best cheap BJJ gis under $100, breaking down each one, and discussing how you can go about choosing a gi that you’ll be happy with.
Let’s get to it.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Sanabul Essentials – Best value for money
- Tatami Nova – Editors pick
- Sanabul Core Competition – Best for competitions
- Fuji All Around – Premium Choice
- Progress Academy – Best for both training and competition use.
Best Cheap BJJ Gis Under $100
Sanabul Essentials BJJ Gi
I pretty much love everything about Sanabul and what the brand stands for – delivering affordable Martial Arts gear at an affordable price, without sacrificing a ton of quality.
Which is exactly what they’ve done with their Essentials BJJ gi. As the name implies, you get everything you need with this gi – quality, style options, durability, and of course, a fantastic price tag. Plus, the gi comes with a free belt, providing even more value for money given that the best BJJ belts can set you back over $20.
The gi itself is nice and lightweight thanks to its single-weave design, making it an ideal gi for intense training sessions, especially in warm climates.
Another feature that I particularly love about this gi is that it comes pre-shrunk. This takes so much guesswork out of the equation, and you don’t need to worry about shrinking the gi on its first wash. All in all, this allows you to easily select the right size, without having to do any additional DIY shrinking at home.
As you would expect from a respected brand like Sanabul, the gi has all the quality and durability features required. Reinforced stitching, a rubberized collar, Kimono side slits, and compact-stitched embroidery are all utilized by Sanabul with their Essentials gi.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the Essentials gi comes in a total of 9 different color variations and combinations. While the overall design of this gi is extremely minimal, it’s always nice to have options when it comes to the look of a gi.
All in all, given the price tag, the Sanabul Essentials is without a doubt one of the best BJJ gis under $100.
Pros
- Don’t have to worry about the gi shrinking
- Comes with a free white belt
- Wide variety of color variations
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can be a bit baggy
Tatami Nova Absolute BJJ Gi
Tatami is a highly respected brand, established all the way back in 2009, and has been behind some of the most popular gis in the world…
One of which is their Tatami Nova Absolute BJJ Gi. This is a tried and tested gi and often a popular beginner BJJ gi thanks to its affordable price tag and durable build.
The Tatami Nova Gi itself features a 350 GSM pearl weave jacket, alongside 10oz cotton pants. I’ll break down fully what GSM means later in the article, but for now, just know that the lower the number, the lighter the jacket.
350 GSM would be considered lightweight, which is typically something I look for in a training gi. They’re comfortable, and they help to keep you cool when training, which is particularly useful in summer or if you live in a warm country.
Something to be particularly aware of with the Tatami Nova is that it will shrink slightly upon its first wash, typically by around 5%. With that in mind, if you find that you’re between two sizes, I would recommend going for the bigger size.
To top it off, the gi comes with a free white belt, which is particularly useful for those of you looking to get your first gi.
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Comes with a free white belt
- A good amount of color choices
Cons
- Need to be careful with shrinking
Fuji All Around Gi
Okay, you’ll have to let me off here, as this gi is slightly above $100, but that extra little bit is worth every cent… trust me.
Fuji is a brand that specializes in top-tier mineral water… wait no, wrong Fuji, sorry…
In all seriousness, if you’ve been around BJJ or even Judo for a while, you’ll know that Fuji has been around for a very long time and is easily one of the most trusted names in the grappling space.
Their All Around Gi, as the name implies, is the jack of all trades BJJ gi and is recognized across the world as one of the most reliable and durable gis ever made.
This insane durability is largely thanks to the mid-weight jacket, constructed out of a dense weave material. This in turn makes the gi extremely tough and resistant to wear and tear. Admittedly, this thickness may not be to everyone’s liking, but you’ll struggle to find a sturdier jacket elsewhere.
Plus, this additional thickness is a great feature to have if you’re looking for a competition gi, especially when paired with the All Around Gis thick/ stiff collar. Having a thicket material jacket makes it slightly harder for your opponent to establish a solid grip, which can offer a solid advantage when competing.
It’s also worth mentioning that this gi was designed by Jimmy Pedro, an Olympic Medalist Judoka. I used to watch his film “Fury on the Mat” as a kid and trust me when I say, that if there’s anyone in the world that should know how to design a gi, it’s him.
Anyway, yes, this gi is a bit more expensive than the others on this list, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting gi, then you really can’t go wrong with the All Around Gi by Fuji.
Pros
- Durable build designed to last intense BJJ training and competing
- Ideal cut and material for competing
- Very comfortable for a mid-weight gi
- Sizes made specifically for both male and female BJJ practitioners
Cons
- Hand wash only
Venum Contender 2.0 BJJ Gi
Venum is one of my favorite brands, and I’ve reviewed a few pieces of their gear here on MMA Buzz.
That said, when Martial Martial Artists typically think of Venum, they think expensive, which is not the case here. Their Contender 2.0 BJJ gi is by no means the cheapest gi in the world, but it’s not the most expensive either, falling somewhere in the middle.
The jacket is made using 100% pearl weave cotton, and if you have no idea what pearl weave means, fear not! I’ll break down all this mumbo jumbo once we’ve looked at each of the best cheap BJJ gis.
That said, pearl weave is the modern-day gold standard in BJJ gis that provides a great balance between durability and a lightweight design. Speaking of lightweight, this Contender 2.0 features a 350gsm jacket and 230gsm cotton pants.
This in turn means that both the jacket and pants are comfortable and lightweight, which should help to keep cool throughout training (well, as cool as you can be when rolling).
Unlike a lot of other gis, the Venum Contender 2.0 doesn’t come with a free belt, so if you’re new to BJJ and getting your first gi, you’ll need to pick up a belt somewhere else. Fortunately, we do have an article on the best BJJ belts, so be sure to check them out for some great options.
Lastly, the Contender 2.0 comes pre-shrunk, which is only ever a good thing in my eyes.
Pros
- Don’t need to worry about shrinking the gi as it’s pre-shrunk
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great moisture-wicking properties
- Extremely durable
- Great value for money, especially for a Venum product
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a belt
Elite Sports BJJ Gi
Next up we’ve got one of the cheapest options on our list, this time from Elite Sports.
Unlike many other brands, the Elite Sports gi is made from pre-shrunk fabric, which means you can enjoy the convenience of machine washing without worrying about shrinkage – trust me, I’ve shrunk a few gis in my time, and it’s incredibly annoying.
The jacket of the gi clocks in at 400GSM, falling somewhere in the middle ground between lightweight and heavy. Plus, the gi itself is made from pearl weave material, known for its durability and longevity – two key elements to look for in a BJJ gi.
The sweat-wicking material helps reduce the risk of bad smells, ensuring that you stay fresh and focused during your training sessions.
Another great aspect bout this gi is that it’s not only great for training, but is a perfectly suitable competition gi as well thanks to its IBJJF-approved status.
The gi itself comes in various sizes and colors and comes in sizes suitable for both men and women.
Additionally, Elite Sports offers a free white belt with the gi, making this a brilliant option for anyone just starting their BJJ journey.
Pros
- Pre-shrunk (machine washable)
- A good number of design variations
- IBJJF approved
- The material helps to prevent the build-up of bad smells.
Cons
- Fairly loose fit
Sanabul Core Competition Gi
It should come as no surprise that there’s more than one Sanabul gi on a list of the best affordable BJJ gis.
This time though, we’re going to look at their Competition Core gi, but don’t let the name fool you. This gi is both IBJJF competition-approved and also suitable for daily training.
Sanabul has made use of ultra-light material in an athletic cut, meaning the Gi offers less loose material for opponents to grip. On top of that, the cross stitching on the pants and the dense weave of the jacket help to give an additional competitive edge.
In addition to the exceptional quality of the fabric, the Gi feels lightweight yet durable, allowing for maximum mobility and performance on the mats. While the gi may not have many flashy design elements, its clean and minimalist appearance keeps things simple and allows for your ability to do the talking.
The Sanabul Core Competition BJJ Gi provides an excellent balance of quality and performance, with top-notch materials and attention to detail. Pair this with the exceptional price tag, and this is easily one of the best BJJ gis for the money.
Pros
- Insane value for money
- Good choice of color variations
- Hard for opponents to establish a grip
- Tested by the highest-level practitioners and coaches
Cons
- Thicker than most “competition” gis
Progress Jiu Jitsu Academy Gi
Up next we got a gi from a relatively new brand, which is quickly becoming one of my “go-to” choices when shopping for BJJ gear.
The Progress Academy Gi is essentially the perfect budget-friendly BJJ Gi. One of the main stand-out features of this gi is its pearl weave, 375 GSM material, which strikes a great balance between durability and weight.
Not a lot of gis on this list use pearl weave as it tends to be expensive, so it’s incredibly impressive that Progress offers such a sort-after feature at this price.
The gi itself is incredibly simple in its design, with no patches and very little embroidery. Coming from a Judo background, I tend to prefer the more toned-down gis, and I’m a big fan of how the Academy Gi looks.
Progress only offers their Academy gi in white, blue, and black colors, so not a ton of options there. That said, all of their Academy gis meet the IBJJF requirements, making the gi a fantastic choice for both training and competing.
I’m also a huge fan of pre-shrunk, machine-washable gis, which of course, the Progress Academy Gi is. This keeps things simple and makes washing the gi stress-free.
All in all, an incredibly solid option that offers insane value for money.
Pros
- Machine washable
- IBJJF certified
- Comes with a free belt
- Incredibly durable and lightweight (pearl weave material)
Cons
- Not a lot of options in terms of color
Twister Progress 5.0 BJJ Gi
Moving onto the final option on our list, the Twister Progress 5.0.
One thing I will say about this gi is that its bold design isn’t necessarily to my liking. That said, the features that it offers definitely offsets my distaste for its aesthetics considerably.
For example, the gi itself is constructed using pearl weave material, offering incredible durability that’s perfectly suited to withstand regular intense training sessions. As well as this, the Progress 5.0 comes pre-shrunk, which is always a nice feature to have and helps to ensure you have a well-fitting gi.
It’s worth noting that the jacket is pretty heavy-duty, clocking in at 475GSM. If you prefer lighter gis, this might not be the one for you. That said, if you’re looking for a rugged, sturdy that’ll hold up well over time, this is a fantastic option.
In terms of color variations, the gi comes in white, blue, and black, which isn’t a ton of options but still covers the main bases.
Lastly, the gi comes with a free white belt, making it a brilliant choice for anyone shopping for their first gi.
Pros
- Comes with a free belt
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Pre-shrunk
- Accurate sizing
Cons
- The design might not be to everyone’s liking
How to Choose a BJJ Gi
Alright, now that we’ve looked at some of the best cheap BJJ gis, we should discuss how to go about choosing the right gi for your needs.
Weave
A BJJ gi weave refers to the interlocking material used to construct the fabric of the gi. The type of weaving a gi uses determines both the strength of the material and its weight. Common types of weaves used in BJJ gis are:
- Single weave: Single weave gis tend to be cheap, lightweight, and least durable.
- Double weave: Uses twice as much fabric as single weave, therefore is heavier, and more normal.
- Gold weave: An interesting weave that is a bit of a combination between single and double weaves. It combines the lightweight nature of a single weave, with the durable qualities of a double weave.
- Pearl weave: The latest and greatest in BJJ gi weaves. These are incredibly durable and allow the manufacturer to determine the GSM. The best BJJ gis are often made using pearl weave material.
GSM
Okay, time to answer the question I know has been on your mind this whole time – “what on earth is GSM”?
Well, GSM stands for grams per square meter and is used to describe the weight of material.
The higher the number, the more the fabric, and therefore the gi, weighs. Typically gis will range from around 300 GSM (lightweight) to 450 GSM (heavy-duty).
There really isn’t a best GSM or gi weight, as it comes down to personal preference. Personally, I like to train in lighter gis, as I find this the most comfortable, especially if it’s a long rolling session. On the other hand, I know plenty of people at my gym who prefer thicker, sturdier gis, such as the Fuji All Around.
Rip-Stop Pants
Over recent years, brands have begun utilizing rip-stop material to construct their gi pants. As the name suggests, this material is extremely tear-resistant, which obviously is incredibly useful in BJJ.
That said, gis that use rip-stop pants tend to be on the pricier side of things, with most of the options on our list using 100% cotton pants.
Size and Fit
Whenever you’re buying something that you’re going to be wearing, ensuring that you have a correct fit is important, especially in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A gi that’s too small can restrict your movements and feel uncomfortable, while one that is too large may give your opponent an advantage during rolls (more material to hold), and is pretty uncomfortable to wear.
Manufacturers will always provide a size chart to help you select the right size based on your height and other body dimensions.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that different brands might have slightly different sizing, so it’s important to check out the sizing chart provided by the brand you’re interested in. You can check out the example sizing chart below to get an idea how how these sizing charts work.
Price
Of course, affordability is a significant consideration when looking for the best BJJ gi for the money.
While high-end gis can be quite expensive, many budget-friendly options offer good quality at a very reasonable price. Given the topic of this article, it’s important to strike a balance between quality and price, ensuring you get a gi that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Fortunately, all of the gis listed above should meet that “budget-friendly” criteria, so you’re in good hands.
Brand
The brand of the gi can often be an indicator of its quality (not always though).
Established BJJ brands with a good reputation for durability and design are generally are typically the safest option, such as the brands we’ve recommended today.
Whenever you’re planning on trying out a new brand, it’s a good idea to read reviews and seek opinions from other BJJ practitioners. Given that you’re here reading this article, I’d say you’re on the right path.
Color
Gis these days come in all kinds of designs and colors and are a great way to express yourself on the mat. When it comes to training, as long as there are no rules at your specific gym, you can wear whatever you like.
On the other hand, when it comes to competing, you’ll be required to wear a white, blue, or black gi, as per the IBJJF requirements.
Popular BJJ GI Brands
Sanabul
Sanabul is a somewhat new brand that quickly gained popularity for its affordable, yet high-quality gear. They make gear for an array of different combat sports, with their gis and rash guards being a popular choice amongst many BJJ practitioners. They offer a few different lines of gear, varying in prices and quality, essentially making equipment for all skill levels.
Sanabul also has a number of high-level coaches and athletes such as John Danaher are known to use and recommend Sanabul gear. If it’s good enough for the Danaher Death Squad, then it’s good enough for me.
Progress Jiu Jitsu
Progress is a brand I only recently discovered and have quickly fallen in love with. They are based out of the UK, their BJJ gear looks amazing, is built to an exceptional standard, and is priced very reasonably. While their range is pretty limited, I can’t recommend their gear enough and am sure you’ll like them just as much as I do.
Final Thoughts
Well, there we have it.
As I hope you’ve been able to tell from this article, there are plenty of decent-quality gis out there that don’t break the bank.
If you’re new to BJJ, it can be a bit overwhelming with the sheer number of brands and all these random phrases being thrown at you. But rest easy knowing our list of the best cheap BJJ gis has got you covered.
If you’ve got any questions at all, please feel free to drop a comment in the section below, or you can reach out to us via our contact page.
Thanks for stopping by!
