How to Measure for a BJJ Gi: Step-by-Step Guide
Taking accurate body measurements before ordering a BJJ gi is the single most effective way to avoid sizing mistakes. Unlike regular clothing, BJJ gis use a unique sizing system where height and weight alone do not always tell the full story — arm length, torso proportions, and build all play a role. This guide walks you through every measurement you need, explains how body type affects your choice, and helps you match your numbers to the right size.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Five minutes of measuring saves you the cost and hassle of returns and exchanges
- ✓ Height and weight are your primary inputs, but arm length and chest circumference refine the fit
- ✓ Body type matters — Long (L) and Husky (H) variants exist for non-standard proportions
- ✓ IBJJF competition rules set strict sleeve and trouser length requirements
In This Guide
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
A poorly fitting BJJ gi creates real problems on the mat. A jacket that is too short in the sleeves gives your opponents less fabric to grip — which sounds advantageous until a referee disqualifies you at competition for violating IBJJF rules. A gi that is too loose in the body creates excess material that opponents can grab and use to control you. Trousers that are too long will drag on the mat and get caught underfoot.
When buying online — which is how most people in the UK purchase gis — you cannot try before you buy. Returns and exchanges cost time and money, particularly with international brands where return shipping to the US or Brazil can cost £15–25. Getting your measurements right first time eliminates this hassle entirely.
BJJ gi sizing is not like buying a regular T-shirt. Two people who are both 180 cm tall and 80 kg can need different gi sizes if one has proportionally longer arms or a broader chest. That is why taking five minutes to measure yourself properly is worth the effort.
Tools You Will Need
Before you start measuring, gather the following:
- Flexible fabric measuring tape — the kind used for sewing, not a metal retractable tape measure. These are available from any haberdashery, the sewing section of most supermarkets, or online from Amazon UK for under £3.
- A helper — some measurements (arm length, back) are difficult to take accurately on your own. Ask a training partner, family member, or friend to assist.
- Pen and paper or your phone — to record each measurement as you go.
- A flat surface and wall — for the height measurement.
What to wear: Measure in fitted clothing or undergarments. Bulky jumpers or hoodies will add centimetres to your chest and shoulder measurements and throw off your results. Do not measure over a gi you already own — measure your body, not the garment.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Work through each measurement in order. Record every number in centimetres — this is the standard unit used by most BJJ gi brands for their size charts.
Step 1: Height
Stand barefoot on a flat, hard surface with your back against a wall. Look straight ahead (not up or down) and have your helper mark the wall at the very top of your head, or hold the measuring tape from the floor to the top of your head.
Record in: cm and feet/inches (e.g., 178 cm / 5’10″)
Height is the primary sizing input for every brand. Your height determines which size row to look at first. If you only take one measurement, make it this one.
Step 2: Weight
Weigh yourself in light clothing or underwear on a digital scale. Avoid weighing after a large meal or heavy training session where you may be dehydrated.
Record in: kg and lbs (e.g., 80 kg / 176 lb)
Weight is the second primary sizing input. Combined with height, it determines your base size. Note that your training weight can fluctuate by 1–3 kg depending on hydration and diet — use your average weight over a typical week, not your lightest or heaviest.
Step 3: Arm Length (Sleeve Fit)
Stand with your arm relaxed at your side, slightly bent at the elbow. Have your helper measure from the shoulder seam point (the bony point where your shoulder meets your arm) down the outside of your arm to the wrist bone (the protruding bone on the outside of your wrist).
Record in: cm (e.g., 62 cm)
This measurement determines sleeve length, which is critical for IBJJF compliance. Under IBJJF rules, the gi sleeve must end no more than 5 cm above the wrist bone when your arms are extended straight forward. If your arms are proportionally long for your height, you may need an L (long) variant to ensure your sleeves meet this requirement.
Step 4: Leg Length (Trouser Fit)
Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart. Measure from the hip bone (the top of the iliac crest, roughly where a waistband sits) down the outside of your leg to the ankle bone (the protruding bone on the outside of your ankle).
Record in: cm (e.g., 100 cm)
This determines trouser length. Under IBJJF rules, gi trousers must end no more than 5 cm above the ankle bone. Like sleeves, this is a strict competition requirement. The trouser cuff opening must also be at least 7 cm wide.
Step 5: Torso Length
Measure from the base of your neck (where it meets the shoulder, roughly at the C7 vertebra) straight down your spine to your waist (hip bone level).
Record in: cm (e.g., 48 cm)
Torso length helps determine jacket length and is especially important for people with proportionally long or short torsos. The IBJJF requires the gi jacket to extend past the top of the thighs when standing, so a short jacket on a long-torsoed athlete can fail inspection.
Step 6: Chest Circumference (Optional but Helpful)
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your chest, under your armpits. Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to breathe normally.
Record in: cm (e.g., 104 cm)
Chest circumference helps determine whether you need a standard width or a Husky (H) size. If your chest measurement is significantly wider than what the standard size suggests for your height, consider sizing up or choosing an H variant. This measurement is particularly useful for athletes with a muscular or barrel-chested build.
Body Type Variations
Standard A-sizes are designed for average proportions. If your body type differs from the average, you may need a specialist size or a different approach to sizing.
Tall and Lean
Common challenge: Standard sizes are wide enough but too short in the sleeves and trousers.
Solution: Look for L (Long) variants — A1L, A2L, A3L. These maintain the same chest and waist dimensions as the standard size but add 5–8 cm to sleeves and trousers. Brands offering L sizes include Kingz (across most of their range), 93brand, Valor Fightwear (A1L–A3L), Fuji (A1L, A2L, A3L), Hyperfly, and Tatami (select models).
If no L variant is available in your chosen gi, size up and accept a slightly looser fit in the torso. For more specific advice, read our tall athletes’ guide.
Short and Stocky
Common challenge: Standard sizes are long enough but too tight across the chest and shoulders.
Solution: Look for H (Husky) variants — A2H, A3H. These provide extra room in the chest, shoulders, and waist without adding length. 93brand and Fuji (A2H, A3H) are among the brands offering H sizes.
Alternatively, size up and have the trousers hemmed by a tailor. Most alterations shops can shorten gi trousers for £10–15. For more options, see our short and stocky athletes’ guide.
Athletic Build
Common challenge: Broad shoulders and chest with a narrow waist, creating a V-shaped torso.
Solution: Size based on your chest and shoulder measurement, not your waist. Most standard A-sizes accommodate athletic builds reasonably well. If the jacket fits through the shoulders but feels loose at the waist, a belt cinched tightly will take up the slack. Brands like Venum with a European, athletic cut tend to work well for this body type.
Plus Size
Standard gi sizes extend to A5 and A6 with some brands, but not all manufacturers go above A4. Brands with extended sizing include:
- Tatami — sizes up to A6 (193–203 cm, 125–145 kg)
- Fuji — sizes up to A8 (the most extensive range available)
- Kingz — sizes up to A5
For sizes beyond A6, custom-made gis are an option. UK-based options for custom gis include Valor Fightwear (who accept custom orders) and several international brands that ship to the UK. Expect to pay £100–200+ for a custom gi depending on the brand and specifications. For more guidance, see our plus-size BJJ gi guide.
Recording Your Measurements
Once you have taken all six measurements, record them in one place for future reference. Here is a summary of what you should have:
| Measurement | Your Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Height | — | cm |
| Weight | — | kg |
| Arm length | — | cm |
| Leg length | — | cm |
| Torso length | — | cm |
| Chest circumference | — | cm |
Save these measurements on your phone or in a note. They will be useful not just for your first gi purchase but for every gi you buy in the future. Bodies change over time, so re-measure every 6–12 months if your weight or fitness level changes significantly.
Using Your Measurements to Find Your Size
Now that you have your measurements, follow these steps to find your size:
- Check the universal size chart: Head to our BJJ gi size chart and match your height and weight to the recommended size.
- Cross-reference with the brand: Check the specific brand’s size chart for the gi you plan to buy. An A2 in Tatami fits differently to an A2 in Fuji. See our brand comparison guide for charts from all major brands.
- Check body type variants: If you need longer sleeves, look for L sizes. If you need more width, look for H sizes.
- Account for shrinkage: If the gi is pre-shrunk (most modern gis are), order your exact size. If the gi is shrink-to-fit, order one size up. Read our shrinkage guide for full details.
- Consider your fit preference: Do you prefer a tight competition fit that sits close to the body? Or a relaxed training fit with more room to move? If between sizes, size down for competition fit and size up for training fit.
If you are still unsure after matching your measurements, the safest approach is to size up. A slightly large gi can be shrunk with a warm wash, but a gi that is too small cannot be stretched. For tips on managing shrinkage, see our washing guide and shrinkage guide.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent errors that lead to poor gi fit:
- Measuring over thick clothing: A hoodie or jumper can add 5–10 cm to your chest measurement. Always measure in thin or fitted clothing.
- Stretching the tape: A fabric measuring tape should sit flat against your body without being pulled taut. Stretching it gives you a reading that is too small.
- Measuring arm length incorrectly: Measure from the shoulder point to the wrist bone, not from the neck or the armpit. Starting from the wrong point can give a reading that is 10–15 cm off.
- Using a metal tape measure: Metal tape measures do not flex around body curves and give inaccurate readings for circumference measurements.
- Not standing straight: Slouching reduces your height measurement by 1–3 cm. Stand tall, look straight ahead, and have someone else take the reading.
- Ignoring weight fluctuations: Measuring after a large meal or when dehydrated after training can skew your weight by 1–3 kg. Use your average daily weight.
The weave type of a gi can also affect how it feels against your body. Heavier weaves (gold weave, double weave) feel snugger and more structured, whilst lighter weaves (pearl weave, single weave) drape more loosely. This does not change your size, but it changes the perceived fit.
Related Guides
BJJ Gi Size Chart
Use your measurements to find the right size across all major brands.
BJJ Gi Shrinkage Guide
Factor in shrinkage after measuring to ensure the perfect fit over time.
Best BJJ Gi Brands
Compare sizing and fit profiles across the top BJJ gi brands.
Best BJJ Gis Available in the UK
Find gis that match your measurements from UK retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure myself for a BJJ gi at home?
You need a flexible fabric measuring tape and ideally a helper. Measure your height (barefoot against a wall), weight (in light clothing), arm length (shoulder to wrist), leg length (hip to ankle), torso length (neck to waist), and chest circumference (around the widest part of your chest). Record everything in centimetres.
What measurements do I need for a BJJ gi?
The two essential measurements are height and weight — these are the primary inputs for every brand’s size chart. For a more precise fit, also measure arm length, leg length, torso length, and chest circumference. These additional measurements help determine if you need Long (L) or Husky (H) variants.
Can I measure myself or do I need help?
You can take height, weight, and chest measurements yourself, but arm length, leg length, and torso length are much easier and more accurate with a helper. If you must measure alone, stand in front of a mirror and take extra care to keep the tape positioned correctly.
How tight should a BJJ gi fit?
A well-fitting gi should allow full range of movement without excessive loose fabric. You should be able to raise your arms overhead and squat comfortably. The jacket should sit flat against your torso, and you should not be able to pull more than 10–15 cm of fabric away from your chest. For IBJJF competition, sleeves must be within 5 cm of the wrist and trousers within 5 cm of the ankle.
What if my measurements fall between two sizes?
Size up. A slightly large gi can be adjusted by washing in warm water to induce mild shrinkage, but a gi that is too small cannot be stretched. If you are between sizes and plan to compete, ensure the larger size still meets IBJJF sleeve and trouser length requirements.
Do I measure with or without clothes on?
Measure in thin, fitted clothing or undergarments. Avoid thick jumpers, hoodies, or jeans as these add bulk that will skew your measurements. Do not measure over an existing gi — you want your body measurements, not garment measurements.
How do I measure arm length for a BJJ gi?
Stand with your arm relaxed and slightly bent. Have a helper measure from the shoulder seam point (the bony tip where your shoulder meets your arm) down the outside of your arm to the wrist bone. This gives the measurement that corresponds to gi sleeve length charts.
What is the most important measurement for BJJ gi sizing?
Height is the single most important measurement, followed closely by weight. Together, these two inputs determine your base size with any brand. Arm length becomes the third most important measurement if you plan to compete, as IBJJF rules are strict about sleeve length.
Should I measure in cm or inches?
Measure in centimetres. Most BJJ gi brands use metric measurements in their size charts, even those based in the US. Having your measurements in cm makes it easier to compare directly against any brand’s chart without conversion.
How often should I re-measure for BJJ gis?
Re-measure every 6–12 months, or whenever your body changes significantly. Starting a new training programme, gaining or losing weight, or a growth spurt in younger athletes can all change your ideal gi size. Keep your measurements saved on your phone for easy reference.
Got your measurements? Head to our size chart to find your exact size across all major brands
Go to Size Chart
Last updated: 1 February 2026