How Do BJJ Gi Sizes Work?

You want to know how do BJJ Gi sizes work?

The simple answer is that BJJ gi sizes consist of a letter and a number (e.g. A3). The letter represents who the gi is for, and the number how big the gi is.

But before we give more of an explanation on that:

The real question you should be asking is… what size Gi am I?

The answer to this question is:

It depends on the specific Gi. There’s differences in sizing between brands, and sometimes even within the same brand. Some companies give tall, short, or slim-fit sizing options. Some will shrink, while others are pre-shrunk. Your best option is to refer to the size chart for the Gi you’re buying.

Read: What Size Gi Am I? How to Use Jiu Jitsu Gi Size Charts

How Do BJJ Gi Size Charts Work? There's Variations in Sizing

Okay, now that’s out of the way:

How Do BJJ Gi Sizes Work?

So we know that BJJ gi sizes consist of a letter and a number (e.g. A3). Let’s break it down:

What do the letters on BJJ Gi size charts mean?

The letter represents who the gi is for… and the letters that are most commonly seen on a jiu jitsu gi size chart are:

  • A – Adult males
  • F – Adult females
  • M – Children

It wouldn’t be fun if this approach was consistent though. There’s a few more codes kicking around the place:

  • W – Women
  • C – Children
  • Y – Youths
  • L – Long (in case you’re too tall for one size but too tall for the next size up)
  • S – Short (in case you’re too short for one size but a bit heavy for the size down)
  • H – Husky/Heavy (pretty much another way of saying S for Short)

Size Matters Coffee Mug

What do the numbers on BJJ Gi size charts mean?

After the letter on a bjj gi size chart is a number, which indicates how big the gi is.

This number generally ranges from 0 to 6, with a larger number meaning a larger gi size.

Using the example of an ‘A3’ (what I mostly wear), this is a size 3 gi designed for male adults.

To put it in perspective, even though it’s only size 3 I’m 6’1” and weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).

Although the numbers generally range from 0 to 6, some manufacturers have kids jiu jitsu gi size charts starting with 000, 00, 0, 1, etc.

Also, Gameness has stepped up its game for the larger person. They have an A7 in there. That’s a big gi.

Should You Care How BJJ Gi Size Charts Work?

Now that that’s out of the way, you can pretty much forget all of that.

I currently wear an A3 and an A4.

They both fit.

Some companies only have one sizing chart and it’s A0 – A6. Whether you’re male, female, or a youth… it’s one chart. Yep, no F, M, W etc.

So… don’t try to remember any of the sizes. Or letters.

If you’re in the market for a gi, it’s all about checking the specific bjj gi size chart for that specific brand of gi. There is so much variation that, if you don’t, you’re not in for a good time.

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