Ever feel like your gear is holding you back on the mats? You’re rolling hard, focused on your technique, but your rashguard is itching, or your gi pants feel too loose. It’s frustrating when your apparel becomes a distraction instead of an asset in your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Choosing the right Jiu Jitsu apparel matters more than you might think. The wrong gear can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and even affect your performance. From the perfect fit of your gi to the right material for your no-gi gear, the options can feel overwhelming. You want comfort, durability, and gear that looks good too!
Don’t let ill-fitting or low-quality apparel slow down your progress. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Jiu Jitsu apparel. We’ll explore what makes a gi great, the best rashguards for intense training, and how to choose shorts that stay put. Get ready to upgrade your training experience.
Top Jiu Jitsu Apparel Recommendations
- Ultra Rash Guard: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex blend delivers better anti-friction feature - supports rolling/gripping, cuts friction during dynamic moves, prevents mat rash and friction burns, enhancing your BJJ performance
- High Compression: 4-way stretch fabric offers firm muscle support, precise movement control, enhanced blood flow, and faster recovery (If you prefer a lighter fit or don’t train professionally, consider sizing up for comfort)
- Moisture Wicking Mesh: Adopt breathable mesh material under the arms to promote two-way airflow and enhance moisture wicking ability, improving ventilation and comfort during exercise, so you always stay fresh and comfortable
- MICHIGAN ARTISTS & PRINTERS | this design was drawn and printed with pride by our skilled illustrators and printers in Ann Arbor. If you're ever in the area, stop by for a free tour and see how we make your apparel!
- UNISEX MODERN FIT SIZING | this shirt is slightly tapered to be a little less boxy than the old style of mass-market t-shirt. Nothing drastic, and most people wear the same size in our shirts as they do in all of their others, but you might go one size larger if you're on the fence. It is pre-shrunk, but like any high-cotton product, will still shrink slightly in the wash. Our model photos are the real thing - the actual shirt on our salesguy, Rich. He's 6' 2", 200 lbs and wearing a large
- SOFT FABRICS | This shirt is a ringspun, 30/1 fine jersey knit on USA-grown cotton (and up to 50% polyester for two-tone blend, depending on the color). This means they are soft and smooth with a high thread-count, tight knit made out of fuzzy plants grown by American farmers. These are mid-weight shirts - a bit lighter than your mass-market, thick gym class t-shirts, but substantial / not see-through. It's a nice balance between comfort and durability
- 【Perfect Jiu Jitsu Gift】Celebrate the passion of any Jiu Jitsu enthusiast with this 4-piece gift set! Featuring comfortable BJJ socks, an adjustable bracelet, a durable keychain, and stylish stickers — perfect for fighters, martial artists, and grappling fans
- 【Jiu Jitsu Gifts】Crafted from premium materials, these breathable and cozy Jiu Jitsu-themed socks provide all-day comfort. The fun design makes them a great conversation starter at training sessions, competitions, or casual outings
- 【Jiu Jitsu Gifts for Men】The stylish BJJ bracelet is designed to fit most wrist sizes, featuring a sleek and sporty look. Show your love for Jiu Jitsu with this unique and meaningful accessory
- Funny design. Grab this Strangle Things T-Shirt for your dad, mom, brother, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend or bestie! It's the perfect gift idea & present for Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day Or Christmas 2019
- This funny Strangle Things T-Shirt is a perfect gift for martial art lovers, judo, jiu jitsu lovers, fighters and coach men, women, kids who will proudly wear this humorous judo choke grappling jujitsu jujutsu brazilian jiu jitsu martial arts apparel
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- CONSTRUCTION FABRIC – Elite Sports BJJ rash guards are made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex making it best BJJ full sleeve rash guards with highest level of comfort. Our BJJ compression rash guard for men has non-chaffing and 4-way stretch features.
- MULTIPURPOSE – Elite Sports full sleeve Jiu Jitsu rash guards are perfect for MMA, BJJ, Jiu-Jitsu, No-GI, Boxing, Kickboxing, and more martial art forms. This best MMA BJJ compression rash guard will be enough for all your training and as a base layer.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE – Our flatlock stitched BJJ ranked rash guards are cheap yet durable. Fully sublimated graphics won’t crack, fade, peel, or irritate, giving comfort. Anti-slip bands at the waist of our No-GI rash guards prevent it from riding up.
- The Ultimate Base Layer for Jiu Jitsu: Perfect for both gi and no-gi training, Gold BJJ Spats protect your skin from matburn and provide just a touch of compression while you roll.
- 4-Way Stretch: Our base layers are lightweight, breathable, and flexible so they won't inhibit your training movement. Hip escape, berimbolo, and scramble for takedowns with ease.
- Pair With Our Shorts and Rash Guards: For the ultimate no-gi training outfit, pair with other Jiu Jitsu rash guards and fight shorts.
- Patriotic Jiu Jitsu Apparel design.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Jiu-jitsu gift: This sock set is the perfect choice for gifting jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, especially suitable as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, Valentine's Day gift, or Father's Day gift. Whether for sons, grandsons, nephews, dads, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, or friends, it is not just a practical gift but also an expression of love for jiu-jitsu. It allows the recipient to feel the joy and passion that this sport brings.
- Fun pattern design: Featuring a variety of jiu-jitsu elements such as training uniforms, belts, trophies, safety gestures, and shoulder throw moves, these socks capture the essence of the sport while adding a playful touch. This vibrant design brings energy and personality to each wear, making them perfect for both training sessions and casual outings, elevating your athletic style effortlessly.
- Size: This men's cotton sock set includes 3 pairs and is available in US sizes 7-13, making it perfect for adult men and teenagers.
The Ultimate Jiu Jitsu Apparel Buying Guide
Choosing the right Jiu Jitsu apparel makes a big difference in your training. Good gear helps you move freely and stay comfortable. This guide will help you pick the best gear for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy Jiu Jitsu clothes, look for specific features. These features keep you focused on your rolls, not your gear.
Durability and Stitching
- Strong Seams: Look for reinforced stitching, especially in high-stress areas like the shoulders and crotch. This stops rips during hard pulling.
- Material Thickness (for Gis): A heavier weave (like Pearl Weave) lasts longer than a very light one.
Fit and Mobility
- Stretch: Your clothes must stretch. You need full range of motion for takedowns and submissions.
- Tapered Fit: Gis should fit snugly but not restrict movement. Rashguards should feel like a second skin.
Comfort and Hygiene
- Breathability: Good gear lets air flow. This keeps you cooler during long sessions.
- Wicking Properties: The fabric should pull sweat away from your skin. This prevents chafing and keeps you drier.
Important Materials Matter
The material your apparel is made from is crucial. Different materials offer different benefits for training.
Rashguards and Shorts (No-Gi)
- Spandex/Lycra Blends: These provide excellent stretch and a tight fit. They dry very quickly.
- Polyester Blends: Often mixed with spandex, polyester is strong and resists shrinking.
Kimono (Gi) Materials
- Cotton: Cotton is traditional and breathable. It feels soft against the skin. Heavier cotton weaves are more durable.
- Pearl Weave: This is a common, durable weave for the jacket. It balances weight and strength well.
- Ripstop: Sometimes used for pants, this fabric resists tearing, making it very tough.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all Jiu Jitsu gear is made equal. Small details often show the biggest difference in quality.
Quality Boosters
- High GSM (Grams per Square Meter): For Gis, a higher GSM usually means a heavier, tougher jacket.
- Anti-Odor Technology: Some fabrics have silver ions or other treatments that fight smelly bacteria.
- Quality Patches/Embroidery: Look for patches that are sewn on securely, not just cheap iron-ons that peel off after washing.
Quality Reducers
- Thin, Loose Weaves: These rip easily when someone grabs them.
- Poor Dye Jobs: Cheaply dyed fabric often bleeds color in the wash, ruining other clothes.
- Excessive Shrinkage: If the material shrinks too much after the first wash, the gear becomes unwearable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and when you will use the gear. Your needs change based on training style.
Training Intensity
- Light Rolling/Drilling: A lighter Gi or a standard rashguard works great. You prioritize comfort.
- Hard Sparring/Competition: You need the toughest gear. Choose high-density weaves and durable stitching for competition Gis. Rashguards must stay put and resist grabbing.
Climate
- Hot Climates: Choose light, highly breathable Gis (like Gold Weave or summer weaves) and thin rashguards.
- Cold Climates: A slightly heavier Gi offers a little more warmth, but ventilation is still key.
Remember, good gear supports your training. Invest wisely so your focus stays on learning Jiu Jitsu.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Jiu Jitsu Apparel
Q: Do I need a specific Gi for competition?
A: Yes. Competitions have strict rules about Gi weight, material, and patch placement. Check the specific rules of the tournament you plan to enter.
Q: How often should I wash my rashguard?
A: You must wash your rashguard after every single use. Sweat breeds bacteria, and you do not want to bring that to your next class.
Q: Can I wear a regular gym shirt instead of a rashguard for No-Gi?
A: Most schools say no. Rashguards prevent skin-to-skin contact and stop your training partner’s grips from catching on loose fabric. Always check your academy’s rules first.
Q: How do I stop my Gi from shrinking?
A: Wash your Gi in cold water. Always air dry it. Heat from the dryer is the main cause of shrinkage.
Q: Are expensive Gis really better?
A: Often, yes. More expensive Gis usually use tighter, higher-quality weaves that resist breakdown longer. They feel better too.
Q: What is the difference between a Kimono and a Gi?
A: They are the same thing! “Gi” is short for Kimono. It is the traditional uniform used in Jiu Jitsu.
Q: Why are rashguards so tight?
A: The tight fit stops opponents from grabbing and holding onto loose fabric. It also helps wick sweat away efficiently.
Q: How do I deal with rips in my Gi pants?
A: If the rip is small, you can often repair it with heavy-duty thread or fabric tape. For large tears in high-stress areas, you might need to replace the pants or the whole Gi.
Q: Should my Gi jacket be stiff when I buy it?
A: New Gis often feel a bit stiff because the cotton is tightly woven. They soften up significantly after several washes and wears.
Q: Do I need special No-Gi shorts, or can I use board shorts?
A: Many schools allow board shorts, but Jiu Jitsu-specific No-Gi shorts are better. They have less loose material and often have better stretch panels for grappling.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!