If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), then you might be overwhelmed by the number of brands on the market when it comes to gis and other gear! A gi is the traditional uniform for BJJ, and it’s an essential part of the sport. There are so many choices out there, from colors to materials, it can be hard to know which one is the best fit for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind before investing in your first gi!
Price: When it comes to price, you don’t have to break the bank to get a good gi. There are plenty of affordable and quality options available. It’s important to make sure that you buy a gi from a reputable brand, as some cheaper brands may not be as durable or comfortable, and you’ll want to wash your gi pretty often.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to replace your gi every few years, so it’s better to invest in quality rather than going for the cheapest option. Plan to spend around $75-$125 on your first gi – the good news is, this is one of the only investments you’ll need to make! Besides a gi, the only other gear you may find yourself needing is a rashguard to wear underneath.
Style:
Color: Gis come in a huge variety of colors, materials, styles and weights, but that doesn’t mean you can wear any gi you want to practice or compete in! Many academies require you to wear only certain colors, or even brands, if you plan on competing at the IBJJF level eventually, then it will be important to select a Gi that meets the IBJJF uniform requirements. Starting out with a regular, white gi is usually the smartest choice, and if your academy offers starter gis, they’ll most certainly be white. Sticking to white when you get started also allows you to visit other gyms without worrying about being out of uniform.
Size: Gi sizing is unique, and can vary across brands! Before you invest in a gi, make sure to check out the brand’s size chart. Across brands “A” is for men’s sizes, “F” is for women’s sizes and “M” is for children. If you see an L next to the size (as in A1L), this means that the length of the pants and sleeves are extended, and if you’re between sizes remember that many materials will shrink! Luckily, you can often find reviews on the internet before you pull the trigger.
Weight, Weave and Material: All of these contribute to how your gi feels when you roll. The heavier the weave the more durable your gi will be, but the additional weight also holds on to heat! Many materials will be described with gsm, or grams per square meter, the lower the number, the lighter the gi! Lighter gis can be easier to roll in and keep your competition weight lower, but heavier gis can be harder for your opponent to grip.
Cotton is the most common material for gis, but bamboo, hemp and other fabrics are gaining popularity!
Recommended Brands:
Elite: Elite offers gis for as low as $50 during their frequent sales, and a huge range of colors once you’re ready to upgrade! These gis are often available on Amazon!
Inverted Gear: Inverted offers a huge range of sizes, colors and weights at affordable prices, starting at $105. Don’t miss their mystery sales either!
Sanabul: Sanabul offers one of the most budget friendly starter gis, and their seasonal collections will keep you coming back for new variations. These gis are often available on Amazon!
