Quick Picks
The easiest first gi to buy. Pre-shrunk, includes a belt, ships via Amazon Prime. ~$70 and good enough for your first year.
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Name-brand quality at $55. Consistent sizing you can trust when ordering online for the first time.
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Built to last years. At ~$120 it's more than you need to spend on a first gi, but it'll be the last budget gi you ever buy.
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Buying your first gi doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need to understand weave types, GSM ratings, or which competition rules apply to which fabric weight. You need something that fits, doesn’t fall apart, and costs less than a month of gym membership.
The best first gi is the Sanabul Essentials V.2. At ~$70 it’s pre-shrunk (so what you order is what you get), comes with a free white belt, and ships via Amazon Prime. It’s the lowest-friction path from “I need a gi” to “I have a gi.”
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Gi?
$50-70 is the sweet spot for a first gi. You’re getting functional quality without overcommitting financially to a sport you might still be figuring out. If you end up training 3+ times a week for a year, you’ll eventually want to upgrade or add a second gi. But your first gi’s job is to get you through the door.
Don’t spend more than $120 on your first gi. The only exception is if you already know you’re committed (maybe you’ve been training in a borrowed gi for months). In that case, the Fuji All Around at ~$120 is a smart buy because it’ll last for years.
Our Picks by Budget
Under $60: Just Get Started
Tatami Elements Superlite ($55) is our top pick at this tier. Tatami is one of the biggest names in BJJ, and their sizing is reliable. Available in white, blue, and black (plus four other colors if you want something different). At $55, it’s the cheapest gi from a name brand.
Elite Sports Core (~$50) is even cheaper and comes pre-shrunk with a free belt. The quality is a step below Tatami, but it’s functional and available in the widest color range of any budget gi.
Fuji Suparaito XTR (~$50) is the cheapest option from a legacy martial arts brand. Basic but reliable.
$60-$100: The Sweet Spot
Sanabul Essentials V.2 (~$70) is the best-selling gi on Amazon and the default first-gi recommendation. Pre-shrunk means no guesswork on sizing. Comes with a white belt. Amazon Prime shipping means you can have it in two days. It’s not going to feel like a premium gi, but it does everything you need for your first year.
Sanabul Core Competition (~$90) is a step up if you want IBJJF-approved construction for your first competition.
Fuji Flow-Tech (~$90) offers a slimmer, more modern fit than the entry-level Fuji options. Good for leaner builds.
$100-$130: If You Know You’re Staying
Fuji All Around (~$120) is the most recommended starter gi of all time. 550gsm single weave that’s built like a tank. If you know you’re committed to BJJ, this is the one gi that will still be in your rotation two years from now.
What to Know Before You Buy
Sizing
Every brand sizes differently. Always check the brand’s size chart before ordering. Most brands use A-sizes (A0, A1, A2, etc.) based on height and weight. If you’re between sizes, go up; you can shrink a gi slightly with a warm wash, but you can’t stretch one.
Color
White, blue, or black are the standard BJJ gi colors and the only ones allowed in most competitions. For your first gi, pick one of these three. White is the safest choice (every gym allows it, every competition allows it). Blue and black are equally fine.
Pre-Shrunk vs Regular
Pre-shrunk gis (Sanabul, Elite Sports) are sized to fit out of the box with minimal shrinkage. Regular gis will shrink, sometimes significantly, depending on how you wash them. If you buy a non-pre-shrunk gi, wash cold and hang dry to keep it close to its original size.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About Yet
- Weave types and GSM: These matter, but not for your first gi. Any gi from the brands above will work.
- IBJJF compliance: Unless you’re competing immediately, this doesn’t matter yet.
- Brand prestige: A $55 Tatami trains the same as a $200 Scramble when you’re learning to shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my gym sell gis?
Many gyms sell their own branded gis or stock gis from specific brands. Ask your coach. Gym gis tend to be slightly overpriced compared to buying online, but they’re convenient and your coach can help with sizing in person.
Should I buy my gi before my first class?
Ask your gym first. Many offer a trial class or trial week where you can train in athletic clothing. Some lend gis to beginners. No need to buy before you’ve confirmed you want to train.
What if I buy the wrong size?
If you buy from Amazon (Sanabul, Elite Sports, Fuji), returns are straightforward. For other brands, check the return policy before ordering. When in doubt, size up.
Do I need a belt?
Yes, but most beginner gis (Sanabul, Elite Sports) include a white belt. If yours doesn’t, a basic white belt costs $5-10 on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
Easiest first gi: The Sanabul Essentials V.2 at ~$70. Pre-shrunk, includes belt, Amazon Prime.
Best value: The Tatami Elements Superlite at $55. Name-brand quality at the lowest price.
If you’re committed: The Fuji All Around at ~$120. Buy it once, train in it for years.
Don’t overthink your first gi. Pick one, show up to class, and learn. You can obsess over gear later when you know what you actually want.
About the Author
Andrew Buck
Andrew is the founder of Find Your Gi. A BJJ brown belt and MMA & Jiu Jitsu coach with over 12 years in combat sports, he also brings a decade of experience writing health and fitness content online.