Buying your first BJJ gi is one of those decisions that feels overwhelming until someone just tells you what actually matters. You'll see dozens of brands, weave types, weight ratings, and price points — most of it marketing noise. This guide cuts through it. Whether you're about to attend your first beginner class or you've been training a few months and your loaner gi is falling apart, here's what you actually need to know before spending your money. We'll cover fabric, weave, fit, competition legality, and which price brackets are worth considering. The short version: you don't need to spend £150 on your first gi. But you also shouldn't buy the cheapest thing you can find and expect it to survive six months of training. There's a sensible middle ground, and that's where this guide will point you.
Understanding Gi Weaves: What the Labels Mean
The weave is how the cotton fabric is woven together. It affects weight, durability, breathability, and how the gi feels when someone grabs it. These are the four you'll encounter:
Single Weave
The lightest and least expensive option. Single weave gis are comfortable in warm conditions and easy to dry. The downside is durability — the fabric is thinner and more likely to tear at stress points over time. Fine for a beginner's first gi, especially if you're training twice a week or less and not yet sure you'll stick with the sport long-term. Don't expect it to last more than 12–18 months of regular training.
Double Weave
Heavier and significantly more durable than single weave. The doubled fabric is harder for opponents to grip cleanly and holds up well to years of use. The trade-off is weight and heat — double weave gis can feel stifling in a warm gym. They're also heavier on competition weigh-ins if that becomes relevant. Good for someone who knows they're committed to training but wants longevity over comfort.
Gold Weave
The middle ground that most people end up recommending, and for good reason. Gold weave sits between single and double in both weight and durability. It's light enough to train comfortably in, durable enough to last years, and it maintains its shape well after repeated washing. Most mid-range gis from reputable brands use gold weave. This is usually the best starting point for a beginner buying their first proper gi.
Pearl Weave
Currently the most popular weave among competition-focused grapplers. Pearl weave is lightweight, very strong, and has a slightly textured surface. It dries quickly, resists shrinkage well, and feels premium. Most high-end gis use pearl weave. If you're buying a second gi and spending £100 or more, you'll likely end up here.
Gi Weight: What GSM Means and Why It Matters
Gi weight is measured in GSM — grams per square metre. It refers to the density of the fabric rather than the total weight of the garment, though heavier GSM generally means a heavier gi overall.
Typical ranges:
- 350–450 GSM — Lightweight. Good for warm gyms, summer training, and travel. Less durable but comfortable.
- 450–550 GSM — Mid-weight. The sweet spot for most training environments in the UK. Warm enough for a cold gym, not oppressive in summer.
- 550–750 GSM — Heavyweight. Maximum durability. Preferred by some experienced practitioners. Can be uncomfortable in warm gyms.
For training in North Somerset where gym temperatures vary, a mid-weight gi (around 450–500 GSM) is the most practical choice year-round. You can always layer underneath in winter; you can't make a heavy gi lighter.
For competition, check the rules of the organisation you're competing with. The IBJJF gi specifications set minimum and maximum standards for fabric and fit — worth reading before you buy a competition gi.
Getting the Fit Right
Fit is arguably more important than weave or weight. A well-fitting gi performs better, looks smarter, and is less likely to cause issues during training or competition.
Sizing Systems
BJJ gis use a lettered sizing system: A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5. The A stands for adult. Some brands also offer M (master) cuts for stockier builds or F (female) cuts. Children's sizes are typically M0–M4. The problem is that sizing varies between brands — an A2 in one brand may fit very differently to an A2 in another. Always check the specific brand's size chart, which should list height, weight, and chest measurements.
Shrinkage
Cotton gis shrink. If you wash your gi in hot water or tumble dry it — which you shouldn't — it will shrink significantly. If you follow correct care guidelines (cold wash, air dry), most gis will shrink only slightly, usually 3–5%, after the first wash. Some practitioners deliberately size up and hot wash once to achieve a custom fit. This works, but it's risky if you overshoot. Check our guide to washing and caring for your BJJ gi before you attempt this.
What a Proper Fit Looks Like
The jacket should reach your thighs when closed, not ride up to your waist. The sleeves should end roughly at your wrist bone — competition rules specify a maximum distance from wrist to cuff. The trousers should sit at your natural waist with the drawstring tightened, with the legs ending around your ankle. Too baggy and opponents will have easy grips. Too tight and you'll restrict your own movement.
Price Ranges: What to Expect at Each Level
Under £50 — Budget Tier
These gis exist. Some are sold direct from overseas manufacturers with no brand overhead. Quality is inconsistent — stitching, collar stiffness, and fabric quality vary widely. At this price point you're taking a gamble. If you're attending your first class and just need something to turn up in before you're sure you'll continue, a budget gi serves the purpose. Don't expect it to last. Consider renting instead — read our gi rental vs. purchase guide to weigh up the options.
£50–£90 — Entry-Level Branded
This is where reliable brands start. Fuji, Tatami Fightwear, and Hooks Jiujitsu all offer gis in this range that are genuinely good for training. Fuji in particular has a longstanding reputation for quality at an accessible price. At this level you'll get a gold or pearl weave, decent stitching, and a gi that will survive 2–3 years of regular training with proper care.
£90–£150 — Mid-Range
The sweet spot for most practitioners. Brands like Tatami, Scramble, Fuji, and Gameness offer excellent products in this range. Pearl weave, reinforced knees, pre-shrunk fabric, and better quality control. If you've decided you're serious about training, this is the range to aim for on your first proper gi purchase.
£150+ — Premium
Premium gis from brands like Shoyoroll, Kingz, or93Brand can cost £150–£300+. The quality is genuinely excellent, but for most people the performance difference over a good mid-range gi is marginal. Premium gis are often bought for aesthetics, brand affiliation, or because a practitioner has trained enough to know exactly what they want. For a beginner, this is an unnecessary outlay.
Colour: What's Acceptable Where
For general training, most gyms accept white, blue, and black gis. These are also the three colours permitted under IBJJF competition rules. Some gyms prefer or require white gis for beginners — check with your instructor before buying a coloured gi. At Samurai Fitness BJJ, white, blue, and black are all fine.
Coloured gis (grey, red, camouflage, etc.) are available and popular for casual training, but they won't be legal at most competitions. If you plan to compete, stick to the three standard colours from the start.
Recommended Brands for Beginners
Without endorsing specific products, these brands have consistent track records and are widely available in the UK:
- Fuji — Reliable, affordable, widely used. The All-Around gi is a consistent recommendation for first-time buyers and has been for over a decade. Consistent quality control and good value.
- Tatami Fightwear — UK-based brand with a strong range at multiple price points. The Estilo range offers excellent quality at mid-range pricing. Good customer service and easy returns from a UK warehouse.
- Scramble — UK-based, well-regarded within the European BJJ community. Known for considered design and quality materials. Slightly higher price point but long-lasting.
- Gameness — Long-established with good durability across their range. The Feather gi is a well-known lightweight option.
- Hooks Jiujitsu — Budget-friendly entry-level options. Adequate for beginners on a tight budget.
Avoid buying an unbranded gi from a general sports retailer. Stick to BJJ-specific brands where the product has been designed with grappling in mind.
Common Beginner Gi Mistakes
Having coached many beginners through their first gi purchase, these are the mistakes that come up most often:
Buying Too Small
Beginners frequently underestimate how much a gi should close in the chest and then size down, ending up in something they can barely move in. A gi should close comfortably with room to layer a rashguard underneath. If in doubt between two sizes, go up — you can always shrink a cotton gi slightly with a warmer wash, but you can't make it larger.
Not Accounting for Shrinkage
The first wash will shrink your gi. How much depends on the brand, weave, and wash temperature. Most gis shrink 3–8% after the first wash in cold water. Some brands pre-shrink their gis and note this on the label. If a gi fits perfectly before washing in cold water, it may be slightly tight after. Build this into your sizing decision.
Choosing the Wrong Weight for the Season
Buying a heavyweight gi in spring and then suffering through a hot summer is a common regret. North Somerset gyms aren't always well-heated in winter, but they can be warm in summer. A mid-weight (450–500 GSM) gi handles both seasons adequately and is the safe default choice.
Prioritising Looks Over Fit
BJJ gis come in a wide range of designs, patches, and colour combinations. It's easy to be drawn to a visually appealing gi before checking whether it fits your body type. Always prioritise fit — a well-fitting plain white gi performs better than a beautifully designed one that doesn't suit your build.
Skipping the Care Instructions
A £100 gi that's been tumble dried twice is worth less than a £50 gi that's been cared for consistently. Read the care label. Cold wash, air dry — every time. See our dedicated guide on washing and caring for your BJJ gi for the full process.
When to Buy a Second Gi
One gi is sufficient when you're training once or twice a week. At this frequency, you have adequate time to wash and dry your gi between sessions without needing a spare. As your training frequency increases to three or more sessions per week, a second gi becomes practical — not a luxury. Without a second gi, you're either training in a damp gi from yesterday (inadvisable) or hand-washing and force-drying between sessions (unnecessary stress). Two gis that rotate every session will each last significantly longer than one gi used constantly.
Your second gi doesn't need to be in the same price bracket as your first. Many practitioners keep one mid-range gi for competitions or important sessions and a cheaper training gi for everyday work. The competition gi stays cleaner and retains its appearance longer; the training gi takes the daily wear.
Conclusion
Your gi is your primary piece of training equipment in BJJ, but it doesn't need to be expensive to be functional. For a first gi, aim for the £50–£90 bracket from a recognised brand, choose gold or pearl weave, and follow the size chart carefully. If you're not yet sure you'll commit to training, consider borrowing or renting before buying. Once you've been on the mats for three to six months, you'll have a much clearer sense of what you want from your gi — and by then you'll have earned the right to be a bit more particular about it. Ready to get started? Book your free trial at Samurai Fitness BJJ and we'll point you in the right direction.
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