The 10 Best BJJ Gis in 2023

In my nearly a decade of training Jiu Jitsu, I’ve worn BJJ gis from nearly all the top brands. From sizing to material quality, they vary a TON.

Finding the perfect BJJ gi can be hard – but no worries, like Zazu from the Lion King, The Guru is here to help find the best BJJ gi brands for your training style. Hakuna Matata 🤙🏻

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The Best BJJ Gis for 2023

• Best Overall BJJ Gi: Gold BJJ Foundation Gi
• Best USA Made BJJ Gi: Origin’s “The Path” Gi
• Best Budget Gi: Elite Sports Core Gi
• Best Gold Weave Gi: Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 Gi
• Best Lightweight Gi: Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

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1. Best Overall BJJ Gi: Gold BJJ Foundation Gi

Gold BJJ Foundation Gi

Gold BJJ’s Foundation Gi has been one of my favorite Jiu Jitsu gis for years. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect to see in a modern BJJ gi, including:

• Rash guard neck liner
• Midweight jacket and ripstop pants
• Elastic drawstring
• Clean branding
• IBJJF competition legal design

While the Foundation does earn my choice for Best Overall BJJ Gi, I would love to see it offered in more colors. It’s not the cheapest gi on the market, but it’s also well beneath the premium price tier of other BJJ gi brands like Future Kimonos or Origin.

Gold BJJ is based in San Diego, the biggest Jiu Jitsu city in the US. They sponsor many athletes and have a reputation as one of the best gi brands out there.

For more information on this gi brand, read my in-depth review of the Gold BJJ Foundation Gi.

See the Gold BJJ Foundation Gi

2. Best USA Made BJJ Gi: Origin “The Path” Gi

Origin “The Path” Gi

Origin’s latest gi is called The Path and it is truly special. This Origin gi uses their classic style pants, and their proprietary PolySynth yarn which is 10x stronger than any pearl weave on the market.

The price point on this BJJ gi might scare off many buyers, but if you’re looking for a one of a kind “Made in America Without Compromise” premium BJJ gi brand, then this Origin gi is the way to go.

Origin is one of the only gi manufacturers that makes their uniforms in the USA. They are based out in Maine, and the company is owned by BJJ black belts Pete Roberts and Jocko Wilink (friend of Joe Rogan). This is a company that is truly bringing manufacturing back to the USA and you can feel good about supporting.

One other cool thing Origin does is sell BJJ gi pants and jackets separately. So for example if you want size A2 for your gi pants, but have freakishly long arms and need an A3 gi jacket, you can do that with Origin! They’re one of the few companies that allows you to mix and match and that’s why they are one of the best BJJ gi brands in my book.

For more information on this gi brand, read my in-depth review of Origin’s “The Path” Gi.

See Origin’s “The Path” Gi

3. Best Budget BJJ Gi: Elite Sports Core Gi

Elite Sports Core Gi

Elite Sports is one of the more popular budget BJJ gi brands, and for good reason. They make some high quality martial arts gear (for all combat sports), and their prices are extremely affordable. In my opinion, the best BJJ gi from Elite is their Ultra Light. It’s a preshrunk gi that is competition approved and won’t leave you super sweaty during training.

Elite Sports caters to a larger crowd which is why they have over 5 different color combinations (including pink) available. I love that they treat their Gi’s with health and safety in mind, all have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Combined with a good Jiu Jitsu soap, this treatment will help you stay free of skin infections during your training.

Another great thing is that every Elite gi comes with a brand new white belt for beginners – it’s no surprise I also included this gi on my Best BJJ Gi for Beginners list.

I think purchasing an Elite Sports gi if you’re a beginner, or just need another BJJ gi for your rotation, is a no-brainer. Their gis have earned very positive online reviews and are inexpensive. If you’re shopping for a budget gi, you can’t go wrong with Elite Sports’ uniform. Their BJJ gi fabric is not going to feel quite as nice as a gi jacket from a premium BJJ gi brand, but it’s totally wearable.

For more information on this gi brand, read my in-depth review of the Elite Sports Core Gi.

See the Elite Sports Core Gi

4. Best Lightweight Gi: Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

The Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi is one of the lightest weight gis on the market (nearly 50% lighter than standard Pearl Weave!), yet it’s still super durable thanks to reinforced stitching. If you’ve ever taken a look at the biggest BJJ tournaments on FloGrappling or other outlets, you’ve definitely seen this gi in competition and on the podiums. It’s a favorite competition gi for competitors because its lightweight design makes it easy to make weight.

I personally love this gi because it doesn’t leave me as drenched in sweat after a long training session (like some of my heavier gis do). Look, I admit it… I sweat a lot during training, especially during the summer. That’s why I prefer lightweight gis like the Aeroweave. If you train in an icebox or just don’t sweat much, you might prefer heavier weight gi jacket.

Another great thing about this popular BJJ gi is the 10oz ripstop pants. Many gi manufacturers are moving over to ripstop pants, and I think this is a huge improvement over traditional cotton BJJ gi pants. Ripstop is more durable and it also breathes better. The Gold BJJ Aeroweave gi is available in white, black, navy, royal blue, and grey. White, Royal Blue, and Black are definitely approved for IBJJF competition. You’re rolling the dice if you try to compete in Navy and Grey (technically they are against the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation rules, but enforcement is spotty).

Gold BJJ’s price point is very reasonable, and overall this is a high quality lightweight gi that deserves a place in your collection from my favorite BJJ gi brand.

See the Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi

5. Best Gold Weave BJJ Gi: Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0

Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 Gi

The feel that the Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 gold weave gi jacket provides when you put it on is second to none. I just absolutely love the smooth feeling of gold weave, it’s long been a favorite in martial arts academies and I sometimes even use it as my judo gi. This gi features reinforced lapel and stress areas as well. The Goorudo 3.0 is the perfect combination of softness and weight as long as you are OK with a really solid and durable gi (I wouldn’t consider this one of my lightweight gis, that’s for sure).

The pants included are made with 12oz twill cotton blend with reinforced knees and stress areas. One of the most unique characteristics about this Gi are the patches and embroidery on the lapel, chest, shoulders and back and legs. Adorned with the martial arts kanji for “Courage”, “Strength”, “Pride” and “Respect”. Hayabusa’s Goorudo 3.0 is certainly one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis available in 2023, and if gold weave (we’ll cover more about the different weaves later in this post) is your style you will definitely want to pick up this gi.

For more information on this gi brand, read my in-depth review of the Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 Gi.

See the Hayabusa Goorudo 3.0 Gi

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Jiu Jitsu Gi

If you’re someone who wants to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without wearing a gi we definitely recommend you check out some Jiu Jitsu schools that offer NoGi training. There are many differences between Gi and NoGi, both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific person. If you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for MMA, then it might be more useful to train NoGi. If you decide you don’t want to train while wearing a gi that’s okay, I recommend you check out this article for the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rash guards.

After deciding that you want to buy a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi, it’s important to consider what type of gi you want and need. Most high-quality gis are designed to be lightweight while remaining durable, this is important considering the various grappling situations one will find themselves in Jiu Jitsu. The best BJJ gi for your training needs to be durable to withstand all types of punishment while remaining comfortable enough to keep your body temp low (especially during the summer). The best Jiu Jitsu schools will usually have air conditioning, however, it still gets hot and sweaty during those intense live roll sessions.

Most modern Jiu Jitsu gis are normally made from either a single weave or double weave BJJ gi fabric. There are also different variations, such as specialty pearl weaves or gold weaves. High-quality gis are generally tapered for more of a slim fit to help it feel as natural as possible. Although tight-fitting, most gis won’t restrict your movement. It’s important to consider all of the factors below before spending the money when buying a gi.

Color

Although most traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi’s are white, many manufacturers have started to create Gi’s with other colors such as Blue and Black.

If you plan on competing with IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) one day, then blue, black and white are all officially approved colors when rolling in competitions. If you’re simply buying a gi to train in then it really doesn’t matter on color, however, you should always ask your professor before making a wild choice such as a rainbow-colored gi, some professors won’t allow non-traditional colors.

Cost

The typical cost of a gi is anywhere from $40 to $400 and up. Brands such as Fuji and Sanabul sell gis that start around the $50 price point, while others such as Hayabusa are much more expensive and have a much higher price point.

There are many reasons for this severe price fluctuation that I will touch on later, however, it’s not always wise to invest so much money in something that you aren’t 100% sure about. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grueling art form to practice, and not everyone becomes a black belt. If you’re a beginner who is looking for an inexpensive gi, I highly recommend checking out our Best BJJ Gi’s for Beginners list.

My first gi was an Origin that set me back around $200. However, I trained No-Gi for a while before purchasing a gi. I knew I was going to stick with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because I loved it and my High School wrestling background helped out a bunch while rolling as well. Learning Jiu Jitsu has been so challenging, yet it has single-handedly been the most rewarding martial art I’ve ever learned.

On the flip side, my brother purchased a cheap and low quality gi and absolutely hates it. He always tries to borrow mine. The only reason I tell you this is because it’s important to shop for quality early because you want to have a comfortable and durable gi if you’re a BJJ practitioner who is rolling 4-5 times a week.

Collar Fill

Most BJJ gi collars are filled with either cotton or rubber, with rubber being the most popular to construct a collar. However, more experienced practitioners say that the cotton collar is the best option because it’s more comfortable and not as restrictive. Rubber collars can actually make you more susceptible to collar chokes. This doesn’t mean all rubber collars are bad, but they do have different qualities when compared to their cotton counterpart. One advantage to rubber collars is that they don’t harbor as many bacteria or germs when compared to cotton collars.

Weave

Believe it or not, there are also many different styles of weave to choose. It’s important to understand the differences in weave options because it can greatly affect how you roll. Certain styles of weaves are better than others, especially depending on the type of training you do and the environment you live in.

Single Weave

The most basic and inexpensive Jiu Jitsu gis have a “single-weave” kit. The single weave kit is usually reasonably priced and will not break the bank, however, they are much lighter and less resilient than other gis. The only reason you should ever purchase a single weave is if you’re either a beginner or if you live in a hot country or you train in an area that is particularly hot.

A single weave gi will keep you cool and less restricted than other versions. I personally like a single weave, mostly because I live in a warmer climate, however, I don’t recommend a single weave if you’re an advanced Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

Double Weave

A double-weave gi is much more durable than it’s single weave counterpart. The extra thickness in a double weave Gi adds needed strength and durability for those grueling roll sessions. You might think the cost of a double weave is too expensive, however, they are actually more economical and efficient in the long run because they will last twice as long.

Not only are double weave gis more durable, but they are also much more comfortable because of the added quality. I like double weaves, however, I believe there are more benefits in rather a gold or pearl weave. This is because they are much more comfortable in the long run.

Gold Weave

If you’ve tried both the single and double weave and can’t decide between the two then a gold weave may be the answer you’re looking for. The gold weave’s goal is to take the best aspects of the single and double weave to make the ultimate Gi. Gold weave is strong and reliable while still managing to have a low weight so that you don’t feel weighed down or uncomfortable when wearing your gi.

The gold weave is something that you usually want to think about buying once you’ve become more accustomed to BJJ, however, if you have the money to spend on the “top of the line” gi then go for it. gold weaves are specialty weaves that really stand the test of time. I recommend buying a gold weave if you want something that you know will last.

Pearl Weave

Pearl weave is the new guy on the block, and he’s quickly becoming popular. Most modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis are made with pearl wave construct. Pearl weave combines the best of both worlds, with the lightweight advantage of a single weave while having the strength of a gold weave. This type of combination allows for easier airflow and keeps you cool even during the most stressful of roll sessions.

Pearl weave is also excellent for someone who lives in a warmer climate. I prefer the pearl weave above any other weaves on this list, it just feels high quality when compared to the others. If you can afford it, I highly recommend purchasing a gi that has pearl weave construct, you won’t regret it. Most of my choices for the best BJJ gi are pearl weave (or a hybrid that is based on this weave).

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Other BJJ Gi Brands You Might Consider

While the three choices above are my personal favorite, there is no doubt that there are plenty of good options on the market. Here are a few others that I’d like to highlight. Selecting the right gi for you really comes down to personal preference, and the next few options all have their pros and cons as well.

6. Fuji Classic BJJ Uniform

Best Classic Style – Guru Score: 8/10

Fuji’s Classic BJJ Uniform is one of the oldest and best-selling gis of all time. It’s a very popular choice for beginners (if you’re just starting out, make sure to check out my Beginner’s BJJ Gi Guide) and you’re sure to see it in the white belt classes at your academy. This Jiu Jitsu gi is 100% IBJJF approved, so it’s a great choice if you’re thinking about entering a competition. It’s available in black, blue, white, navy, and pink (although I wouldn’t try to compete in navy or pink – a picky ref could DQ those colors).

Rather than a more typical Pearl Weave, this gi uses Fuji’s “Special Weave” which is a mid-weight cotton blend. While the classic Fuji BJJ Uniform is one of the original gis, it definitely lacks some of the features a modern Jiu Jitsu gi comes with like ripstop pants and a lighter weight weave. To me, this BJJ gi feels a bit heavy and stiff, and I had trouble breaking it in. That said, it’s a great value and is one of the most popular entry-level choices with the BJJ community. They also make this gi in a kids’ version.

7. Sanabul Essentials v2

Another Excellent Budget Option – Guru Score: 8/10

The Sanabul Essentials V2 gi features with a lightweight fabric which is perfect for summer training, competitions, or just normal BJJ training if you want a light comfortable gi. The fabric also has an Antimicrobial and Anti Odor treatment which helps to prevent the spread of bacterial and fungal infections. Five different colors to choose from means you could wear a different one for every day of the week.

Sanabul is one of the most popular cheap Jiu Jitsu gi companies, and you’ll see them frequently in the white belt classes at most academies as well as at tournaments. Their gis are IBJJF approved and suitable for competition, just make sure you stick to the white, blue, or black colors.

The Sanabul Essentials v2 is an inexpensive gi when compared to many others on this list. If you’re looking for a new BJJ gi in a price range that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Sanabul. I actually included this as my Guru’s favorite on the Best Gi’s for Beginners list.

The only qualms I have about this gi is that it’s made of a single weave which isn’t as durable as other types of weave. However, this is the type of gi that is perfect for a beginner’s first gi or for someone who wants to add a comfortable gi to their rotation at a budget-friendly price point.

For more information on this BJJ gi brand, read my in-depth review of the Sanabul Essentials v2.

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8. Flow Kimonos Air Gi

Guru Score: 9/10

Flow Kimonos has been making Jiu Jitsu gis for quite some time now, and their gis have improved a ton since they first released the Air. The Air is a relatively lightweight gi, with a 350gsm jacket and 240gsm ripstop pants. It’s available in white, blue, and black and comes in an impressive 9 sizes.

This gi really gets the small details right, most impressively in my eyes is the drawstring and belt loops. It can be super annoying if your gi’s drawstring is constantly getting lost inside the material, or if it comes undone during class. Flow Kimonos’ Air gi uses a high density drawstring filled with foam that stays tied even during tough rolling sessions.

One thing I really like about this company is that they give back to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. If you check out their Instagram, you’ll see them supporting all sorts of causes from first responders to local Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Flow Kimonos is definitely a BJJ gi brand that I’m happy to support, and their products have stood the test of time.

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9. Fuji Suparaito Gi

Guru Score: 9/10

Made entirely of a lightweight pearl weave construct, the Fuji Suparaito Gi is something special. Triple reinforced ripstop pants allow you the ease of mind in knowing that this gi uses high-quality materials that will last a very long time.

Durability is one of the most important aspects you should look for when shopping for a BJJ gi and the Suparaito is second to none when it comes to strength. The entirety of this Gi is made of multi-layered stitching which is super durable.

The color combinations are your typical white, black, or blue. However, each gi has separate colorful patches and embroidery which look great in every style. I like how Fuji always thinks outside the box when it comes to design and style, they really nailed it on the Suparaito. This is one of the most stylish gis on the market and easily earned a spot on my best BJJ gi guide.

Fuji gis are one of the most established gi brands, so you can rest assured they know their stuff. They’ve been making some of the best BJJ gis and judo gis for ages and have a very solid reputation for their high quality gis.

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10. Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi

Guru Score: 8/10

Venum is a well established MMA brand, that inked a new deal with the UFC after the Reebok/UFC deal expired. They are now the UFC’s apparel partner, and offer a wide variety of gear for all combat sports like Muay Thai, boxing, and of course Jiu Jitsu.

Their Contender Evo gi is a solid pearl weave option, coming in at a pretty lightweight 350gsm for the jacket (Pearl Weave) and just 230gs for the pants. This gi is available in white, royal blue, black (all IBJJF legal) as well as a dark grey. It’s got some nice touches from the embroidery at the bottom of the jacket, to the color-matched trinagle reinforcement.

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Different Types of Jiu Jitsu Gis

At this point, I’ve covered my favorite BJJ brands – but there are probably 100 more out there! I found these posts by The Grapplers Diary hilarious, and totally fitting on what your BJJ gear says about you:

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Here are my quick thoughts on 17 other top gi brands…

11. Kingz: super popular, solid high quality gear for gi and no-gi.

12. Maeda: made by the same people (Fighter’s Market) as Kingz, very solid quality

13. Hyperfly: expensive but high quality.

14. Level X Black (LXB): super trendy brand that makes mostly no-gi gear. Cool branding, they don’t specialize in gis though.

15. Scramble: I like this brand a lot, very cool designs and high quality gear

16. 93brand: run by the guys at BJJHQ I think? So you can definitely pick up some deals when they go on sale. Quality is solid.

176. Shoyoroll: the “Air Jordans” of gi brands. Gis sell out quickly after dropping, and 10 years ago they were the coolest thing on the mats. Now I think their presence is fading a bit… or people just got sick of paying $250+ for a gi that is the same quality as other brands.

18. Albino & Preto (A&P): same company as Shoyoroll I think? I’m sure they’re solid, branding looks clean, but $$$$$

19. XMartial: gives me sketchy vibes

20. Future Kimonos: your order will arrive “sometime in the future” 😂 customer reports on their delivery times are just so bad, I wouldn’t order from them unless you really are in no rush (we’re talking months potentially) to get your gear

21. Tatami: kind of an old school brand, that feels like it’s had a recent makeover. I actually really like their gear and clean designs.

22. War Tribe: you gotta take yourself pretty seriously to wear these gis…

23. Gameness: see War Tribe 😊

24. CTRL Industries: very cool gear, I like their gis and rash guards a lot.

25. Vital Kimonos: kept in relevancy solely from their sponsorship of Nicholas Meregali. Now that he’s left, I wouldn’t expect to see many of these on the mats.

26. Progress: mostly a European brand, but they’re starting to make their way to the USA. Good looking gear with clean designs.

27. Inverted Gear: the founder is a popular poster on Reddit’s r/bjj and is a community favorite. Very respectable products.

28. Lanky Fight Gear: awesome gis for tall and lanky athletes.

Different Types of Jiu Jitsu Gis

Traditional gis are sized from A0 to A5 and are either considered mens or unisex. But there are plenty of subcategories including gi brands for women, kids, and more. Here are a few that are worth taking a look at…

1. Best BJJ Gi Brands for Women

Nowadays many gi brands are making Jiu Jitsu gear specifically cut for women. I wrote a whole post on the best BJJ gi brand for women, breaking down some of the top options available for female Jiu Jitsu practitioners.

2. Best BJJ Gi Brands Kids

Depending on how big your kids are, they may or may not to be able to fit into a small adult size. Luckily, most brands have kids lines as well. Check out my post on the best BJJ gi brands for kids.

3. Best BJJ Gi Brands for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, you might not want to drop a bunch of money on a high end Jiu Jitsu gi. In that case, make sure you read my post on the best BJJ gi brand for beginners.

4. Best BJJ Gi Brands for Competitors

Training for a big competition? Definitely check out my list of the best BJJ gi brands for competitors. These gis are all excellent choice for making weight in advance of a tournament.

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How to Get the Perfect Gi Fit

When you first look at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi sizes, the “A” size system may seem a bit daunting at first. However, it’s not all that hard to figure out what size should fit you the best depending on your body’s weight and weight. I’ve included a basic size guide below, however it’s important to remember that specific brands may have a different size chart, so it’s always good to double check before purchasing a gi for Jiu Jitsu.

Remember, this size chart won’t work for everyone. Each gi brand has their own size chart and you should definitely make sure to double check it before ordering it. I myself am 6’1″ and 165 pounds (I wear a Medium A2 in this size chart), every body type is different and your gi should reflect that. The absolute worst thing in the world is rolling in a BJJ gi that isn’t the correct size. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis shouldn’t be horribly restricting or uncomfortable to roll in.

Keep in mind that if you’re on the heavier side of things and starting Jiu Jitsu for the first time be prepared to lose some weight while training BJJ. I can’t even count how many friends and BJJ practitioners I’ve seen dramatic change their bodies over a short period of time through martial arts training.

If you’re in a position that you’re training Jiu Jitsu to lose weight, make sure that you don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a gi that might be too big in the near future. Consider starting with a good budget gi like Elite’s or Sanabul’s before jumping up into a higher price uniform.

This picture illustrates exactly how a Gi should fit. It shouldn’t be too restricting, however, it also shouldn’t be so loose that you feel like you’re swimming in gi material.

The top part of your gi should hang right below your butt, and the length of the gi should leave a little space on your wrists and ankles when fully spread out. This ensures that you aren’t stepping on your gi and that it isn’t restricting the use of your hands and fingers.

Another important thing to check for is whether or not the gi has been “pre-shrunk” or “shrunk to fit”. Many BJJ gi brands will pre-shrink their uniforms so that they fit much better right out of the box. It’s okay to wash your gi after you use it as well, just make sure not to put it in the dryer if you don’t want it to shrink!

Unless you’re trying to intentionally shrink your gi, I always recommend you air dry it. When choosing the best BJJ gi for your body, make sure that it fits all the recommended requirements above: especially if you are thinking about entering a competition.

New IBJJF Rules for 2024

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Foundation (IBJJF) announced new uniform rules and requirements, which will go into effect after 2024’s “Worlds” tournament (late summer).

These new rules are quite restrictive, limiting the weight of the jacket to a range of 380gsm – 650gsm! Under this ruleset, many “lightweight” gis will no longer be legal in IBJJF tournaments.

The IBJJF has received a ton of blowback since announcing these rules. Many competitors view them as a money grab designed to force everyone to buy more gis. And shocker – IBJJF launched a gi partnership with Shoyoroll shortly after the changes went live. The hilarious thing is that this gi doesn’t even meet the IBJJF’s new uniform requirements:

So anyways, I wouldn’t be surprised if they change some of these proposed rules. Keep an eye on them though, if you’re planning on picking up a gi that you will compete in an IBJJF tournament in.

Did You Find Your Perfect BJJ Gi?

I hope this guide made the Gi buying process much simpler for you, and that you found the best BJJ gi brand for your needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned grappling vet, in this guide I tried to lay out the most important criteria for finding the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi brand for your training.

After trying out a ton of BJJ gis and evaluating all of the criteria above, my pick for the Best BJJ Gi of 2023 is the Gold BJJ Foundation Gi. Whether you’re training for a competition or just rolling at class, this all around gi has all of the latest features at a very reasonable price. Check it out and train hard!