Women's BJJ Gi Guide: Finding the Perfect Fit for Female Grapplers

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community in the UK has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, with women now representing one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the sport. According to UK BJJ infrastructure data, the country now has over 300 clubs nationwide, and female participation has increased significantly, though men still outnumber women at approximately 4:1 in grappling arts.

Most BJJ gis are designed with male body proportions in mind, which creates several challenges for female practitioners. The standard A-series sizing (A0-A6) assumes a longer torso, broader shoulders, and narrower hips than most women have. When a gi doesn't fit properly, it's not just a matter of comfort—it directly affects your performance on the mats.

A poorly fitting gi creates extra fabric that opponents can easily grip, giving them a significant advantage. Sleeves that are too long expose your wrists less than regulation requires for IBJJF competition standards, whilst pants that bunch up restrict movement and can even be dangerous during rolling. Finding the right gi means better mobility, fewer grip opportunities for your training partners, and increased confidence during both training and competition.

Understanding how women's bodies differ from the standard gi sizing assumptions is crucial for finding the right fit. Here are the key anatomical differences that affect gi selection:

Shorter Torso: Women typically have shorter torsos relative to their overall height. Standard unisex gis often result in jackets that hang too low, creating excess fabric around the hips and lower back. Women's specific cuts account for this with shorter jacket lengths whilst maintaining proper coverage.

Hip Accommodation: Female body composition includes proportionally wider hips than the male frame. Unisex gis cut for a straight up-and-down shape can be uncomfortably tight around the hips and seat, restricting movement during guard work and transitions. Women's gis feature more generous hip and seat areas whilst maintaining a secure fit at the waist.

Shoulder Width: Narrower shoulders mean that unisex gis often have excess fabric bunching around the shoulder area. This creates easy grips for opponents and looks sloppy. Women's cuts taper the shoulders appropriately for a cleaner, more secure fit.

Sleeve Length and Taper: Women generally have shorter arms than men of equivalent height. Unisex gi sleeves frequently extend past the wrist, violating competition regulations and creating grip disadvantages. Women's gis feature shorter sleeves with a more tapered fit along the forearm.

Pants Length and Rise: The inseam and rise (the measurement from crotch to waistband) differ significantly between male and female proportions. Women's gi pants feature a higher rise to accommodate hip curves and prevent the uncomfortable 'sagging' effect common with men's cuts. The F-series sizing addresses these proportional differences systematically. According to sizing data from major brands, F2 fits individuals around 5'2" to 5'6" and 125-145 lbs, whilst F3 accommodates 5'5" to 5'9" and 140-165 lbs, with adjustments for all the anatomical factors above.

Choosing between a women's specific gi and a unisex option is one of the most important decisions female grapplers face. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide:

Women's Specific Gis

Construction Differences: Women's specific gis use the F-series sizing system (F0-F4) with cuts tailored for female proportions. The key difference isn't just smaller sizes—it's the ratios. Women's sizes have a more tapered fit along the sleeves and pants, slightly narrower shoulders, slightly wider hips, and the seat of the pants comes up higher around the back.

Advantages:

• Better proportional fit eliminates excess fabric that opponents can grip
• More comfortable during training with proper accommodation for curves
• Competition-legal fit is easier to achieve, particularly for IBJJF sleeve and pants requirements
• Higher rise in pants prevents uncomfortable sagging during movement
• Increased confidence from a gi that actually fits your body

Disadvantages:

• More limited size range than unisex options (typically F0-F4 vs A0-A6)
• Fewer colour options available from most brands
• Sometimes higher price points, though this varies by brand
• Less availability in physical shops for trying before buying

Unisex/Men's Gis

Advantages:

• Wider size availability including tall and plus-size options
• More colour choices including limited edition designs
• Often less expensive, particularly at entry level
• Easier to find in physical retail stores
• Can work well for women with more athletic or rectangular body shapes

Disadvantages:

• Poor fit around shoulders, torso, and hips for most women
• Excess fabric creates grip opportunities for training partners
• Uncomfortable rise in pants (too low for female anatomy)
• Sleeves and pants often too long, violating competition regulations
• May require expensive alterations to achieve proper fit

When to Choose Which

Choose Women's Specific if: You have typical female proportions with defined waist-to-hip ratio, you compete regularly and need regulation-compliant fit, or you've struggled with unisex gis in the past.

Consider Unisex if: You're 5'8" or taller with longer limbs, you have a more athletic/rectangular build, you need extended size ranges not available in women's cuts, or you prioritise colour/design options over tailored fit.

Sizing down in unisex gis (e.g., trying an A1 instead of A2) can work for some women, but success varies dramatically by brand. Some brands cut their unisex gis generously and accommodate sizing down well, whilst others maintain the same proportional issues even in smaller sizes. This approach works best for taller women with longer torsos who need the length but not the width of standard sizing.

Several brands now offer dedicated women's lines with proper F-series sizing. Here's what's available in the UK market:

Tatami Fightwear Ladies Range

Tatami offers one of the most established women's gi lines in the UK market. Their Estilo Black Label Ladies BJJ Gi features a 550 GSM pearl weave jacket and 12 oz canvas pants, representing their finest construction quality. Available in white/white, grey/black, and white/grey colourways. UK pricing through retailers like Made4Fighters shows models from approximately £70-£100, with sale prices often available. Sizes typically range from F1-F4.

The Nova Absolute Ladies Gi offers a lightweight option with a 350 GSM pearl weave jacket and 10 oz cotton tapered pants, making it ideal for both training and competition. It's IBJJF approved and features a more affordable price point whilst maintaining Tatami's quality standards. Read our full Tatami brand review for detailed analysis.

Progress BJJ Women's Line

This UK-based brand offers women's gis with anatomical cuts specifically tailored to the female physique. Their gis are crafted from robust, pre-shrunk cotton ready to withstand intense training. The Women's Academy BJJ Gi represents their best value offering, whilst the Women's RGA Premium Gi (£130-£140) provides premium features. Progress offers an exceptional 90-day hassle-free returns policy and guarantees to replace any damaged products for the first 6 months—a significant advantage when ordering online. Being UK-based means faster delivery and easier returns compared to international brands. Explore more in our Progress BJJ review.

Venum Women's Range

Venum's Challenger 2.0 Women BJJ Gi provides an excellent entry point for female grapplers, with pricing generally in the £60-£80 range in the UK. Whilst specific 2026 prices weren't listed, Venum consistently positions itself as an affordable option without sacrificing quality. Available through the official Venum UK website and retailers like Made4Fighters, the Challenger line comes with a free white belt and offers good durability for the price point. Particularly suitable for beginners or those maintaining a gi rotation for frequent training. Check our Venum gi review for more details.

Hyperfly Women's Collection

For those seeking premium options, Hyperfly UK offers several women's specific models. The ProComp Lyte Void Womens BJJ Gi (regular price £139.99, often on sale for £97.99) available in blue, black, and white. The Starlyte II Womens BJJ Gi provides a mid-range option (£99.00, sale price £69.30) in colours like strawberry and whiteout. The Hyperlyte 3.5 Womens BJJ Gi (£119.99, sale £83.99) comes in various colours including blackout and white tiffany. Hyperfly UK offers free shipping on orders over £200. Read more about Hyperfly in our comprehensive brand review.

Scramble Women's Range

Scramble makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis specifically tailored to fit women better, with more generous hip and chest areas. Sizes range from F1 to F4. The Makoto Women's BJJ Gi (available in white and midnight black) and Athlete Pro Women's BJJ Gi (in grey and navy) represent their main women's offerings. Scramble brings European style sensibility to their designs, working particularly well for slimmer builds. As one of the fastest-growing brands in UK BJJ, Scramble products are widely available through Made4Fighters, Minotaur Fight Store, and other major UK retailers. Our Scramble review covers their full range.

Availability and UK Stockists

Major UK retailers stocking women's BJJ gis include Made4Fighters, Shop4 Martial Arts, Fight Equipment UK, and Kingz UK. Made4Fighters claims to be the largest gi stockist in the UK with next-day delivery available. Shop4 Martial Arts specialises in centralising women's BJJ gi options in one place, making comparison shopping easier.

Women's BJJ gis use the F-series sizing system, distinctly different from the standard A-series used for unisex and men's gis. However, sizing varies between brands, so always check brand-specific charts before purchasing.

Universal Women's Sizing Guidelines

F0: Height 4'8"-4'11" (142-149 cm), Weight 95-115 lbs (43-52 kg)

F1: Height 4'10"-5'1" (147-155 cm), Weight 100-125 lbs (45-57 kg)

F2: Height 5'1"-5'3" (155-160 cm), Weight 120-135 lbs (55-61 kg)

F3: Height 5'3"-5'6" (160-168 cm), Weight 135-160 lbs (61-72 kg)

F4: Height 5'5"-5'9" (165-175 cm), Weight 160-185 lbs (72-84 kg)

F5: Height 5'9"-6'0" (175-183 cm), Weight 185+ lbs (84+ kg) - offered by some brands

Important Notes

These measurements represent general guidelines. Actual sizing varies between brands—for instance, 93brand's F2 fits 5'0"-5'3" and 95-115 lbs, whilst Atos sizes F2 for 5'3"-5'6" and 120-135 lbs. This variation of several inches and 10-20 lbs between brands means you must check specific size charts.

Height and weight together determine your size, but body composition matters significantly. A muscular 5'4" woman at 145 lbs needs a different size than someone with the same height and weight but less muscle mass. Consider your proportions—if you have longer legs relative to your torso, you may need to size up for pants length. If you have broader shoulders, you may need a roomier cut.

Between-Size Buyers

If you fall between two sizes, consider your training priorities:

• Size down if: You prefer a tighter, more competition-oriented fit, you compete regularly and need minimal fabric, or you plan to pre-shrink your gi
• Size up if: You want more comfort during training, you prefer a looser fit, the gi is pre-shrunk, or you're buying for growth (though this applies more to children)

Measuring Yourself for Women's Gis

To find your perfect size, take these measurements whilst wearing tight-fitting clothes:

1. Height: Stand straight against a wall, mark the top of your head, measure from floor to mark
2. Weight: Weigh yourself in the morning before eating
3. Sleeve length: Extend arm parallel to ground, measure from centre back neck, across shoulder, down to wrist bone
4. Inseam: Measure from crotch to ankle bone down the inside of your leg
5. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom

Compare these measurements to the specific brand's size chart, not just the universal guidelines. Our detailed gi measuring guide provides photo illustrations of proper measuring technique.

Based on UK availability, community reviews, and value for money, here are the best women's BJJ gis you can buy in 2026:

1. Progress Women's Academy Gi (£60-£80) - Best Overall Value. UK brand with anatomical women's cut, 90-day returns, 6-month damage guarantee. Lightweight, durable, and readily available. Ideal for regular training.

2. Tatami Estilo Black Label Ladies Gi (£90-£110) - Best Premium Option. 550 GSM pearl weave, 12 oz canvas pants, exceptional construction quality. Multiple colourways. Long-lasting investment for serious practitioners.

3. Hyperfly Starlyte II Womens Gi (£69-£99) - Best for Style. Beautiful colourways including strawberry and whiteout. Quality construction at mid-range pricing. F1-F4 sizing.

4. Venum Challenger 2.0 Women (£60-£80) - Best Budget Option. Excellent entry-level gi with proper women's fit. Includes free white belt. Widely available through UK retailers.

5. Tatami Nova Absolute Ladies Gi (£70-£90) - Best for Competition. 350 GSM lightweight pearl weave, IBJJF approved. 10 oz tapered pants. Quick-drying and competition-legal.

6. Scramble Makoto Women's Gi (£85-£105) - Best for European Style. Generous hip and chest areas. Aesthetic designs. F1-F4 sizing. Suited for slimmer builds.

7. Hyperfly Hyperlyte 3.5 Womens Gi (£84-£120) - Best Lightweight Option. Multiple colour options. Good balance of weight and durability. Free UK shipping on orders over £200.

8. Progress Women's RGA Premium Gi (£130-£140) - Best High-End UK Brand. Premium materials and construction. Roger Gracie Academy official collection. UK brand benefits (fast shipping, easy returns).

9. Kingz Nano 3.0 Womens Gi (£90) - Best for Nano Technology. Advanced weave technology. Available through Kingz UK. White colourway. F-series sizing.

10. Fuji Submit Everyone Women's Gi (£70-£90) - Best for Beginners. Spot-on sizing, comfortable fit. Reliable budget option with good durability. Widely recommended for first-time female gi buyers.

All prices are approximate retail prices in GBP as of 2026. Watch for sales at UK retailers—discounts of 20-40% are common during seasonal promotions. Check our UK BJJ gi sales guide for current deals.

Understanding the price landscape helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your budget. Here's a breakdown of women's BJJ gi pricing in the UK market:

Budget Range: Under £80

Entry-level women's gis from established brands like Venum Challenger 2.0 Women (£60-£80), Valor women's range, and some Progress Academy models fall into this category. These gis offer proper women's fit, adequate durability for 2-3 training sessions per week, and are ideal for beginners unsure about long-term commitment. Expect lighter weight fabrics (250-350 GSM), standard reinforcement, and basic colour options (typically white, blue, or black). Budget gis usually last 12-18 months with regular use and proper care. Check our budget gi guide for more affordable options.

Mid-Range: £80-£130

This sweet spot includes most recommended women's gis: Tatami Estilo Black Label Ladies (£90-£110), Tatami Nova Absolute Ladies (£70-£90), Scramble women's range (£85-£105), and Hyperfly Starlyte II (£69-£99 on sale). Mid-range gis offer better construction quality with reinforced stress points, higher quality fabrics (350-450 GSM pearl weave), improved fit and finish, more colour and design options, and typically 2-3 year lifespan with regular use. This range represents the best value for committed practitioners training 3+ times per week.

Premium Range: £130+

Premium women's gis include Hyperfly ProComp Lyte Void Womens (£139.99, sale £97.99), Progress Women's RGA Premium (£130-£140), and high-end models from Shoyoroll or Origin (when available in women's cuts). Premium gis feature the finest materials and construction, unique designs or limited editions, competition-proven performance, superior durability (3-5+ years), and often include special features like reinforced cuffs or antimicrobial treatments.

Women's vs Unisex Pricing

Contrary to common assumptions, women's specific gis generally aren't more expensive than equivalent unisex models. According to Elite Sports, BJJ gis for men and women typically cost about the same, with base prices ranging from £50-£150 depending on design, features, and retailer. The main difference is fit rather than cost. Women may actually save money with properly fitting women's gis by avoiding expensive alterations needed to make unisex gis fit properly.

Value Considerations

When evaluating price, consider cost per training session over the gi's lifespan. A £140 premium gi lasting 4 years with training 3x weekly (approximately 600 sessions) costs £0.23 per session. A £60 budget gi lasting 1.5 years at the same frequency (approximately 225 sessions) costs £0.27 per session. For frequent trainees, investing in quality actually costs less over time, whilst providing better performance and comfort throughout.

Finding women's BJJ gis in the UK requires knowing which retailers prioritise stocking women's specific options. Here's your comprehensive guide to UK shopping options:

Specialist UK Retailers

Made4Fighters claims to be the UK's largest gi stockist with thousands of products available for next-day delivery. They stock women's gis from Tatami, Venum, Scramble, and other major brands. Offers competitive pricing and regular sales. Free delivery over £99 with easy 30-day returns.

Shop4 Martial Arts specialises in women's BJJ gis, offering a centralised collection from brands like Tatami Fightwear and Valor Fightwear. Particularly useful for comparing multiple women's options in one place.

Fight Equipment UK stocks official ranges from trusted brands including Tatami, Scramble, and Progress. Can deliver anywhere in Europe. Wide selection of sizes including women's specific cuts.

Minotaur Fight Store offers the latest BJJ gis from leading UK brands. Physical locations in Aylesbury and Waterloo, London allow in-person fitting—invaluable for first-time women's gi buyers. Staff knowledgeable about women's sizing specifics.

Kingz UK stocks their own Kingz brand women's gis including the Nano 3.0 Womens Gi (£90). Direct brand purchasing often ensures latest models and full size ranges.

Brand Direct Websites

Purchasing directly from brand websites ensures access to complete size ranges and latest releases:

• Progress Jiu Jitsu UK (progressjj.co.uk): Full women's range, 90-day returns, 6-month damage guarantee. UK-based means fastest delivery and easiest returns.
• Tatami Fightwear (tatamifightwear.com): Complete ladies collection, flat rate shipping, free returns. Regular sale section for discounted women's gis.
• Hyperfly UK (hyperfly.uk): Women's specific collection, free shipping over £200. Often features seasonal sales with significant discounts.
• Venum UK (uk.venum.com): Women's BJJ gi range with various colourways. Regular promotions and new releases.
• Scramble (scramblestuff.com): Women's BJJ gi collection, international shipping to UK.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK stocks various women's BJJ gis, often with Prime delivery. Benefits include customer reviews, easy returns, and competitive pricing. However, selection is more limited than specialist retailers, sizing information may be less detailed, and you miss out on expert staff guidance. Best used when you already know your size and preferred brand.

In-Store Fitting

For first-time buyers, trying on gis in person is invaluable. UK stores offering women's gi fitting:

• Minotaur Fight Store (Aylesbury and London Waterloo locations)
• Playwell (London—stocks Tatami and Venum)
• Local BJJ academies often stock limited selections for members

When visiting in person, bring or wear tight-fitting exercise clothes to try gis over. Test movement: practice sitting in guard, doing an armbar motion, and checking sleeve length with arms extended. Don't buy based solely on initial fit—remember shrinkage (typically 2-3cm with first wash even for pre-shrunk gis).

Returns Policies Matter

When ordering online, returns policies are crucial:

• Progress BJJ: 90-day hassle-free returns (best in industry)
• Made4Fighters: 30-day returns
• Tatami: Free returns
• Most UK retailers: 14-30 day returns (check specific policies)

Always order with returns in mind when uncertain about sizing. The cost of return shipping (typically £5-10) is worth ensuring proper fit. For detailed retailer comparisons, see our comprehensive where to buy BJJ gis in the UK guide.