Plus Size BJJ Gi Options: A Complete Guide for Larger Athletes

The reality is stark: many BJJ brands stop at A4 or A5, and even those that offer A5 often have limited stock. For athletes who need A6 or larger, options become scarce, particularly in the UK market where international shipping can add significant cost and delay.

Common challenges faced by larger athletes include:

• Limited selection: Fewer brands produce A5/A6, meaning less choice in style, colour, and features
• Stock availability: Larger sizes sell out quickly and restock slowly
• Fit issues: Standard proportions at A5/A6 don't account for body shape variation — you might need A6 pants but A5 jacket
• Durability concerns: Not all brands reinforce their larger sizes adequately for the stress from heavier athletes
• Cost: Some brands charge more for extended sizes, though this is less common now

Despite these challenges, a well-fitting gi makes an enormous difference to your training experience: comfort, mobility, and confidence all improve when you're not fighting with your uniform. BJJ welcomes every body type, and the industry has made significant progress in extended sizing availability over the past five years.

Understanding extended size ranges helps you identify which brands can accommodate your build.

A5 Sizing

A5 is the most widely available extended size. Typical measurements:

• Height: 6'3"-6'7" (190-200cm)
• Weight: 250-295 lbs (113-134kg)
• Chest: 46"-50"
• Waist: 44"-48"

Most major brands offer A5, including Tatami, Fuji, 93brand, Elite Sports, Hayabusa, and Kingz. UK retailers stock A5 relatively consistently.

A6 Sizing

A6 availability drops significantly compared to A5. Typical measurements:

• Height: 6'5"-6'10" (196-208cm)
• Weight: 265-300 lbs (120-136kg)
• Chest: 48"-52"
• Waist: 46"-52"

Brands offering A6 include Tatami (most consistent UK availability), Fuji, 93brand, and Gameness. Stock is limited and often requires pre-ordering or waiting for restocks.

Beyond A6: A7, A8, A9

Very few brands produce sizes beyond A6:

• Gameness: Goes up to A7, catering to athletes up to 325+ lbs
• Gorilla: Specialises in larger athletes up to 6'6" and 420 lbs
• Company 21: Offers A6 through A9, though notes that larger sizes often need smaller pants than jacket size

At these sizes, custom gis become the more practical option for a proper fit.

Important Note: Size Variation by Brand

There is no universal standard for A5/A6 sizing. Always check the specific brand's size chart. What fits as A5 in one brand might be A6 in another. Measure yourself accurately and compare to each brand's measurements rather than relying on size labels alone.

Here's a comprehensive list of brands offering A5, A6, and beyond, with focus on UK availability.

Best UK Availability

Tatami Fightwear — UK-based brand offering A0-A6 across most models. Excellent stock availability through UK retailers including Made4Fighters, Minotaur Fight Store, and direct from Tatami. Pricing: £69-120. The Nova Absolute (£69) and Elements Superlite (£79) are budget-friendly options in A5/A6, while premium models like the Estilo Black Label (£99) and collaboration gis (£110-120) offer additional features. Tatami's sizing is noted for consistency across their range.

Fuji Sports — Offers A0-A6 in their main models. The All Around (£100-120) and Suparaito (£135-160) are both available in A5/A6 through Fuji Sports UK, My Fight Gear, and BJJ Fightgear. Fuji's extended sizes maintain the same quality and reinforcement as smaller sizes. The All Around in A5/A6 offers exceptional value at £100-120.

Gameness — One of the few brands offering A7 sizing for athletes up to 325+ lbs. UK availability through select online retailers. Price range: £90-130. Gameness focuses specifically on larger athletes with reinforced construction throughout their extended size range.

Good Availability

93brand — Offers A0-A6 in Standard Issue and other models. Available through Rollmore UK. The Standard Issue 2.0 in A5/A6 costs approximately £80-110, making it one of the most affordable extended-size options. Pearl weave construction keeps weight reasonable even at larger sizes.

Kingz — Extends to A5 with some A6 options. Available through UK BJJ retailers. Price range: £100-140. Known for quality construction and adequate reinforcement at larger sizes.

Elite Sports — Offers A0-A5 sizing. Budget-friendly option at £70-100. Available through Amazon UK and select retailers, though A5 stock can be inconsistent.

International with UK Shipping

Gorilla — Specialises in larger athletes up to 6'6" and 420 lbs. Ships to UK. Custom sizing available. Price range: £120-180. Specifically engineered for larger, heavier athletes with enhanced reinforcement throughout.

Inverted Gear — Offers A0-A6 plus speciality sizes. Excellent customer service and UK shipping. Price range: £90-120. Known for helping customers find the right size through personalised consultation.

Origin — Premium US brand offering custom sizing including extended sizes. Ships to UK. Price range: £200-300. Made in USA with exceptional quality, but significantly more expensive.

Comparison Table

Larger athletes face specific fit challenges that differ from smaller size ranges. Understanding these helps you choose the right gi and identify potential problem areas.

Key Fit Areas for Plus-Size Athletes

Chest and jacket closure: Ensure the jacket provides adequate overlap (at least 10-12cm) when closed. Insufficient overlap causes the gi to pull open during rolling, which is uncomfortable and can lead to penalties in competition. If you're between sizes, always size up — a gi that won't close properly is unusable.

Belly and midsection: The jacket should close comfortably over your midsection without straining. Some brands cut their larger sizes with more generous torso room; others maintain the same proportions scaled up. Check reviews from other large athletes about specific models.

Shoulders: Should allow full range of motion when reaching forward, overhead, and across your body. Tight shoulders restrict movement and cause the gi to ride up your back.

Thighs and pants fit: Pants must accommodate larger thighs without restricting movement or cutting into your legs. Drawstring-only waistbands offer more adjustability than elastic waistbands at larger sizes. The drawstring should be substantial and secured with reinforced stitching.

Comfort Factors at Larger Sizes

Breathability: Larger athletes generate more heat during training. Lighter weave types (pearl weave 350-450 GSM) offer better breathability than heavy gold or double weave. However, lighter weaves must still provide adequate durability.

Gi weight: A 550 GSM gi weighs significantly more in A6 than A2. If you train frequently or for long sessions, consider a lighter weave (350-450 GSM pearl weave) to reduce fatigue from the gi's weight.

Chafing prevention: Look for flatlock stitching and taped seams in high-friction areas (inner thighs, underarms). Poorly finished seams cause more chafing for larger athletes due to increased friction during movement.

Range of motion: Try on the gi and check full mobility: deep squats, reaching forward in guard position, sprawling, and shooting. A gi that fits when standing but restricts movement in BJJ-specific positions is inadequate.

Reinforced construction isn't optional for larger athletes — it's essential for gi longevity.

Why Reinforcement Matters More at Larger Sizes

Higher body weight creates significantly more stress on the gi fabric and seams during training. A grip that would hold on a 75kg athlete's gi for 30 seconds might tear through a poorly reinforced gi on a 130kg athlete in 10 seconds. The forces involved scale with body mass, making reinforcement critical.

Critical Stress Points

Knees: Should have multi-layer reinforcement patches. Single-layer knee patches wear through quickly for heavier athletes. Look for double or triple-layered knee reinforcement with extra stitching.

Armpits and shoulders: High-stress areas during grips and throws. Should feature reinforced gussets or extra fabric layers.

Collar: Constantly gripped and pulled. A weak collar will delaminate or separate from the jacket. Check collar thickness and stitching quality — minimum 8-10 rows of stitching attaching collar to jacket.

Drawstring area: The drawstring channel and waistband take enormous stress from larger athletes. Reinforced stitching and strong drawstring (polyester or nylon cord, not cotton) are essential. The drawstring should be at least 8mm thick.

Pants seat and inner thighs: Constant friction during guard work and movement. Multi-panel construction with reinforced stitching lasts longer than single-panel pants.

Brands with Best Reinforcement at Larger Sizes

• Fuji All Around: Heavily reinforced throughout, particularly in A5/A6 sizes
• Tatami Estilo series: Enhanced reinforcement in stress areas
• Gorilla: Specifically engineered for larger athletes with comprehensive reinforcement
• Kingz: Good reinforcement across extended size ranges

Warning Signs of Inadequate Reinforcement

• Thin, lightweight gis (under 350 GSM) in extended sizes often lack durability
• Single-layer knee patches in A5/A6 won't last
• Thin cotton drawstrings break easily at larger sizes
• Minimal collar stitching (less than 6 rows) won't hold up to heavy gripping

See our gi durability guide for more details on construction quality indicators.

Based on availability, reinforcement quality, and community feedback, these are the best gis for larger athletes available in the UK.

Best Overall: Fuji All Around BJJ Gi (A5/A6)

Price: £100-120
Available sizes: A0-A6
Weave: 550 GSM traditional weave
UK retailers: Fuji Sports UK, My Fight Gear, BJJ Fightgear

Why it's best: The Fuji All Around offers the best combination of value, durability, and availability for plus-size athletes. The 550 GSM construction provides excellent durability without excessive weight, and Fuji's reinforcement in A5/A6 sizes is among the best in the industry. Stock availability is consistently good in the UK.

Fit notes: Runs true to size. A5 comfortably fits 6'3"-6'7", 250-280 lbs. A6 fits 6'5"-6'10", 265-300 lbs. Jacket provides generous overlap even for larger midsections.

Best Budget Option: Tatami Nova Absolute (A5/A6)

Price: £69
Available sizes: A0-A6
Weave: Pearl weave
UK retailers: Minotaur Fight Store, Made4Fighters, Tatami Fightwear direct

Why it's best for budget: At £69, the Nova Absolute offers remarkable value in extended sizes. Tatami's UK-based operations ensure good stock availability and fast shipping. The pearl weave construction keeps weight reasonable while maintaining durability.

Fit notes: Tatami sizing is consistent across models. The Nova Absolute in A5/A6 offers a comfortable, athletic fit without being overly boxy.

Best for Durability: Gorilla Custom Gi

Price: £120-180
Available sizes: Custom sizing up to 6'6", 420 lbs
Weave: Various options
UK delivery: International shipping to UK

Why it's best for durability: Gorilla specialises in larger athletes and builds their gis specifically for the stress larger bodies create. Enhanced reinforcement throughout, particularly in high-stress areas. If you've torn through multiple gis, Gorilla's durability justifies the higher cost.

Fit notes: Custom sizing ensures proper fit. Consult with Gorilla's sizing team for measurements and fit guidance.

Best for Breathability: Tatami Elements Superlite (A5/A6)

Price: £79
Available sizes: A0-A6
Weave: Lightweight pearl weave
UK retailers: Minotaur Fight Store, Made4Fighters, Tatami direct

Why it's best for breathability: The Elements Superlite uses a lighter weave that significantly improves breathability compared to heavier gis. This matters enormously for larger athletes who generate more heat during training. Despite the lighter weight, reinforcement is adequate for most training applications.

Fit notes: Slightly more fitted than the Nova Absolute. If between sizes, size up for comfort.

For athletes who need beyond A6, have unusual proportions (very tall and heavy, or short and heavy), or want a perfect fit, custom gi services offer the best solution.

When Custom is the Best Option

• You need larger than A6
• Your jacket and pants require different sizes (e.g., A6 jacket with A5 pants)
• Standard proportions don't fit your body shape
• You've tried multiple off-the-shelf gis without finding a good fit
• You want specific reinforcement in particular areas

Custom Gi Services Shipping to UK

Origin — Premium US-based custom gi service. Made in Maine, USA. Full custom sizing with extremely high quality. Price: £200-300+ including UK shipping. Lead time: 6-8 weeks. Known for exceptional durability and build quality. Best option if budget allows.

Killer Bee Gi — Custom-made to order BJJ gis at more accessible prices than Origin. Wide array of customisation options for look and fit. Ships to UK. Price: £120-180. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. Good balance of quality and affordability.

Gaidama Jiu Jitsu — Offers "Perfect Fit" sizing with 30 sizes ranging from A000 to A6, each available as Standard, Long, Tall, or Petite. This semi-custom approach might fit your needs without full custom pricing. Ships to UK. Price: £90-140. Lead time: 3-4 weeks.

Revgear Europe — UK-based custom gi service. Low minimum orders. Suitable for individual custom orders or team/academy bulk orders. Price: Contact for quote. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. Advantage of being UK-based for easier communication and faster delivery.

What to Expect from Custom Ordering

Measurements: Custom services require precise measurements — chest, waist, hips, sleeve length, inseam, height, weight. Follow their measurement guide exactly. Have someone help you measure; self-measurement is inaccurate.

Lead time: 4-8 weeks is standard. Custom gis are made to order, not pulled from stock.

Cost: Custom gis cost £120-300+, significantly more than off-the-shelf options. The perfect fit and enhanced durability justify the cost if you train regularly.

Returns: Most custom gi services don't accept returns since the gi was made to your specifications. Ensure your measurements are accurate before ordering.

Advantages of Custom

• Perfect fit for your body, not an approximation
• Reinforcement exactly where you need it based on your training style
• Choice of weave type and weight
• Colour and design options beyond standard offerings
• Built to last — proper fit extends gi lifespan

Finding retailers with consistent A5/A6 stock makes purchasing easier and enables trying gis before buying.

UK Retailers Stocking A5/A6

Made4Fighters — The largest gi stockist in the UK, with standard sizes from A0 to A6. Excellent A5/A6 stock across multiple brands. Based in UK with next-day delivery available. Website filters by size make finding A5/A6 stock easy.

Minotaur Fight Store — Specialises in Tatami Fightwear products with confirmed A5 and A6 stock in multiple models including Nova Absolute and Elements Superlite. UK-based with fast shipping.

Tatami Fightwear Direct — UK brand's official store with full A0-A6 range across most models. Outlet and clearance sections often have A5/A6 stock at discounted prices. Free UK delivery on orders over £50.

Fight Equipment UK — Carries multiple brands with extended sizing. UK-based with good customer service.

Valor Fightwear — UK BJJ retailer with extended size stock. Also offers custom gi services for academy bulk orders.

FightstorePro UK — North East England-based retailer with IBJJF-approved gis in extended sizes.

Direct from Brand

Fuji Sports UK (fujisports.co.uk) — Official UK site with full A0-A6 range in All Around, Suparaito, and other models. Free UK shipping on orders over £125.

Rollmore UK — Stocks 93brand products including A5/A6 sizing. Free UK shipping.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK carries A5 gis from Elite Sports, Sanabul, and occasionally other brands. Advantages:

• Prime delivery for fast shipping
• Easy returns if fit isn't right
• Customer reviews from verified purchasers

Disadvantages:

• Limited A6 stock — mostly A5 or smaller
• Selection varies; stock inconsistent
• Quality varies by brand

Amazon UK works well for A5, less so for A6 or beyond.

Stock Challenges

Larger sizes sell out quickly and restock slowly. Tips for finding stock:

• Sign up for restock notifications on retailer websites
• Check outlet/clearance sections for discontinued colours in your size
• Contact retailers directly to ask about upcoming restocks
• Consider buying two gis when you find your size in stock
• Join UK BJJ Facebook groups where members sell used gis

Returns Policies

Returns policies matter enormously when fit is uncertain. Best return policies:

• Made4Fighters: 30-day returns, must be unworn and unwashed
• Tatami Fightwear: 28-day returns, unworn with tags attached
• Amazon UK: 30-day returns, easiest return process

Always check the specific return policy before purchasing, particularly for expensive gis. Some retailers don't accept returns on sale items, which often include extended sizes.