What Should I Look for When Buying a BJJ Gi?

Buying a new gi seems simple… until you start comparing materials, weaves, sizes, shrinkage, brands, and prices. If you’re training 2–5 times a week, the wrong gi will either fall apart fast, or make you miserable on the mats.

This guide breaks down what actually matters when choosing a gi, without hype or guesswork.

1. Look for a Strong, Comfortable Weave

The weave is the fabric pattern used in the jacket. It affects weight, strength, heat, and price.

The most popular choice today is pearl weave because it hits the perfect balance:

Strong enough for hard rolls
Light enough for daily training and comps
Breathable and fast-drying

Heavier weaves (like double weave) can feel like wearing a wet blanket. Ultra-light weaves are sometimes too thin. Pearl weave sits right in the sweet spot: durable, light, flexible.

That’s why it’s the standard at Gee BJJ. Check out the Everyday Rolls collection

2. Reinforced Stitching Matters More Than Logos

Forget shiny patches.

If you want a gi that survives the grind, pay attention to:

Triple stitching on stress points
Reinforced knees
Strong collar
Solid pants drawstring

A gi can look nice but rip in six months if the seams are weak.

Good build quality = longer life.

3. Choose the Right Size (and Understand Shrinkage)

Every brand fits a little differently, so don’t be afraid to check a size chart or message the company with your height/weight.

Two quick rules:

Pre-shrunk gi = minimal change
Non-pre-shrunk gi = will usually shrink 2–4 cm after washing

To extend lifespan:

Wash cold
Hang dry
Never use a dryer

Dryers kill gis — they shrink, weaken fabric, and destroy stitching.

4. Look at Price vs Value (Not Hype)

Premium gis are often expensive because of:

Branding
Design patches
Marketing

Not necessarily better construction.

Most everyday grapplers don’t need a $180 gi.

If you can get:

Good weave
Reinforced stitching
Clean fit
Comfortable mobility

…for $60–100, that’s a great deal.

Gee BJJ’s goal is exactly that: quality without the BS price tag.

5. Make Sure It’s Competition-Legal (If You Compete)

If you plan to compete, consider:

White / Blue / Black only
No crazy patches or sleeves
Correct sleeve/pant length
A gi that’s too short or too thick may get rejected.

Ultra-light + pearl weave is a popular competition combo because:

Easier to make weight
Harder for opponents to grip

6. Comfort Is Not Optional

You will spend hours wearing this thing.

A good gi should:

Move with you
Not choke your neck
Not restrict shoulders or hips
Feel light when you're tired and sweating

If you can’t wait to take it off after every round… it’s the wrong gi.

7. How Many Gis Do You Need?

Bare minimum:

1 gi if you train casually
2 gis if you train 2–4x per week
3+ if you train daily or compete often

Example rotation:

One gi is drying
One is ready to go
One is for comps or travel

That’s why many people buy a second gi right after they find a favorite.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

To buy the right gi, focus on this checklist:

✔ Pearl weave
✔ Reinforced stitching
✔ Comfortable fit
✔ Pre-shrunk cotton
✔ Competition-legal
✔ Good price for quality
✔ Brand that understands training

You don’t need hype. You need something that survives rolls, grips, sweat, and wash cycles.

That’s the whole philosophy behind Gee BJJ: