How to Choose Your First BJJ Gi: A Beginner’s Buying Guide

🥋 Gear Guide · Updated April 2026
Your First Gi: A Black Belt’s Guide to Starting Right
Weave, weight, fit, and IBJJF rules — everything a beginner needs to know before buying their first BJJ gi.

📅 Updated April 2026 · ⏱️ 8 min read · 🥋 BJJ · Beginner · Buying Guide

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Why Your First Gi Matters More Than You Think

For years, I have watched students walk onto the mat for the first time. I have seen the excitement, the nervousness, and yes, the confusion over that first uniform. Your gi is not just a piece of gear — it is your second skin on the mat. It is what you will sweat in, bleed in, celebrate your first submission in, and eventually your first promotion in.

The wrong BJJ gi means overheating in a humid gym, oversized sleeves your training partners can grip from a mile away, or worse — being turned away from your first tournament because of a non-compliant colour or fit. The right gi makes you forget you are wearing it and lets you focus entirely on your technique.

At Element Fight Wear, we have been building kimonos for the South East Asian climate and global grapplers for years. This guide is everything I would tell a brand-new white belt walking into my academy.

Understanding Gi Weaves

The weave is the single most important factor in how your BJJ gi feels, performs, and lasts. There are three main types you will hear about:

Single Weave

Lightweight and breathable — ideal for hot, humid training rooms and long back-to-back sessions. Single weave gis are thinner, dry faster, and are easier to move in. The trade-off is durability — they wear out faster under hard training and grip fighting.

Double Weave

Heavier and more durable, double weave gis are harder to grip and last significantly longer. Popular with competition-focused athletes who want a gi that is difficult for opponents to control. Much warmer to train in, which can be brutal in tropical climates.

Pearl Weave

The sweet spot — and the most popular weave in modern BJJ. Pearl weave gis offer a balance of lightness, durability, and comfort. Every competition-grade Element Fight Wear gi uses pearl weave construction, which is why they have become the go-to choice for South East Asia’s grappling community.

🌡️ South East Asia Training Tip

Training in Bangkok, Manila, Saigon, KL, or Jakarta heat? Go for a lightweight pearl weave at 350gsm or lower. You will sweat less, move faster, and feel more comfortable through long drilling sessions. Our Light Gi range is built specifically for this climate.

Getting the Fit Right

A poorly fitted BJJ gi is a liability on the mat. Too loose and your opponents have excess fabric to grip. Too tight and you lose mobility when shooting for takedowns, inverting, or working guard. Most competitions also specify maximum sleeve and pant lengths — so fit is not just about comfort.

Here is what to check:

• Jacket sleeves should reach close to the wrist when arms are extended — not too long, not too short.
• Jacket length should cover the hips and reach the upper thigh.
• Pants should reach close to the ankle bone without dragging.
• Shrinkage is real — most cotton gis shrink 5–10% after washing, so size up if you are between sizes.

The Element Fight Wear Gi Range

Here is the full lineup available right now with worldwide shipping, free over $199.

Colours & IBJJF Compliance

If you ever plan to compete, your gi colour matters. IBJJF — the governing body for most major tournaments — only allows white, blue, and black gis in competition. Patches must be located in approved zones and not exceed size limits.

Gi Colour	Training	IBJJF Competition	Best For
White	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Beginners, all gyms
Blue	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Most popular colour
Black	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Competition & training
Grey / Other	✓ Yes	❌ No	Training only

If you are unsure whether you will compete, stick to white. It is the universally accepted colour and most academies start beginners in white.

How to Care for Your BJJ Gi

A good BJJ gi is an investment. Proper care will extend its life significantly:

• Wash cold (30°C / 86°F): Hot water causes excessive shrinkage and breaks down fibres.
• Air dry only: Tumble drying damages the weave and causes heavy shrinkage.
• Wash after every session: Non-negotiable for hygiene and mat safety.
• Turn inside out: Protects colours and patches from fading.
• No fabric softener: It degrades cotton weave over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size BJJ gi should I buy?

BJJ gi sizing uses A (Adult) and M (Master/Female) scales. A2 fits most average-height adults, A3 for taller or heavier builds, A1 for lighter frames. Always check the brand’s size chart — and size up slightly if you are between sizes since cotton shrinks 5–10% after first wash. Contact us for personal sizing advice.

Do I need a gi to start BJJ?

Most gyms require a gi for their gi classes. Some offer loaners for your first session but you will want your own quickly. The Element Essential with free white belt is the perfect starter package.

Is Element Fight Wear IBJJF approved?

Yes — the Element ProComp 2.0 and several other models in our range are available in IBJJF-compliant white, blue, and black. Always check the specific event’s ruleset before competing.

How often should I replace my gi?

A well-cared-for pearl weave gi trained in 3–4 times a week should last 2–3 years. Competition athletes training daily may rotate through 2–3 gis at a time.

Can I buy a gi with free worldwide shipping?

Yes. Element Fight Wear offers free worldwide shipping on all orders over $199.

The Bottom Line on BJJ Gi’s

Choosing the right BJJ gi comes down to three things: the right weave for your climate, the right fit for your body, and the right colour for where you train and compete. Element Fight Wear covers all three — which is why we have become the brand of choice for serious grapplers across South East Asia and beyond.

Whether you are buying your first gi or upgrading to a competition-ready kimono, Element Fight Wear has the full range in stock.

Shop BJJ Gi’s at Element Fight Wear →

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• BJJ Belts Explained: Colours, Ranks & Choosing Your First Belt
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