How should a BJJ gi fit?

Your gi size gets you close, but fit is what you feel on the mat. A gi that is too big hands your opponent free grips; one that is too small restricts your movement and may fail a competition check. Put the gi on, tie your belt and run through the checks below.

Why fit matters

In jiu-jitsu your clothing is part of the game. Loose sleeves and a baggy jacket give your opponent easy handles for collar chokes and sleeve grips. A gi that is too tight pulls across your back when you shrimp or reach and wears out faster at the seams. The goal is a gi that feels close to your body without stopping you from moving freely.

The jacket

• Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit on or just past the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down your upper arm.
• Chest: the lapels should cross over comfortably with a good overlap when the belt is tied. If they only just meet, the jacket is too small or too narrow; consider a heavy (H) cut.
• Skirt length: the bottom of the jacket should cover your hips and reach the top of your thighs.
• Movement: reach both arms forward and hug yourself. The fabric should not pull tight across your upper back.

The sleeves

Stretch your arms straight out in front of you. The cuffs should finish at or just short of your wrist. Sleeves that cover your hands are too long and easy to grip; sleeves that stop halfway up your forearm will not pass a competition check. There should also be space between the sleeve and your arm along its whole length, so the fabric is not skin-tight.

The pants

• Length: standing straight, the hem should finish at or just above your ankle bone.
• Waist: the drawstring or rope should tie securely without bunching a lot of extra fabric.
• Movement: squat and lift each knee to your chest. The crotch and seat should not pull or feel restrictive.

Competition fit rules

If you plan to compete under IBJJF rules, the referee will check fit before your match. In short, the sleeves must reach to within 5cm of your wrist with your arms stretched out in front, the pants must reach to within 5cm of your ankle bone, and the jacket skirt must reach your thighs. Our Pearl Weave Gi and Gold-Weave Pro Gi are both IBJJF-legal cuts, but the fit checks apply to how the gi sits on you, so try yours on before competition day.

Allow for shrinkage

Cotton gis can shrink after the first few washes, mainly in sleeve and pant length. Wash in cold water and hang to dry, and never use a tumble dryer. If a new gi is a little long in the sleeves and pants, that is usually fine; after cold washing it should settle close to the right length. A gi that already feels short when new will only get shorter.

Quick fit checklist

• Shoulder seams sit at the edge of your shoulders.
• Lapels overlap comfortably with the belt tied.
• Jacket skirt covers your hips.
• Sleeves end at or just short of the wrist with arms straight out.
• Pants end at or just above the ankle bone.
• You can squat, reach and shrimp without the gi pulling tight.

Not sure which size to start with? Use the BJJ gi size guide and its A0–A5 chart, or the gi size calculator. If the fit is not right, our 60-day fit guarantee covers a free exchange. Browse every gi on the BJJ gis page.