Tatami Fightwear BJJ Gi Review: The Complete Guide

Tatami Fightwear was founded in 2009 in South Wales by Gareth Dummer (a BJJ black belt) and Lee Jones with the goal of providing high-quality BJJ products at affordable prices. The brand has grown from a small UK operation into one of the world's most recognised BJJ gi manufacturers.

Tatami's brand philosophy centres on accessibility — they aim to produce gis for every level, from white belt to elite competitor, and for every budget. This ethos is reflected in their extensive product line, which covers entry-level, mid-range, and premium segments.

The brand maintains a strong presence in the competitive BJJ scene, sponsoring athletes worldwide and providing gis for competitions at all levels. Their Trustpilot profile stands at an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 1,100 reviews, with customer service representatives like Dan, Shelby, Karen, Ryan, and Kelsey frequently praised by name for their responsiveness.

All Tatami gis are designed at their UK headquarters and manufactured overseas (primarily in Pakistan), following a model common to most BJJ gi brands globally. For a broader comparison with other major brands, see our complete brand comparison guide.

Tatami offers one of the broadest product lines in the BJJ gi market, covering every price point and use case. Here is how their current range breaks down:

Entry-level (under £65):

• Nova Absolute — £59.99. Tatami's go-to beginner gi with 350 GSM pearl weave jacket and 10 oz cotton trousers. Includes a free white belt. Available in white, black, blue, and khaki.

Mid-range (£53-£65):

• Elements Ultralite 2.0 — £53-£60 (availability varies). A 250 GSM advanced pearl weave ultralight gi weighing just 1.3 kg in A2. Perfect for competition weigh-ins and travel.

Premium (£99+):

• Estilo Black Label — £99. The flagship line featuring 550 GSM pearl weave jacket and 12 oz canvas trousers. The Estilo has been Tatami's premium offering since 2010 and is now in its Black Label iteration.
• Estilo Gold Label — Premium variant with 550 GSM pearl weave jacket and 280 GSM ripstop trousers. Comes with a ripstop drawstring bag/backpack.

Women's range: Tatami offers Ladies versions of the Nova Absolute and Estilo in F1-F5 sizes, including FL (long) and FC (curvy) variants for different body types.

Kids range: Kids Nova Absolute available in M0-M4 sizes.

This breadth of range is one of Tatami's key strengths — whether you're looking to spend £53 or £99+, there's a model designed specifically for your needs. To understand how these weaves compare, check our BJJ gi weave types guide.

The Estilo has been Tatami's flagship gi since 2010, spanning over a decade of iterative improvements. The current Estilo Black Label represents the pinnacle of this development.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 550 GSM pearl weave, 100% cotton
• Trousers: 12 oz canvas cotton
• Collar: Reinforced construction
• Special features: Tatami Y-Vent technology providing full wrap-around jacket and optimum fit, sublimated neck yoke, printed cuff and jacket taping, high-density embroideries
• Price: £109

Available sizes: A0, A1, A1L, A2S, A2, A2H, A2L, A2XL, A3S, A3, A3L, A4S, A4, A4L, A5, A6 — one of the most comprehensive size ranges on the market.

Available colours: Black on Black, Black on Grey, Gold on Navy, Red on Black, Blue on Black, and more.

The Estilo's 550 GSM pearl weave offers a premium feel that balances durability with comfort. After a break-in period of 3-5 washes, the fabric softens noticeably while maintaining its structural integrity. Long-term reviews from practitioners using the Estilo for 6+ months consistently praise the jacket's robust collar and the overall build quality.

One minor concern raised in community reviews is colour fading on darker colourways, particularly navy — the ripstop and pearl weave sections can fade at slightly different rates. Cold washing and hang drying minimises this issue. For washing guidance, see our gi washing guide.

The Nova Absolute is Tatami's most popular beginner gi and one of the best-selling gis in the UK market.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 350 GSM pearl weave (52% cotton, 48% polyester blend)
• Trousers: 10 oz cotton with tapered cut
• Features: Tubular elastic drawstring, four belt loops, reinforced knees, underarm reinforcements, triple stitching at stress points
• Weight: Approximately 1,450g in size A2
• Price: £59.99 (includes free white belt)

Available sizes: A0, A1, A1L, A2, A2S, A2H, A2L, A2XL, A3, A3L, A4, A5

Available colours: White, Black, Blue, Khaki

The Nova Absolute is manufactured in a competition cut and is fully IBJJF compliant in white, blue, and black. Despite its entry-level pricing, the construction quality is impressive — reinforced knees, underarm gussets, and triple stitching at stress points are features you'd expect at higher price points.

Community feedback indicates the Nova runs slightly larger than the Estilo range, particularly in the trousers which some describe as "roomy." This is intentional — the Nova has a 5-7% shrinkage rate when washed at 30°C, so the extra room is designed to account for this. The Estilo, being pre-shrunk, has a more fitted cut from the outset.

For a budget gi, the Nova Absolute performs remarkably well. Durability reports from practitioners using it 2+ years show the stitching holds up even under heavy use, though some minor tears along the collar and weaker seams have been noted after extended periods. For budget alternatives from other brands, see our cheap BJJ gi roundup.

The Elements Ultralite 2.0 is Tatami's competition-focused ultralight gi, designed for practitioners who need to make weight or prefer a lighter feel during training.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 250 GSM advanced pearl weave (lighter than the 300 GSM original)
• Trousers: 7 oz ripstop
• Weight: Just 1.3 kg in size A2 — one of the lightest gis on the market
• Features: Mercerised and sanforised fabric (resistant to further shrinkage), reinforced cuffs, 6 rows of ankle cuff lining, woven details with small embroidery accents
• Price: £53-£60 (availability varies by retailer)

Available colours: White, Black, Blue

The fabric has been specially mercerised and sanforised, meaning it is highly resistant to further shrinkage once purchased — a significant advantage for competitors who need precise weight management. The 250 GSM advanced pearl weave is noticeably thinner than standard pearl weave gis, making it exceptionally breathable and fast-drying.

The trade-off for the lightweight construction is reduced durability compared to heavier gis. The Elements Ultralite is best suited as a competition or warm-weather gi rather than a daily training workhorse. If used exclusively for training, expect a shorter lifespan than the Estilo or Nova.

Note: The Elements Ultralite 2.0 appears to be out of stock at several UK retailers. Check the official Tatami website and major retailers for current availability. Tatami's product line evolves regularly, so a successor model may be forthcoming.

Tatami offers one of the most comprehensive sizing systems in the BJJ gi industry.

Men's sizes: A0 through A6, with additional variants:

• L (Long) — Longer sleeves and trouser legs for taller builds
• H (Husky) — Wider cut for heavier builds
• S (Short) — Shorter sleeves and legs for stockier builds
• XL — Extra width for larger frames

Women's sizes: F1 through F5, with L (long) and C (curvy) variants for different body types.

Kids sizes: M0 through M4.

General size guide:

Fit notes:

• The Estilo Black Label runs true to size with a slightly athletic/slim cut thanks to the Y-Vent technology.
• The Nova Absolute runs slightly larger, particularly in the trousers, to account for 5-7% shrinkage when washed at 30°C.
• If you're between sizes, Tatami recommend sizing up for comfort.
• For tall, lean builds, the L variant is strongly recommended.
• For stocky builds, the H or XL variants provide additional room without excess length.

For a full comparison of sizing across multiple brands, visit our BJJ gi size chart. For tall athletes, our tall athletes guide covers brand-specific recommendations.

Construction quality:

• Stitching: Double and triple reinforced at all major stress points across the range. The Estilo Black Label features the highest level of reinforcement.
• Collar: Well-constructed across all models, though long-term reviews note some softening on the Nova range after 12+ months of heavy use.
• Knee reinforcements: Double-layered on all models.
• Gussets: Underarm and side reinforcements present across the range.
• Drawstring: Printed jacquard drawstring on the Estilo; tubular elastic on the Nova.

Material quality:

• Pearl weave is the primary construction across all Tatami gis, ranging from 250 GSM (Elements Ultralite) to 550 GSM (Estilo).
• Fabric softens pleasantly after the break-in period (3-5 washes) whilst maintaining structural integrity.
• Breathability is good across the range, with the Elements Ultralite excelling in this area.

Durability:

• The Estilo range holds up well through 1-2+ years of regular training (3-5 sessions per week), with minimal structural degradation.
• The Nova Absolute shows good longevity for its price point, with most practitioners reporting 1-2 years of solid use before minor wear appears.
• Colour fading is the most commonly reported issue, particularly on darker colourways. Cold washing and hang drying is essential.

Warranty and returns:

Tatami offers free returns on unused items within their returns window. Their customer service team consistently receives praise for handling sizing exchanges quickly, with new items typically arriving within a week of the return being processed. Tatami has been known to replace defective gis swiftly — one reviewer reported receiving a replacement within 24 hours of contacting support about a torn gi.

Tatami price overview:

Competitor comparison:

• Estilo Black Label (£109) vs Progress M6 Mark 6 (~£120): The Estilo offers similar 550/450 GSM pearl weave construction at a lower price, though the M6 Mark 6 features a more refined competition cut.
• Nova Absolute (£59.99) vs Fuji All Around (~£80-£100): The Nova undercuts the Fuji significantly while offering comparable construction. The Fuji is heavier (550 GSM) and may suit those wanting a more substantial feel.
• Elements Ultralite (£53-£60) vs Hyperfly Starlyte III (£99.99): Both target the ultralight competition segment, but the Elements is roughly half the price. The Starlyte III offers more advanced fabric technology.

Where to find deals:

• Tatami's official website — regular 20% codes (WELCOME20, military/NHS/student discounts), flash sales throughout the year.
• Black Friday — Tatami typically runs 30% off their full range.
• Birthday discount — Sign up for the Tatami newsletter to receive 15% off on your birthday.
• UK retailers — Made4Fighters, Minotaur Fight Store, and Fight Equipment UK occasionally stock Tatami at discounted prices.

For the latest deals across all brands, check our BJJ gi sales UK page.

Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,125+ reviews. Tatami has replied to 62% of negative reviews, typically within one week.

Common praise:

• Consistent product quality across the range — "quality training gear at very reasonable prices"
• Fast UK shipping and delivery
• Excellent customer service for exchanges and replacements
• Accurate sizing for most body types
• Durable construction that holds up to regular training

Common complaints:

• Colour fading on darker gis, particularly navy — the pearl weave and ripstop sections can fade at different rates
• Nova trousers described as "baggy" by some reviewers
• Limited edition models sell out quickly and can be hard to obtain
• Premium models (Estilo Gold Label) considered expensive by some

Long-term feedback:

• 6-month reviews: Construction holds up well, fabric softens pleasantly, minimal shrinkage after initial washes.
• 1-year reviews: Stitching remains intact, some collar softening on Nova range, slight dimensional changes (2-3 cm loss on measurements with regular cold washing).
• 2+ year reviews: Nova gis show minor wear at weaker seams and collar area, but remain functional. Estilo gis hold up significantly better over extended periods.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10

Tatami Fightwear earns its position as the UK's leading BJJ gi brand through a combination of broad product range, consistent quality, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing. Their UK headquarters ensures hassle-free purchasing for domestic buyers, and the extensive sizing system means most body types are well catered for.

Best for: All levels, from complete beginners to experienced competitors. Particularly strong for UK buyers who value reliable customer service and easy exchanges.

Not ideal for: Those seeking ultra-premium boutique options (look to Shoyoroll or Origin), or buyers on an extremely tight budget who might find better value in the Scramble Athlete (£65) or Venum range (from £55).

Quick summary:

• Pros: UK-based, exceptional customer service, comprehensive sizing, broad product range, competitive pricing, IBJJF compliant across range
• Cons: Colour fading on dark gis, Nova trousers run large, Elements Ultralite availability inconsistent, no lifetime warranty

Our recommendation:

• Beginners: Start with the Nova Absolute (£59.99) — unbeatable value with a free white belt included.
• Regular practitioners: The Estilo Black Label (£109) is the sweet spot of quality and price.
• Competitors: The Elements Ultralite 2.0 if available, or pair the Estilo with a lightweight training option.

To see how Tatami stacks up against other brands, visit our complete brand comparison. Ready to buy? Check your size first with our BJJ gi size chart.