Check out Our Friends
Over at Elite Sports
Elite Sport BJJ Gis
https://www.elitesports.com/collections/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-bjj-gis
What to Look For:
5 Essential Tips
Before Buying a BJJ Gi
Table of Contents
1. Tip 1: Understand Fabric Type and Weave Weight
2. Tip 2: Get Sizing Right Before Ordering
3. Tip 3: Inspect Stitching and Build Quality
4. Tip 4: Confirm IBJJF Approval
5. Tip 5: Look for Practical Features That Improve Daily Training
6. Final Takeaway: Make the Next Gi Purchase Count
Stepping onto the mat in a gi that rips at the seam, fits all wrong, or falls apart
after a handful of washes is every grappler's nightmare. A great BJJ gi does
more than cover the body. It supports movement, holds up through grueling
rolls, and performs when it matters most. With so many options flooding the
market today, knowing what to check before buying can be the difference
between a smart purchase and a costly regret.
Elite Sports, the best BJJ gi maker in the sport today, has built a name for
delivering gis that meet the demands of serious grapplers at every level. Take
the Elite Sports Core Black BJJ Gi as a prime example. Crafted from 450 GSM
pre-shrunk pearl-weave fabric, built with reinforced stitching and IBJJF-
approved, it sets a clear standard for what a top-quality gi should be.
Continue reading to discover the 5 key tips every grappler should know
before buying a BJJ gi.
1. Tip 1: Understand Fabric Type and Weave Weight
Fabric is the foundation of every good gi. The weave type and weight
determine how the gi feels, how long it lasts, and how well it performs under
pressure.
The three most common weave types are:
● Pearl Weave is the most widely used fabric in BJJ today. It is light, strong, and dries faster than heavier weaves. For most grapplers, pearl weave hits the right balance between toughness and ease of movement. Elite gis are built with premium pearl weave, which is why they hold up so well through years of hard training.
● Single Weave is the lightest option available. It works well for hot training rooms or travel, but tends to wear down faster under heavy daily use.
● Gold Weave sits between single and double weave. It offers greater durability than single-weave while remaining light enough for regular training. GSM, or grams per square meter, is another number worth checking. A lower GSM (around 350) means a lighter, more breathable gi. A mid-range GSM (around 450) is the sweet spot for most grapplers. It balances strength, breathability, and comfort through long sessions. A higher GSM (500 and above) yields a heavier, denser gi that trades some breathability for added
durability. The Elite Sports BJJ gi collection features 450 GSM pearl weave across its adult lineup, landing right in that ideal range for training and competition.
2. Tip 2: Get Sizing Right Before Ordering Poor fit is one of the most common complaints among new gi buyers. A gi
that is too loose gives opponents extra fabric to grab and control. One that is too tight limits movement and can make rolling uncomfortable. Getting the right size from the start saves time and money.
Here is what to check:
● Never assume sizes match across brands. Elite Sports uses its own sizing system, which differs from other BJJ brands. Ordering based on a current gi size from a different brand is a common mistake. Always measure and use the brand's own size chart before placing an order.
● Look for pre-shrunk fabric. A gi that is not pre-shrunk can lose a full size after the first wash. Elite Sports, the best BJJ gi and rash guard manufacturer in the business, has developed a special pre-shrunk fabric that holds its shape after both machine washing and machine drying. This takes most of the guesswork out of sizing after purchase.
● Check competition fit rules. For those who plan to compete, IBJJF sizing rules apply. Sleeves must reach the wrist when the arm is extended, and pants must fall within 5 cm of the ankle. Buying a gi that meets these specs from day one means one less thing to worry aboutat a contest.
3. Tip 3: Inspect Stitching and Build Quality A BJJ gi takes a serious beating. Grips, throws, chokes, and sweeps all put
constant stress on seams, collars, and cuffs. Weak stitching is the fastest way to end up with a torn gi mid-roll.
Key things to check when assessing build quality:
● Reinforced stitching at stress points such as the collar base, armpit seams, cuffs, and inner thighs. These areas face the most tension during grappling and should feature double or triple stitching. Elite gis are built with reinforced stitching in all key seam areas, giving them added strength where it counts most.
● Collar construction. The collar is grabbed more than any other part of a gi. A thick, well-made collar should hold its shape through years of pulling and yanking without fraying or splitting at the seam.
● Contrasting stitching for easy inspection. A gi with contrasting stitch color, like those made by Elite Sports, makes it easier to spot early signs of wear before a small loose thread turns into a big tear. This is a detail that speaks to thoughtful, high-quality construction.
4. Tip 4: Confirm IBJJF Approval Not every gi on the market meets the rules set by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. For anyone who plans to enter official contests, this is a non-negotiable detail. IBJJF rules for gis include:
● Approved colors are white, blue, and black only.
● Jacket length must reach the upper thigh.
● Sleeve length must reach the wrist when the arm is held straight out.
● Pant length must fall within 5 cm of the ankle.
● Patches and logos must conform to set placement and size rules. Buying a gi without checking for IBJJF approval can lead to being turned away at a contest. Elite Sports gis are IBJJF-approved and meet all of the above standards, meaning they are cleared for use at every level of official competition. Even for grapplers who never plan to compete, an IBJJF-approved gi is still
the smart choice. It signals that the gi was built to a tested and verified standard, which is a reliable mark of overall quality.
5. Tip 5: Look for Practical Features That Improve
Daily Training The best gis do not just perform well in competition. They make everyday training easier through smart design choices. These are the details that often go unnoticed until they are missing.
Features worth looking for:
● Machine wash and dry compatibility. Most gi brands require hang drying to prevent shrinkage, which is not always practical for busy athletes. Elite Sports, the best BJJ gear producer on the market, has engineered a special pre-shrunk fabric that holds up through machine washing and drying, just like regular clothes. This is a standout feature for anyone with a packed training schedule.
● Rope drawstring pant closure. A secure, well-built drawstring keeps the pants locked in place through even the toughest rolls. Elite gis use a rope drawstring that holds firm without digging into the skin.
● Side slits on the jacket. These allow for a wider range of motion during guard work, scrambles, and ground fighting. The side-slit design on Elite gis is built with real movement patterns in mind, giving grapplers more freedom with every move.
● Lightweight and breathable build. A heavy, stiff gi leads to faster fatigue and less comfort during long sessions. A light and breathable gi, like those in the Elite Sports lineup, helps keep energy levels high and the body cool from the first roll to the last.
6. Final Takeaway: Make the Next Gi Purchase Count
A BJJ gi is one of the most used and most tested pieces of gear a grappler owns. Choosing the right one means checking the fabric weave and GSM, getting the sizing right, inspecting the stitching quality, verifying IBJJF approval, and looking for practical features that meet real training demands. Elite Sports covers every one of these points with a full lineup of gis for men, women, and kids, all built from premium materials and designed with the needs of serious grapplers in mind. Whether buying a first gi or upgradingfrom a worn-out one, starting with these five tips will lead to a smarter, better-informed decision every single time.
