BJJ Gi for Tall Athletes: Finding the Right Fit When You're Above Average Height

Standard BJJ gi sizing operates on assumptions about height-to-weight ratios that work well for average-sized practitioners but fail spectacularly for tall, lean athletes. The A-series sizing system (A0-A6) scales both chest circumference and length together—but not at ratios that suit athletes with longer-than-average limbs relative to their weight.

The result? A 6'3" grappler weighing 190 lbs theoretically fits an A3 based on weight and chest measurements, but that A3's sleeves and pants are patterned for someone 5'11"-6'2". The missing 2-4 inches creates serious problems.

Common Problems Tall Athletes Face

Sleeves Too Short: Standard sizing leaves wrists exposed significantly beyond regulation limits. In training, this creates grip disadvantages as opponents easily grab exposed wrist and forearm skin. In competition, it means IBJJF gi check failures—sleeves must end no more than 2 cm from the wrist when arms are extended parallel to the ground. Sleeves ending 5-7 cm from the wrist (common with ill-fitting gis) violate this rule and disqualify you from competition.

Pants Ride Up: Short pants create even worse problems. They ride up during movement, exposing shins and calves which opponents easily grab. Worse, pants significantly above the ankle bone violate IBJJF regulations (maximum 2 cm above the tibial malleolus). A gi that seems borderline legal when standing often rises during movement, resulting in mid-match disqualifications.

Jacket Length Issues: Though less critical than sleeves and pants, short jackets create grip opportunities around the lower back and belt area. They also look sloppy and can affect confidence on the mats.

The Height Threshold

When do you need to start looking at long sizes? Generally, practitioners 6'1" (185 cm) or taller with lean-to-average builds should explore long sizes. If you're 6'3"+ regardless of build, long sizes become essential. Athletes under 6'1" occasionally need long sizes if they have particularly long arms relative to torso—this happens with some body types regardless of overall height.

The inverse exists too: some tall athletes with shorter limbs relative to torso do fine with standard sizing. A 6'2" athlete with a long torso but average-length arms might prefer standard A3 over A3L. Understanding your proportions matters more than height alone.

IBJJF Regulations and Tall Athletes

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation updated gi regulations in 2025, reducing the tolerance for sleeve and pants length from 5 cm to 2 cm. This change particularly affects tall athletes who previously managed with slightly short standard-size gis. Under old rules, sleeves could be up to 5 cm from the wrist; under new rules, only 2 cm is allowed. This makes long sizes nearly mandatory for tall competitors where previously they were merely beneficial.

Competition gi checks are thorough. You'll stand with arms extended parallel to the ground whilst officials measure the distance from sleeve end to wrist. You'll stand straight whilst they measure pants length to ankle bone. Failures mean disqualification before stepping on the mats—regardless of skill level or opponent. For tall athletes, proper sizing isn't optional; it's essential to competitive participation.

Long sizes solve tall athlete problems by maintaining chest and weight capacities whilst extending sleeve, pants, and jacket lengths. Here's how they work:

What 'L' Means

The 'L' designation indicates 'long'—same width dimensions as the standard size but with extended length measurements. An A3L provides the same chest circumference, shoulder width, and weight capacity as a standard A3, but with longer sleeves, pants, and jacket. This addresses the tall, lean athlete problem: you get the fit you need around the torso without excess fabric, whilst gaining the length required for your limbs.

Available Long Sizes

The industry offers long sizes for mid-to-large standard sizes:

• A1L: Rare but available from some brands. Fits tall, very lean athletes approximately 5'10"-6'0" and 140-165 lbs.
• A2L: Fits 6'0"-6'2" and 165-185 lbs. Most common long size.
• A3L: Fits 6'1"-6'4" and 185-210 lbs. Very widely available.
• A4L: Fits 6'3"-6'5" and 210-230 lbs. Less common but stocked by major brands.
• A5L: Extremely rare. Some custom services offer this for athletes 6'5"+.

Not all brands offer long sizes, and within brands that do, not all models come in long sizes. This significantly limits options for tall athletes compared to standard sizing.

Measurement Differences: Standard vs Long

How much longer are long sizes? According to sizing data from War Tribe and other brands, expect approximately 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) additional length on both sleeves and pants. Specific measurements for A3 vs A3L from War Tribe show roughly 8 cm difference in key length measurements—translating to about 3.1 inches of additional sleeve reach.

This might not sound like much, but it's the difference between IBJJF-compliant and disqualified, between comfortable training and constantly adjusting your gi, between confident movement and worry about exposing your wrists and ankles.

Size Chart for Tall Athletes

A2L: Height 6'0"-6'2" (183-188 cm), Weight 165-185 lbs (75-84 kg). Best for tall, lean athletes who find A2 too short but A3 too wide.

A3L: Height 6'1"-6'4" (185-193 cm), Weight 185-210 lbs (84-95 kg). Most versatile long size for tall athletes. Sweet spot for practitioners over 6'1".

A4L: Height 6'3"-6'5" (190-196 cm), Weight 210-230 lbs (95-105 kg). For larger tall athletes. Less common than A3L but available from major brands.

These ranges overlap because body composition varies. A muscular 6'2" athlete at 200 lbs needs A3L or even A4L, whilst a lean 6'2" athlete at 175 lbs might do best with A2L. Always check brand-specific charts and measure yourself using proper gi measuring technique.

Not all brands offer long sizes, making brand selection critical for tall athletes. Here's what's available in the UK market:

Brands Offering Dedicated Long Sizes

Tatami Fightwear: One of the best options for tall UK athletes. Tatami offers both A3L and A4L in multiple models including the Estilo Black Label and Nova Absolute ranges. Wide UK availability through Made4Fighters, Fight Equipment UK, and Minotaur Fight Store. Prices typically £80-£120 depending on model. Long sizes generally priced the same as standard sizes. See our detailed Tatami brand review.

Valor Fightwear: UK brand offering A1L through A3L (note: no A4L from Valor based on available information). Budget-friendly pricing £60-£90 makes them accessible for tall athletes on limited budgets. However, the lack of A4L limits options for very tall or larger athletes. Quality is adequate for regular training. Check our Valor review for details.

Fuji Sports: Offers comprehensive long size availability including A3L and A4L across multiple models. Fuji has a dedicated A4L collection, making them one of the better options for very tall athletes (6'3"+). Available through Amazon UK and specialist retailers. Pricing typically £70-£100. Known for consistent sizing and good value. See our Fuji brand review.

93brand: American brand with excellent long size availability, but less common in UK retailers. Worth investigating through international shipping if UK options don't fit. Known for detailed size charts and good customer service regarding sizing questions.

Gold BJJ: Offers long sizes with particularly detailed sizing information. Less commonly stocked in UK but available through Amazon and international ordering. Excellent fit guidance on their website.

Brands That Run Long Naturally

Some brands cut their standard sizes longer than industry averages, potentially allowing tall athletes to use standard sizing:

Gameness: Reported to accommodate athletic builds well with longer-than-average cuts in standard sizing. A 6'2" athlete might find Gameness A3 fits where other brands' A3s are too short.

Fuji: Beyond their dedicated long sizes, even Fuji's standard cuts tend to run slightly generous in length. Worth trying if you're borderline for long sizes.

Brands to Approach Cautiously If Tall

Some brands are known for running shorter than average:

• Budget brands often cut shorter to save fabric costs
• Some fashion-oriented brands prioritise aesthetic fit over accommodating tall athletes
• Brazilian brands sometimes cut shorter to match typical Brazilian body proportions

Check reviews and size charts carefully. If the brand's A3 size chart shows maximum height of 6'0", it's not going to work for you at 6'3" regardless of weight match.

UK Retailer Availability

Long sizes sell out faster than standard sizes due to smaller production runs. UK retailers stocking long-size gis include:

• Minotaur Fight Store: Physical locations in Aylesbury and London allow in-person fitting of long sizes—invaluable for first-time long-size buyers. Multiple brands available.
• Made4Fighters: Large online selection with A3L and A4L from various brands. Good stock availability.
• Fight Equipment UK: Stocks Tatami long sizes including Elements Superlite and Nova Absolute in A3L/A4L.
• Direct from brand websites: Tatami, Valor, and others offer direct sales with full size ranges including long options.

For comprehensive UK retailer comparisons, see our where to buy BJJ gis in the UK guide.

When off-the-rack long sizes still don't fit—particularly for athletes 6'5"+, or those with unusual proportions—custom gis become necessary. Here's what you need to know:

When Custom Is the Only Option

Consider custom if you're 6'5" (196 cm) or taller, even the largest long sizes (A4L, A5L) don't fit properly, you have unusual proportions (very long arms with average torso, or vice versa), or you've been unable to find any off-the-rack gi that passes IBJJF gi check.

Custom gis solve problems that even long sizes can't address. They allow you to specify exact measurements for every dimension: sleeve length, pants length, jacket length, chest circumference, shoulder width, and more. This ensures IBJJF compliance and proper fit regardless of your proportions.

Killer Bee Gi Custom Service

Killer Bee Gi is one of the most well-known custom gi services accessible to UK buyers. They offer 'quality custom BJJ Gi's at an affordable price with a wide array of custom options related to the look and fit.' Their service specifically caters to 'all shapes and sizes.'

Particularly relevant for tall athletes, customer reviews highlight success stories: 'I am tall, thin and don't fit the normal size charts…they went above and beyond to get me the right fit all the way through the process.' Another customer at 6'4" praised the custom fit.

Their custom gis are 'customizable by 4 dimensions to allow for a better fit.' Production time is approximately 10-20 business days from order date. Pricing wasn't specified in search results but custom gis typically range £120-£200 depending on features and customisation level.

Contact information: They offer support through website chat, email, and phone (540-903-2003) to discuss measurements and custom options. UK shipping is available though specific costs and timeframes weren't listed—contact them directly for current UK delivery information.

Grapple Shack (UK Custom Gis)

Grapple Shack offers 'BJJ GI Custom made in the UK'—a significant advantage for UK-based tall athletes. UK production means faster delivery, easier communication for sizing questions, and simpler returns or alterations if needed. Contact them through their website for pricing, lead times, and measurement specifications.

Cost of Custom vs Off-the-Rack Long Sizes

Off-the-rack long-size gis: £70-£120 typically. Custom gis: £120-£250 depending on service and options. The premium is significant but worthwhile if off-the-rack options don't fit. Consider this: a £180 custom gi that fits perfectly and lasts 4-5 years costs about £3 per month. An £80 off-the-rack gi that doesn't fit properly, fails gi checks, and requires replacement after a year costs £6.67 per month and provides inferior performance. The custom option is actually better value for extreme height athletes.

Lead Times

Custom gis require patience. Typical lead times:

• Killer Bee Gi: 10-20 business days (2-4 weeks)
• Other services: 4-8 weeks common
• International shipping to UK: add 1-2 weeks

Plan ahead—don't order a custom gi the week before a competition. Order 2-3 months before you need it to allow for production, shipping, and potential alterations.

What to Specify When Ordering Custom

You'll need these measurements (see how to measure for a BJJ gi for detailed instructions):

• Height and weight: Overall body dimensions
• Sleeve length: From centre back neck, across shoulder, down to wrist bone (with arm extended parallel to ground)
• Jacket length: From base of neck down centre back to desired length (typically mid-thigh)
• Chest circumference: Around fullest part of chest
• Inseam: From crotch to ankle bone down inside of leg
• Waist: Around natural waistline

Many custom services provide measurement guides and video tutorials. Some offer consultation calls to ensure accuracy. Take measurements carefully—custom gis made to incorrect specifications are your responsibility, not theirs.

Sometimes you find a gi that's right in length but wrong in width, or right everywhere except one dimension. Can alterations fix it? Here's what's feasible:

Can You Lengthen a Gi?

Generally no. Unlike hem-alterations on trousers where fabric is folded under and can be let out, gi sleeves and pants are typically cut with minimal extra fabric. There's nothing to 'let out.' Some gis have small hem allowances (1-2 cm), but that's insufficient for tall athletes needing 5-10 cm of additional length.

The exception: if you've accidentally shrunk a gi through improper washing, professional stretching services can sometimes recover 1-2 cm of length. This isn't reliable and won't create the 5+ cm tall athletes need. Don't buy a too-short gi expecting to lengthen it.

What Alterations Work

Taking in excess width: If you've found an A4L that's perfect in length but too wide in the chest, a tailor can take in the sides. This is the most common and successful gi alteration. Cost: typically £30-£50 in the UK.

Tapering sleeves and pants: Long sizes sometimes provide excess width along with the length. Tapering sleeves and pants to remove this excess is straightforward for experienced tailors. Cost: £20-£40 per item.

Shortening: If you've sized up for length and ended up slightly too long, shortening is easy. However, this defeats the purpose for tall athletes who specifically need length.

UK Tailoring Services

Finding tailors experienced with gi alterations:

• Ask at your BJJ academy—someone always knows a good tailor
• Martial arts equipment shops sometimes offer alteration services
• General tailors can handle basic alterations, but those familiar with gi construction do better work

Expect to pay £30-£70 for typical gi alterations in the UK. Bring your gi and explain that it's a martial arts uniform requiring strong seams and reinforcement. Show them stress points that need secure stitching.

DIY Alterations

If you have basic sewing skills and a robust sewing machine, taking in sides or tapering legs is feasible. Use strong thread, multiple rows of stitching at stress points, and match the existing stitch pattern where possible. YouTube has tutorials specific to gi alterations.

However, major alterations affecting structure are best left to professionals. Poorly executed alterations can create weak points that rip during rolling, potentially causing injury.

Based on UK availability, fit for tall athletes, and value for money, here are the best options for tall grapplers:

Best Overall Long-Size Gi: Tatami Nova Absolute A3L/A4L (£80-£100)

Why it's the top pick: IBJJF approved, 350 GSM lightweight pearl weave jacket and 10 oz cotton tapered pants. Excellent construction quality from a reliable UK brand. Wide availability through UK retailers. Consistent sizing. Good value at the price point. Available in A3L and A4L. Multiple colourways including white, blue, and black. Ideal for training and competition.

Best for: Tall athletes 6'1"-6'5" who want reliable quality at mid-range pricing from a trusted brand.

Best Budget Long-Size Gi: Valor A2L/A3L (£60-£80)

Why it's the budget pick: UK brand offering long sizes at entry-level pricing. Adequate quality for regular training. Good option for tall athletes trying BJJ for the first time or managing tight budgets. Available A1L through A3L (no A4L). Note that quality doesn't match premium brands but provides solid value for the price.

Best for: Tall athletes on limited budgets, particularly those 6'0"-6'3" who fit A2L or A3L.

Best Competition Long-Size Gi: Fuji A4L Competition Model (£80-£110)

Why it's the competition pick: Fuji offers dedicated A4L sizing, crucial for very tall athletes (6'3"+). Known for consistent sizing that reliably passes IBJJF gi checks. Lightweight construction suitable for competition weigh-ins. Established reputation in competitive BJJ. Available through UK retailers including Amazon UK.

Best for: Tall competitors who need guaranteed IBJJF compliance and reliable fit.

Best Custom Option: Killer Bee Gi Custom (£120-£200 estimated)

Why it's the custom pick: Specifically designed to accommodate all shapes and sizes including extreme heights. Customer reviews from tall athletes are excellent. 10-20 day production time is faster than many custom services. Customisable by 4 dimensions. Support available through multiple channels for sizing consultation. Ships to UK.

Best for: Athletes 6'5"+ or those with unusual proportions who can't fit off-the-rack long sizes.

Runner-Up Options

Tatami Estilo Black Label A3L: Premium option (£100-£120) with 550 GSM pearl weave. Exceptional quality for serious practitioners. Long-term value for frequent trainees.

93brand Long Sizes: If accessible through international ordering. Known for detailed sizing information and good fit for tall, lean athletes.

Gold BJJ Long Sizes: Excellent size charts and fit guidance. Less common in UK but available through Amazon and international orders.

Finding long sizes requires knowing where to look. Stock availability is the biggest challenge tall athletes face.

UK Retailers Stocking Long Sizes

Minotaur Fight Store (Physical Locations + Online): Locations in Aylesbury and London Waterloo. Multiple BJJ gi brands with both A3L and A4L sizes available including Manto, Tatami Fightwear Elements Superlite (A3L and A4L), and Tatami Fightwear Nova Absolute (A3L and A4L). The ability to try on long-size gis in person makes this invaluable for first-time long-size buyers.

Made4Fighters (Online): Largest UK gi stockist with thousands of products. Good selection of long sizes from multiple brands. Filter by size A3L or A4L to see available options. Next-day delivery available. Free delivery over £99.

Fight Equipment UK (Online): Official stockists of trusted BJJ brands including Tatami. Stocks long sizes when available. Europe-wide delivery.

Tatami Fightwear Direct (Online): Brand website shows size filters including both A3L and A4L options in their BJJ gi collection. Buying direct ensures access to full size range. Flat rate shipping and free returns.

Valor Fightwear (Online): UK brand offering A1L through A3L directly from their website. Budget-friendly pricing. UK-based means fast delivery.

Stock Availability Challenges

Long sizes present unique stocking challenges. Production runs for long sizes are smaller than standard sizes because fewer people need them. Smaller runs mean: limited stock quantities at retailers, sells out faster than standard sizes, restocking takes longer (sometimes months), and new models may not initially include long sizes.

The most frustrating scenario: finding the perfect gi model but it's only available through A3, with A3L out of stock and no restock date provided. This happens regularly with long sizes.

Strategies for Securing Long-Size Gis

Sign up for restock notifications: Most retailers offer email alerts when out-of-stock items return. Use these religiously.

Check multiple retailers: One retailer being out of stock doesn't mean all are. Check Made4Fighters, Fight Equipment UK, Minotaur, and brand direct websites.

Buy when you find your size: If you find a gi in your size at a reasonable price, buy it. Long sizes don't stay in stock long. Waiting for a sale might mean losing access entirely.

Join UK BJJ buy/sell groups: Facebook groups and Reddit threads sometimes feature tall athletes selling gis that didn't fit. You might find long sizes second-hand.

Order direct from brands: Brand websites often have better stock of unusual sizes than retailers.

Import Considerations

Some excellent long-size brands are primarily US-based: 93brand, Gold BJJ, some Fuji models. Importing from US to UK means: shipping costs (typically £15-£30), customs duties and VAT on orders over £135, 2-4 week delivery times, and complicated returns if sizing doesn't work.

Calculate total cost including shipping and duties before ordering internationally. Sometimes the total exceeds UK prices significantly. However, if UK retailers don't stock your size at all, importing becomes necessary. Check our guide on buying BJJ gis in the UK for more detailed retailer information.