Best BJJ Gi for Beginners: Top 5 Picks for 2026

As a beginner, you face unique challenges that make certain gi features more important than they would be for experienced practitioners. Your first gi purchase should prioritise function over form.

Durability comes first. As a beginner, you will be gripped, pulled, and swept more than experienced practitioners. Your training partners will grip your collar, sleeves, and trousers repeatedly whilst you are still learning defensive techniques. A beginner gi needs strong stitching, a durable collar, and reinforced stress points. Light or cheaply-constructed gis wear out extremely fast under this kind of punishment.

Choose pre-shrunk fabrics. Pre-shrunk gis offer predictable sizing with no guessing or shrinking process required. This eliminates a major source of frustration for beginners who are already navigating unfamiliar sizing charts. Look for gis labelled as "pre-shrunk" or "pre-treated" to avoid disappointment.

Pearl weave is the best all-round option. Pearl weave fabric offers balanced weight, durability, and breathability. It is the most popular weave type in BJJ, making up at least 80% of the market. Pearl weave gis shrink very little and hold up well over time, even with lower GSM weights.

Start with white or blue. Competition-legal colours include white, royal blue, and black, but white is universally accepted at all gyms and competitions. Some conservative academies do not allow beginner belts to wear black gis, so white is the safest choice. Avoid coloured or patterned gis until you understand your academy's culture and competition rules.

Keep the design simple. Flashy limited editions and heavily branded gis draw attention. A clean, simple gi is more versatile and ages better. Save the eye-catching designs for when you have more experience and confidence on the mats.

Ensure IBJJF compliance. Even if you do not plan to compete yet, buying an IBJJF-compliant gi means you are ready when you want to. Competition-legal gis must meet specific measurements and colour requirements, and it is easier to buy correctly from the start than to replace your gi later.

Beginner gis should fall in the £40-£100 range. There is no need to spend £150+ on a first gi, but buying the absolute cheapest option is a false economy.

Under £50: Basic quality. Gis in this price range will last 6-12 months with regular training. They are acceptable for testing whether you enjoy BJJ before making a larger investment. Expect lighter fabrics, fewer reinforcements, and simpler construction. Popular options include the Sanabul Essentials and basic single-weave models from UK brands.

£50-£80: The sweet spot. This is where you will find the best value for beginners. Gis in this range are well-constructed with good materials, triple-stitched seams, and reinforced stress points. They typically last 12-18 months with regular training and proper care. Most of our recommended picks fall into this category.

£80-£100: Excellent quality. Premium beginner gis offer feature-rich construction, superior materials, and lifespans of 18-24+ months. If you are committed to training long-term, this investment pays off. These gis often include extras like EVA foam collars, tapered cuts, and advanced reinforcements.

Avoid the £20 trap. No-name gis at rock-bottom prices will tear quickly and need replacing sooner. You will spend more money replacing cheap gis than you would have spent buying a quality gi from the start. Community consensus on Reddit's r/bjj and UK forums consistently warns against ultra-budget options.

For most beginners training 2-3 times per week, a gi in the £60-£75 range represents the best investment. This budget gives you access to established brands with proven track records and good durability.

Beginners wear out gis faster than experienced practitioners, and understanding why helps you make a better purchase decision.

You spend more time being controlled. Whilst advanced practitioners escape grips and control positions efficiently, beginners spend significant time being held, swept, and submitted. Every training session involves your training partners gripping your collar, sleeves, and trousers hundreds of times. This constant gripping and pulling stresses the fabric and stitching far more than you might expect.

The collar takes a beating. The collar is the most gripped part of any gi, and beginners' collars get gripped relentlessly. A quality collar should be stiff, thick, and reinforced with multiple rows of stitching. Cheap collars become soft and floppy within months, making the gi uncomfortable to wear and less effective for training.

Reinforced stress points prevent failures. The underarms, knees, and trouser crotch are high-stress areas that fail first on cheap gis. Quality beginner gis feature reinforced stitching and sometimes double-layered fabric in these areas. Triple-stitched seams across all stress points add significant durability for minimal cost.

Fabric weight and weave matter. Pearl weave fabric in the 350-450 GSM range provides excellent durability without excessive weight. Single weave gis under 400 GSM are lighter but less durable—acceptable for casual training but not ideal for beginners who train regularly. Gold weave and heavier constructions (550+ GSM) are exceptionally durable but may be too heavy and hot for beginners.

Quality construction costs slightly more upfront but saves money over time. A well-made gi lasting 18 months costs less per training session than a cheap gi lasting 6 months.

We have researched the current UK market, analysed community reviews, and evaluated specifications to identify the five best beginner BJJ gis available in 2026. Each recommendation prioritises durability, value, and beginner-friendly features whilst remaining competition-legal and readily available for UK delivery.

Our selection includes options across the beginner budget spectrum, from affordable entry-level choices to premium options for those willing to invest more from the start. All five picks are from established brands with proven track records, positive community sentiment, and reliable UK availability.

Learning from others' mistakes saves money and frustration. These are the most common errors beginners make when purchasing their first gi.

Buying the wrong size. The most frequent mistake is not checking the size chart carefully or failing to measure yourself accurately. Each brand sizes differently, and assuming you are an A2 because your friend wears A2 is a recipe for disappointment. Always measure your height and weight, then consult the specific brand's size chart. If you are between sizes, size up—it is easier to shrink a gi slightly than to stretch one.

Not accounting for shrinkage. Even pre-shrunk gis may shrink 2-3% with hot washing or tumble drying. Shrink-to-fit gis require a deliberate shrinking process that beginners often misunderstand, leading to gis that are too small or unevenly shrunk. For your first gi, choose pre-shrunk and follow the proper washing guidelines to maintain size.

Buying a karate or judo gi instead of a BJJ gi. Karate gis are cut differently and may not hold up to BJJ's gripping demands. Judo gis are extremely heavy and hot compared to BJJ gis. Whilst judo gis can technically be used for BJJ, they are not ideal for beginners. Make sure you are buying a gi specifically designed for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you are unsure about the differences, read our BJJ gi vs judo gi comparison.

Choosing based on looks rather than construction. Flashy patches, bold colours, and aggressive branding appeal to beginners, but these aesthetic features do not improve durability or performance. Focus on fabric weight, stitching quality, and reinforcements rather than appearance.

Buying the cheapest possible gi. A £20 no-name gi from an unknown brand will tear within months and need replacing. This false economy costs more in the long run and creates frustration. Investing £60-£70 in a quality gi from an established brand provides far better value.

Not buying a competition-legal colour. Coloured gis (grey, green, camouflage, etc.) cannot be used at IBJJF competitions, which represent the majority of BJJ competitions worldwide. Even if you do not plan to compete immediately, buying white, blue, or black keeps your options open. Our guide to BJJ gi colour rules explains the requirements in detail.

Ordering from overseas without factoring costs. International shipping, customs fees, and return shipping costs can turn an apparent bargain into an expensive mistake. When possible, buy from UK retailers who offer easy returns and faster delivery. Major UK stockists like Made4Fighters, Fight Equipment UK, and Scramble offer 30-day return windows, which is invaluable for first-time buyers.

Use this checklist to ensure you have considered all important factors before purchasing your first BJJ gi:

• Decide on budget: £40-£100 recommended, with the sweet spot at £60-£75
• Choose a colour: White recommended; blue or black also acceptable
• Check the brand's size chart: Use your height and weight, not guesswork
• Choose pre-shrunk over shrink-to-fit: Eliminates sizing uncertainty for beginners
• Select pearl weave fabric: Best all-round performance for training and competition
• Read reviews: Focus on durability and sizing accuracy from verified purchasers
• Buy from a UK retailer: Easier returns, faster delivery, no customs fees
• Check the returns policy: Ensure you can return or exchange if sizing is wrong
• Verify IBJJF compliance: Check that white, blue, or black options meet competition standards
• Consider buying two gis: If budget allows, rotating two gis extends their lifespan significantly

Taking the time to work through this checklist prevents the most common purchasing mistakes and increases your chances of getting a gi you will be happy with for the next 12-18 months.

Correct sizing is crucial for comfort, performance, and competition legality. BJJ gi sizing ranges from A0 to A6 for adults, with each size corresponding to a height and weight range.

Standard sizing ranges:

• A0: Height 4'11" - 5'2" (150-157 cm), Weight up to 110 lbs (50 kg)
• A1: Height 5'2" - 5'6" (157-168 cm), Weight 110-155 lbs (50-70 kg)
• A2: Height 5'6" - 5'9" (168-175 cm), Weight 155-190 lbs (70-86 kg)
• A3: Height 5'9" - 6'0" (175-183 cm), Weight 190-225 lbs (86-102 kg)
• A4: Height 6'0" - 6'3" (183-191 cm), Weight 225-260 lbs (102-118 kg)

Height vs weight priority. If your height and weight fall into different size categories, prioritise weight over height. A gi that fits your height but not your weight will be baggy and uncomfortable. Excess material is a nightmare to train in and can look poor.

Long sizes (A1L, A2L, A3L). Many brands offer "long" sizes for taller, leaner athletes. If you are at the top of the height range but bottom of the weight range for a size, consider a long variant. These feature longer sleeves and trouser legs with a slimmer cut through the body.

Between sizes? If you fall exactly between two sizes, size up. A slightly larger gi can be shrunk carefully through washing, but a too-small gi cannot be stretched effectively. However, do not size up excessively—oversized gis are uncomfortable and may not meet competition requirements.

Check brand-specific charts. Every brand sizes slightly differently. Always consult the specific size chart for the gi you are purchasing rather than assuming you are the same size across all brands. Our detailed BJJ gi size chart guide provides brand-specific information.

Proper fit guidelines: A correctly-fitted gi should have sleeves ending at the wrist bone (or within 5 cm above), trouser legs ending above the ankles (or within 5 cm above), and a jacket that closes comfortably across your chest without excessive pulling. The gi should fit snugly without restricting movement.

Your body may change during your first year of BJJ training, affecting gi fit and longevity.

For adult beginners. BJJ builds muscle and can change your weight and body composition significantly. Regular training increases grip strength, develops your core, and adds muscle to your back and shoulders. These changes typically happen gradually, and a properly-fitted gi will accommodate normal muscle development. Buy for your current size, not a size you hope to be in six months.

Weight loss or gain. If you are actively trying to lose weight, consider that you may drop a gi size within 6-12 months of regular training. In this case, buying a gi that fits your current weight is still correct—it will simply become slightly looser, which is preferable to buying a size too small and being uncomfortable whilst training.

For teenagers. Teenagers may still be growing in height, which complicates gi sizing. If you are under 18 and still growing, consider that you may outgrow your gi within a year. A slightly larger gi is acceptable for training (though it may not be competition-legal if too large), but avoid sizing up excessively. Some teenagers are better served by adult sizes than youth sizes, particularly if they are close to adult height.

Gi longevity and body changes. Most gis last 12-18 months for beginners training regularly. This timeframe often aligns with natural body changes, meaning you may be ready for a new size by the time your first gi wears out. This is normal and expected.

Your first gi should last 6-18 months depending on training frequency, care quality, and gi construction. Knowing when to upgrade helps you plan your budget and avoid training in a damaged gi.

Signs it is time to replace your gi:

• Visible wear and thinning fabric: If you can see through the fabric when held up to light, or if the fabric feels noticeably thinner than when new, it is time to replace the gi. Thin fabric increases injury risk and may tear during training.
• Seam failures: Tears or splits along seams, particularly in the underarms, crotch, or knees, indicate the gi is at the end of its life. Small tears can be repaired, but multiple failures mean replacement is needed.
• Collar damage: If the collar becomes soft, floppy, or develops gaps in the stitching, the gi is no longer providing proper protection. A damaged collar is uncomfortable and affects your training.
• Permanent stains or odours: If deep cleaning cannot remove persistent stains or smells, the gi has absorbed too much bacteria and should be replaced for hygiene reasons.
• Size changes: If you have gained or lost significant weight, or if you have grown (for teenagers), your gi may no longer fit properly. An ill-fitting gi is uncomfortable and may not meet competition requirements.

Upgrade when you want to compete. Competition-focused gis offer lighter weight, more precise sizing, and features optimised for tournament use. If you decide to compete regularly, investing in a competition-specific gi makes sense, even if your training gi is still functional.

Upgrade for different weaves or fits. As you gain experience, you may want to try different weave types, cuts, or brands. Many practitioners keep their first gi as a backup whilst experimenting with other options. This is a good strategy—having multiple gis in rotation extends the life of each one.

Keep your first gi as a backup. Even after upgrading, many practitioners keep their first gi for situations where a newer gi might get damaged (beach training, outdoor seminars, etc.). A well-maintained first gi can serve as a reliable backup for years.

When you are ready to upgrade, our guide to premium vs budget gis helps you understand what extra features cost and whether they are worth the investment for your training style.