Best Cheap BJJ Gi: Top Budget Picks Under £60

For this guide, 'cheap' means under £60 GBP — a price point where you're making deliberate compromises but can still find functional training equipment. Understanding these trade-offs helps you make informed decisions and avoid disappointment.

Quality expectations at this price point:

• Thinner fabric: Single weave (300-350 GSM) or light pearl weave (350-450 GSM) instead of the heavier pearl weave (450-550 GSM) found in premium gis. The fabric wears faster under aggressive gripping.
• Minimal reinforcement: Basic knee reinforcement rather than the triple-layered protection found in £100+ gis. Stress points have double stitching instead of triple.
• Simpler collar construction: EVA foam collars that may soften or deform over time, rather than the dense rubber-filled collars in premium models.
• Limited options: Fewer size variants (rare to find A1L, A2H, or F-sizes), typically only white and black colours, minimal design elements.
• Lighter overall weight: Often 1.3-1.6kg, which sounds like an advantage but usually reflects thinner, less durable materials rather than sophisticated lightweight engineering.

What a cheap gi can still do well:

• Survive regular training (2-3 times per week) for 6-12 months with proper care
• Meet IBJJF basic requirements for colour and construction (though always verify before competing)
• Look presentable on the mat — budget doesn't mean sloppy
• Provide an affordable entry point for beginners unsure about long-term commitment

According to experienced practitioners, budget gis (£50-£100) are suitable for beginners or occasional training (1-2 times weekly). If you're training 2-3 times a week, research suggests mid-range gis (£100-£160) offer better balance of quality and cost-effectiveness, as they typically last 1-3 years compared to the shorter lifespan of budget options.

The honest reality: a £40 gi will not match a £150 gi in durability or comfort. But it will get you training, and for many people, that's exactly what matters. Learn about gi materials to understand construction differences.

These ten gis represent the best budget options available in the UK market. Each has been selected based on availability, customer reviews, and value for money. We've prioritised gis that consistently receive positive feedback for durability and fit at this price point.

Understanding the specific compromises helps you care for your budget gi appropriately and recognise when it's time to upgrade.

Thinner fabric wears out faster. Single weave and light pearl weave fabrics are more susceptible to damage from aggressive gripping. Expect wear patterns to appear on the lapels, sleeves, and shoulders within 6-9 months of regular use. This isn't a defect — it's the natural consequence of thinner material.

Less knee reinforcement creates vulnerability. Budget gis typically have double-layer knee patches rather than the triple or quadruple reinforcement found in premium models. If you play a lot of knee shield or combat base, expect this area to blow out first. Guard players who spend significant time on their knees may find budget gi pants last only 6-8 months.

Simpler collar construction affects longevity. EVA foam collars in budget gis can compress and soften over time, becoming floppy after 8-12 months. A soft collar gives your opponent easier grips and feels less professional. Premium gis use denser materials that maintain rigidity for years.

Basic stitching means seams open under stress. Budget gis use double stitching where premium gis use triple stitching. The armpits, crotch, and jacket hem are particularly vulnerable. Inspect these areas regularly and address loose threads immediately before they become full tears.

Limited shrinkage control creates sizing uncertainty. Many budget gis are not pre-shrunk, or only minimally pre-shrunk. Expect 2-5cm of shrinkage after the first 3-5 washes. This makes sizing more difficult — you need to buy slightly large and hope it shrinks to the right fit. Read our shrinkage guide for detailed advice.

Fewer available sizes limit fit options. Tall/husky variants (A1L, A2H, etc.) are rare in budget ranges. If you're between standard sizes or have unusual proportions, budget gis may not fit well. Poor fit accelerates wear — fabric bunches in stress areas and tears faster.

Less breathable weaves increase discomfort. Budget weaves often lack the sophisticated airflow design of premium fabrics. Expect to feel hotter during training and take longer to dry between sessions.

When cheap becomes false economy: If you're training 4+ times per week, the mathematics shift decisively. A £50 gi that lasts 6 months costs £8.33 per month. A £120 gi that lasts 24 months costs £5 per month. The premium gi is actually cheaper in the long run, plus provides better comfort and performance throughout its life.

The sweet spot for most regular practitioners is the £80-£120 range, where you get significantly better durability without paying for premium branding. Browse all price ranges to compare options.

Before training in a budget gi for the first time, spend 10 minutes conducting these inspections. Catching quality issues early lets you return or exchange the gi whilst it's still new.

How to inspect a cheap gi before first use:

1. Check all seams thoroughly. Run your fingers along every seam, particularly the armpits, crotch, jacket hem, and collar attachment. Look for loose threads, gaps in stitching, or areas where the seam looks weak. A few loose threads are normal, but you shouldn't see actual gaps.
2. Tug test the collar. Grab the collar firmly and pull as if you're attempting a cross-collar choke. The collar should feel firm and dense, not floppy or soft. Squeeze it — you should feel significant resistance. If the collar feels like a pool noodle, it's too soft and will deteriorate quickly.
3. Inspect knee reinforcement. Turn the pants inside out and examine the knee patches. They should be securely stitched on all sides with no gaps or puckers. Feel the thickness — you should clearly feel the double layer. If the reinforcement is thin or poorly attached, expect early failure.
4. Check the drawstring. Pull the drawstring all the way out and inspect both ends. They should be securely tied or heat-sealed to prevent fraying. Thread it back through and verify it moves smoothly. A drawstring that pulls out during training is infuriating.
5. Examine patch stitching. If the gi has embroidered or sewn patches, check that all stitching is complete and secure. Budget gis sometimes have incomplete embroidery where the machine missed sections.
6. Try on before removing tags. Wear the gi and move through basic positions — squat, reach overhead, perform a technical standup. The fit should allow full range of motion without binding. Many retailers won't accept returns if you've removed tags or washed the gi.

Red flags that indicate a gi is too cheap:

• Paper-thin collar: You can easily compress it between your fingers with minimal pressure
• Single-stitched stress points: Armpits and crotch should always be double-stitched minimum
• No knee reinforcement: Even budget gis should have double-layer knee patches
• Drawstring pulls out easily: It should require deliberate effort to remove
• Rough interior seams: Exposed seam edges that feel scratchy indicate poor finishing
• Uneven stitching: Wavy, loose, or inconsistent stitch lines suggest quality control issues

If you spot multiple red flags, return the gi. At £40-60, you should get basic quality standards. Don't accept truly defective products just because they're cheap. Proper washing technique significantly extends the life of budget gis.

Knowing where to shop can save you £20-40 on the same gi, or help you find premium gis at budget prices during sales.

Amazon UK offers the widest selection of budget BJJ gis with several advantages: free delivery over £25, next-day delivery in many areas, easy returns if the gi doesn't fit or quality is poor, and honest customer reviews with photos. However, verify seller authenticity — stick to 'Sold by Amazon' or official brand stores to avoid counterfeit products. Popular budget options on Amazon UK include Sanabul Essentials, Elite Sports Ultra Light, and various lesser-known brands starting at £22.99.

Brand clearance sales are where you find premium gis at budget prices. UK brands like Tatami and Progress regularly clear previous seasons' stock at 30-50% discounts. Sign up for email newsletters from Tatami Fightwear, Progress Jiu Jitsu, Scramble, and other UK brands. Sales typically happen in January, July, and November. A £100 gi on 40% clearance becomes a £60 premium gi — far better value than a £60 budget gi.

UK BJJ retailers with budget sections: Fight Equipment UK, Made4Fighters, and The BJJ Shop all maintain budget categories with regular promotions. These retailers often price-match and offer student discounts. Customer service tends to be better than Amazon, and sizing advice is more reliable.

eBay and used gis: The second-hand market can be excellent if you know what to check. Used gis from reputable brands at £30-45 often offer better quality than new budget gis at the same price. What to check before buying used: detailed photos showing collar condition, knee areas, and stress points; seller's description of shrinkage (has it been hot-washed?); confirmation of measurements (sleeves and pants length); evidence of any repairs or damage. Avoid gis with visible collar damage, blown-out knees, or tears in stress areas.

Black Friday and seasonal sales: Major UK retailers offer 20-40% discounts during Black Friday (late November), Boxing Day (26 December), and summer sales (July-August). Budget gis may drop to £35-45, and mid-range gis often hit budget territory at £55-70. Set price alerts on your preferred models weeks in advance.

Discount codes and newsletter sign-ups: Most UK BJJ retailers offer 10-15% off your first order for email sign-ups. Stack these with seasonal sales for maximum savings. Follow brands on social media for flash sales and discount codes.

Second-hand BJJ gi market (Facebook groups, Reddit): UK BJJ communities on Facebook and r/bjj regularly list used gis for £25-40. The advantage is that sellers understand BJJ and can accurately describe fit and condition. The risk is no buyer protection — use PayPal Goods & Services if buying from someone you don't know personally.

Pro tip: If buying from a physical academy or gym pro shop, ask about student discounts or package deals. Many offer 10-20% off gis when you sign up for membership. Check our sizing guide before purchasing to minimise returns.

Every budget gi eventually reaches the end of its useful life. Recognising when to upgrade saves you from training in deteriorating equipment.

When it's time to upgrade from a cheap gi:

• Seams coming apart: If you're regularly repairing seams in armpits, crotch, or jacket hem, the gi is done. Each repair weakens surrounding fabric.
• Collar has gone soft: A floppy collar gives your opponents easy grips and indicates the internal structure has failed. No amount of care will restore collar rigidity.
• Fabric is thinning in grip areas: Visible thinning on lapels, sleeves, or shoulders means you're weeks from holes. Don't wait for fabric to actually tear — torn gis are dangerous.
• You're training 4+ times per week: Your commitment level has exceeded what budget gis can support. Invest in equipment that matches your dedication.
• You want to compete: Whilst budget gis often meet basic IBJJF requirements, competition demands reliability. See our competition gi recommendations for serious tournament use.

What to upgrade to — mid-range recommendations (£80-£120):

The £80-£120 range offers the best value for regular practitioners. Key options include: Progress M6 series (£100-130) — UK brand with World Championship proven performance; Tatami Estilo or Nova ranges (£80-£120) — excellent build quality with UK customer service; Kingz Comp 450 (£130) — competition-grade quality for training; Scramble Athlete series (£85-110) — trusted by UK competitors and coaches.

These mid-range gis typically last 2-3 years with regular training (3-4 times weekly), compared to 6-12 months for budget gis. The cost-per-month calculation heavily favours mid-range investment once you're training consistently.

What to do with your old gi:

• Keep as a backup: Useful when your primary gi is wet or being washed
• Designate as a spare: Keep in your gym bag for when you forget your main gi
• Donate to beginners: Many academies accept used gis for loaners to new students trying their first class
• Repurpose for drilling: Use worn gis specifically for drilling sessions where you don't need pristine equipment

Don't feel obligated to keep a gi that's truly deteriorated. Worn-out equipment doesn't serve anyone well, even as a loaner. Browse our brand comparisons to identify your next upgrade.