Best Beginner BJJ Gi [2024] – Bought & Tested

The gi symbolizes Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is crucial to the grappling itself. From the first day you step on the mats with the intention of training in the traditional style, you will need a gi.

But not all gis are the same and not cheap either, so which one should you pick?

A quick look at what's on the market may leave you dizzy from the abundance of choice, but fret not, as we are here to help you buy the best gi for your money and preferences.

I have tested every gi on the list, so you can rest assured you are getting first-hand experience and advice you won't regret following.

Best BJJ Gi For Beginners

Gold BJJ Aeroweave BJJ Gi

The Gold BJJ Aeroweave Ultralight Gi fully lives up to its name. The gi is feather light thanks to a 40% decrease in weight compared to regular pearl weaves and comes at only 275 gsm.

While you can find other gis at the same weight, they are compromised in terms of durability and feel, while the Gold BJJ Aeroweave is as durable as any other pearl weave gi, which is why it's so special.

The gi comes with matching 10oz ripstop pants and is breathable and light even on the hottest days.

The balance between weight, durability, and feel is something no other gi offers which is why I believe this one is perfect for beginners.

The Aeroweave is in the mid-price range, while beginners usually opt for a budget model because they are still unsure if they will stick to BJJ training.

But for me, the clean, minimal design and lightweight feel are perfect for those not yet used to wearing and rolling around with a gi.

The gi comes pre-shrunk, which is a great feature for everyone, but even more so for beginners with no experience with shrinkage.

Another nice feature is the EVA bolstered collar, which provides the sturdy grip point needed during rolls but without the bulkiness that comes with some other collars.

Overall, I am super impressed with the Gold BJJ Aeroweave gi and recommend it wholeheartedly to beginners and experienced BJJ practitioners searching for the best lightweight gi.

Best Premium Beginner BJJ Gi

XMartial Prime BJJ Gi

Not all beginners look for cheap products, nor should they. Of course, there is no point in buying a top-of-the-line gi if you are still trying to figure out how long you will continue to train.

But if you have the money, it's best to get a premium feel at a regular price. This is why I have chosen the Xmartial Prime BJJ Gi as a premium option for beginners instead of a fancy $200 gi.

This gi has a 380 gsm weight, perfect middle ground for all purposes. The pearl weave is 100% cotton, durable, and very comfortable to the skin.

The fabric also has moisture-wicking properties, a feature you can expect from gis at this price range.

A detail you might miss but is a great addition is the cord drawstring, which is much superior to regular non-stretchy drawstrings that often untangle and leave you worrying more about your pants than what the opponent is doing.

As expected, all major organizations approve the XMartial Prime Gi, and it comes in all three competition-approved colors- black, white, and royal blue.

Best Budget Beginner BJJ Gi

Sanabul Essential BJJ Gi

The budget and beginner gear categories often overlap for obvious reasons, which explains the number of positive reviews the Sanabul Essential BJJ has on Amazon.

The fact that this gi is made from 100% cotton at this price makes it an outstanding choice, even without considering anything else. It's made in a single weave with only 350 gsm of weight.

The Sanabul Essential gi comes pre-shrunk, meaning there is very little chance of you making it unusable after washing, which is something many beginners have done with their first gis.

The gi is also IBJJF-approved, so you can use it for your first (or 20^th) competition. Another detail showing who this gi is aimed for is the free white belt you get, which will save the 15-20 bucks you will have to pay for a belt otherwise.

If you are starting and want a budget gi, you won't find a better deal than the Sanabul Essential.

Second Option Budget Beginner BJJ Gi

Elite Sports BJJ Gi

One of the cheapest gis you can get your hands on is the Elite Sports BJJ gi. It's even more affordable than the Sanabul, but there are tradeoffs for the low price.

First, the material is not full cotton but 60% cotton and 40% polyester in a pearl weave.

The upside is that you get a pearl weave look at the lowest price point possible, although without the durability of the 100% cotton weave and not as breathable.

The second drawback is that the jacket is not really true to size, and you will likely have to size up.

Even considering the drawbacks, you still get a solid IBJJF-approved pre-shrunk gi and a free white belt. So, if you want to spend less and still be able to train without issues, the Elite Sports BJJ gi may be the one for you.

Best Woven Beginner BJJ Gi

Revgear Venice Top of The Line

If you want something woven differently, look at the Revgear Venice gi. The brand is plain about its intention for this product, and they call it the top of the line for a good reason.

The outstanding feature is the unique high-tech weave, similar to the classic pearl weave but has some differences.

The kimono is 450gsm, making it a little heavier than the other options on the list, but despite that, it's exceptionally comfortable.

The pants are crafted from robust 10-oz ripstop fabric, and I believe the whole gi will hold up strong for years.

The Revgear Venice gi is available in black, white, and blue, all with contrasting stitches, but for me, the black one steals the show with subtle but sharp red elements.

In my eyes, this is the best-looking gi on the list and the one with the most unique weave.

How To Pick The Best Beginner BJJ Gi

Choosing the right BJJ gi is more challenging than it may seem, especially for beginners picking up their first one.

There are many things to consider if you want to suit your needs and the steep prices usually mean you won't be buying several gis for every occasion. Here is a quick guide covering the most important points when choosing a beginner BJJ gi.

Material and Weave

The most essential characteristic of a BJJ gi is the material, and nothing is better than cotton in this department.

All mid-level and premium gis are made from 100% cotton, while some budget options might blend in some polyester.

There are other materials like hemp used, which are also very good, but they are a rarity, and only select brands use them.

The second thing you must know is how the cotton threads are woven. The weave of a gi determines the appearance, weight, and durability, and there are a few main types of weaves, each with distinct qualities.

Single Weave

The most basic type is the single weave. This type of weave uses only one warp of thread and is the most inexpensive since it uses the least material. This makes them light but also the least durable of all the weaves.

Double Weave

The double weave has twice the threads of a single weave and, as such, is much heavier and more durable.

The extra material used also means double-weave gis are often more expensive than other types. The weight makes them less popular than other options, but some people love them.

Pearl Weave

The pearl weave is the most popular type, and it gets its name from the fabric pattern resembling a string of pearls.

Technically, the pearl weave is a single weave, but the way the threads are woven makes it much better in terms of durability and appearance.

Gold Weave

The gold weave is a hybrid between the single and double weave and takes the best of both worlds because it's almost as light as a single weave and as durable as a double weave.

The appearance is like a ladder, and the gold weave is usually used only in premium gis because it's arguably the best type.

Ripstop Fabric

Ripstop is a term used for a specific technology for creating the fabric and can include materials like nylon, cotton, polyester, and others.

Ripstop is more tear-resistant and much lighter than regular cotton weaves. However, it is only used for gi trousers and not jackets.

Weight

The weight of a gi is often the most decisive factor in buying a gi alongside the price. Gis can be light, medium, or heavyweight, depending on the type of weave used.

The key unit in all gi is GSM, which means grams per square meter. Lightweight gis start from 275 gsm and reach 425 gsm, which is where middleweight uniforms begin.

They have GSM at around 550 gsm, and everything above is considered heavyweight.

The durability is directly correlated to the weight- the heavier a gi is, the more material it has, and the more durable it is.

The choice depends on what you will mainly use a gi for and where you will use it.

In competition, you need to hit the scale in full uniform, so a lightweight gi is preferred by grapplers who are razor close to the weight limit of their division.

At the same time, lightweight gis are the perfect option for hot and humid areas. The downside is that light gis rip and tear quicker, which is not ideal given the prices.

Heavyweight gis last for ages, and while they can be torture in summer, they are indispensable for those living and training in areas with harsh winters.

Size

All manufacturers provide detailed size charts, which you should closely follow. Besides how you would like the gi to fit, the main consideration is knowing if the competition is legal.

The IBJJF, where you will likely compete in the gi, has strict requirements about uniforms, and you need to make sure yours comply with them.

Most gis are competition-legal, and the product description clearly says so, but check if you plan on competing before purchasing.

Next is the sizing nomenclature. Standard adult sizes run from A0 to A6, but some brands offer more customized fits for not-quite-standard builds.

For example, long and lanky people should look for "L" after the size, indicating the gi is longer than usual. Short and stocky practitioners would prefer "H," which stands for heavy.

The other critical point is the shrinkage of the fabric. Cotton can shrink a lot, and you should expect some changes in the gi after the first few washes. Many gis come pre-shrunk, but you can experience some shrinkage even with them.

Other brands and models come without pre-shrinking, letting you model the gi to your liking. 

Price

As with everything, the price of a gi reflects its quality up to a certain point. Budget gis cost under 80$ and have more basic weaves, which are less durable and have fewer appearance details like patches and embroideries.

The mid-price range is where most people stand for their entire BJJ careers because the gis around $120 to $150 provides optimal quality, comfort, and value.

Once you go past this price point, you enter into the premium segment where the quality is not necessarily better, but you get some unique designs or premium features.

There are other benefits to high-end gis, but since this is a beginner's guide, it's unlikely that most of you will want to spend too much for a first gi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Gi To Start BJJ?

If you want to train traditional BJJ, you will need a gi. The kimono is used during grappling and can be grabbed and manipulated, so you cannot train without one. But you can train BJJ without a gi if you attend no-gi classes.

What Color Gi To Buy As A Beginner

Most gyms don't have color restrictions for what gi you can wear, but it's better to first check at your academy.

In competition, the permitted colors are white, black, and royal blue. If you travel between gyms, the safest bet is to have a white gi for travel because it's accepted everywhere, regardless of your rank.

Should I Wear Something Under The Gi

It's always recommended, if not mandatory to wear underwear under your gi trousers.

You can also wear compression shorts or spats if you need or prefer. On top, you can go without a shirt under the gi jacket, but many prefer a rash guard or a compression shirt for the many benefits they provide.

Summary