5 Tips for Choosing your first bjj gi

5 Tips for Choosing Your First BJJ

https://www.elitesports.com/collections/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-bjj-gis

Gi: A Beginner's Guide

Table of Contents
1. Tip 1: Understand Gi Fabric Before You Buy
2. Tip 2: Get the Right Fit From the Start
3. Tip 3: Always Look for Pre-Shrunk Fabric
4. Tip 4: Prioritize IBJJF Approval and Quality Construction
5. Tip 5: Choose a Brand That Stands Behind Its Gear
6. Final Thoughts: Make Your First Gi Count

Stepping onto the mat for the first time is one of the best feelings in all of
martial arts. But picking the right gear before that first roll? That part can feel anything but simple.

A BJJ gi is more than a uniform. It is the foundation of your entire training
journey. The fabric you wear, how it fits your body, and how it holds up after hundreds of washes will shape your experience from white belt onward. Getting this choice right from day one saves both frustration and money.

Elite Sports, recognized as one of the best BJJ gi manufacturers in the sport,
offers a professional-grade range of BJJ gis for men, women, and kids built to meet the demands of real training. With so many options available today,
knowing what to look for before buying makes all the difference.

Read on to discover five practical tips for choosing your first BJJ gi and make sure your first purchase is one you will not regret.

1. Tip 1: Understand Gi Fabric Before You Buy

The fabric of a BJJ gi affects nearly everything, from how cool it keeps you
during hard rounds to how long it holds up over time. The three most
common weave types are:
● Pearl Weave: The most popular choice for beginners and experienced
grapplers alike. Pearl weave strikes the ideal balance between
durability and breathability. It does not add bulk, so moving freely on
the mat feels natural. For those just starting out, the Elite Core Adult
BJJ Gi uses a 450gsm pre-shrunk pearl weave that is both machine
washable and built for everyday training, making it one of the most
practical options for new students.
● Single Weave: Lighter and well-suited to warmer training rooms,
though single weave tends to wear down faster under heavy use
compared to pearl weave options.
● Double Weave: Far more durable but noticeably heavier and stiffer.
Most beginners find double-weave gis less comfortable until their body
adapts to regular mat time.

For most first-time buyers, a pearl weave gi in the 400 to 550gsm range is the sweet spot. It lasts, breathes well, and moves with the body rather than
against it.

2. Tip 2: Get the Right Fit From the Start

A gi that does not fit correctly is a real problem on the mat. Too large, and the extra fabric on your sleeves and lapels becomes a free grip for every training partner in the room. Too small, and your range of motion suffers, which affects technique and increases the risk of strain.

Here is what to look for in a proper fit:
● Sleeve length: The jacket sleeve should end no more than a few inches
above the wrist when the arm is fully extended. IBJJF standards require
this gap for competition use.
● Jacket length: The skirt of the jacket should cover the hips without
hanging past mid-thigh.
● Pants length: The pants should sit roughly five centimeters above the
ankle for proper fit.
● Shoulder seam: The seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, not
drooping down onto the upper arm.

One important note: do not assume your size in one brand matches another.
Elite Sports, for instance, uses its own detailed size chart that does not align with other BJJ brands. Always measure yourself before ordering and use the brand's specific chart. Skipping this step is the single most common mistake first-time gi buyers make.

3. Tip 3: Always Look for Pre-Shrunk Fabric

Cotton shrinks. Every BJJ beginner learns this quickly, and unfortunately,
many learn it the hard way after the first wash.

Many gis, especially those made without proper preparation, will shrink one
or even two full sizes after a few washes in warm water. This makes the sizing process far more confusing and can ruin a gi that would otherwise have been a solid choice.

When shopping for your first gi, look specifically for pre-shrunk fabric. Pre-
shrunk gis have already been treated so that future shrinkage is minimized.
The size you order is the size it stays.

The Elite Core Adult BJJ Gi uses a specially treated pre-shrunk fabric that
allows machine washing and even machine drying without significant size
change. For anyone training multiple days a week, this is a major practical
benefit. Most other brands ask students to hand-wash and hang dry their gis
outdoors, which is both time-consuming and impractical for busy training
schedules.

4. Tip 4: Prioritize IBJJF Approval and Quality
Construction

Even if competing is not yet on the radar, buying an IBJJF-approved gi from
the beginning is a wise move. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Federation) sets the global standard for gi construction, color, and sizing. An approved gi must meet strict requirements across several areas:
● Approved colors: Only white, royal blue, or black are permitted at IBJJF
events. Starting with one of these colors keeps options open as training
progresses.
● Fit and sleeve length: Sleeves, pants, and jacket length must all fall
within defined measurements.
● Construction standards: Patch placement, lapel thickness, and overall
build quality are all regulated.

Choosing an IBJJF-approved gi as a first purchase means no need to buy a
second gi just to compete down the line. It also signals that the gi was built to a verified standard, which is a strong indicator of overall quality.

5. Tip 5: Choose a Brand That Stands Behind Its Gear

Not all BJJ gis are built the same, and in a sport where daily training means
constant grabbing, pulling, and grinding, construction quality matters more than most beginners realize.

Here is what separates a well-made gi from one that fails early:
● Reinforced stitching at stress points: The collar, armpits, crotch seam,
and knee areas absorb the most abuse during rolling. Double-stitched
reinforcement in these areas adds significant life to a gi.
● Rope drawstring on pants: A thick rope drawstring holds more reliably
and lasts longer than thin nylon cords that fray and snap with regular
use.
● Side-slit jacket design: This allows full hip movement during guard
play, sweeps, and ground transitions without pulling or restricting the
body.
● Machine-washable construction: A gi that holds its shape and size
through regular machine washing is a practical necessity for anyone
training four or more days per week.

Elite Sports, one of the best BJJ gear producers in the sport today, builds each gi with reinforced stitching, pre-shrunk fabric, and IBJJF-compliant design. Each detail is built with real training in mind, so the gear performs
consistently through the wear of daily mat time.

6. Final Thoughts: Make Your First Gi Count

Choosing your first BJJ gi does not need to feel overwhelming. Focus on five
clear factors: fabric quality and weave type, the right fit for your body, pre-
shrunk material that handles regular washing, IBJJF-approved construction, and a brand with a proven track record for durability.

Elite Sports stands out as the best BJJ gear maker for athletes at every level, from beginners tying their first white belt to seasoned competitors preparing for the stage. Every gi in the Elite lineup is designed to perform from day one and keep performing long after.

Invest in quality from the start, build your skills on gear that holds up, and let the training speak for itself.