Find Your Gi

How to Choose Your First BJJ Gi

Andrew Buck · September 15, 2024

Everything you need to know before buying your first gi — fabric, fit, price, and what actually matters.

Quick Picks

Tatami Nova Mk5 Best Overall

The go-to starter gi. Solid pearl weave, clean cut, widely available in all sizes.

~$120

Fuji All-Around Budget Pick

Tough, basic, and reliable. Not flashy, but it'll last. Great if you're not sure you'll stick with it.

~$90

Scramble Athlete Step Up

Worth the extra spend if you know you're in for the long haul. Better fit and feel.

~$150

Don’t Overthink It

Your first gi doesn’t need to be perfect. You’re going to wash it a hundred times, sweat in it constantly, and probably want to replace it in a year as your preferences change. Spend between $80–150 and focus on fit over brand.

Key Things to Look For

Fabric Weight

Gis come in single weave (~350gsm), pearl weave (~450gsm), and gold weave. For beginners, pearl weave is the sweet spot — durable, not too heavy, dries reasonably fast.

Fit

A good gi should:

  • Allow full shoulder rotation without the back riding up
  • Have pants that reach your ankle (not higher)
  • Not be so baggy that grips are easy to get

Most brands offer A (standard), L (long), H (heavy), and F (female) cuts. Check the size chart for each brand — sizing varies.

If you plan to compete, make sure the gi is in white, blue, or black, and that the brand is IBJJF approved. Most major brands are. Don’t buy a camo gi as your first gi.

  • Tatami Nova Mk5 (~$120) — Best overall value
  • Fuji All-Around (~$90) — Budget-friendly and tough
  • Scramble Athlete (~$150) — Step up in quality, great fit

What to Skip

  • Gis under $60 — the quality usually isn’t there
  • Very heavy gis (750gsm gold weave) as a starter — too hot and stiff
  • Fashion gis with lots of patches — save those for when you know your preferences

Final Word

Buy something in your budget, in white or blue, from a reputable brand. Train in it, wash it after every session, and figure out what you like. You’ll have a much better idea of what you want by the time you buy your second gi.

Andrew Buck

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.