How to Choose the Right BJJ Gi (GSM, Weave & Competition Rules)

How to Choose the Right BJJ Gi (GSM, Weave & Competition Rules)

How to Choose the Right BJJ Gi (GSM, Weave & Competition Rules — IBJJF, AJP, NAGA, SJJIF)

 

How to Choose the Right BJJ Gi (GSM, Weave & Competition Rules)

Buying a BJJ gi is easy… until you compete. The “perfect” training gi can fail inspection because of fit, color, patch placement, or even fabric specs—depending on the tournament. So the best way to choose the right gi is:

  1. Pick the rule set you’ll compete under (IBJJF, AJP, NAGA, SJJIF, etc.)

  2. Choose the best GSM (fabric weight) for your body, climate, and style

  3. Choose the right weave (how the fabric is built) for durability + comfort

  4. Confirm measurements + patches so you pass gi check

Let’s make that simple.

Step 1: Start with the competition you’re targeting

If you want one gi that works for most tournaments, buy a gi that’s legal under the strictest common standards (usually closest to IBJJF/AJP): white/royal blue/black, standard cut, minimal patches, and compliant measurements. IBJJF lists allowed gi colors and strict measurement checks (sleeves/pants within 2 cm tolerance) on their uniform requirements page. ibjjf.com

AJP Tour publishes similar uniform policies, but their measurement tolerances differ (commonly 5 cm in their published uniform policy). Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro

Some circuits are more relaxed (like NAGA allowing any color gi), but still enforce cleanliness, length, and safety rules. NAGA Fighter+1

Step 2: Understand GSM (what it is and why it matters)

GSM = grams per square meter. It’s the easiest number to compare how heavy/thick the gi fabric is.

What GSM changes in real life

  • Higher GSM: more durable, more “structured,” often harder to fold/pack, hotter, can feel “stiff” at first

  • Lower GSM: lighter, cooler, easier to travel with, dries faster, but may wear out sooner

Practical GSM ranges (the ones people actually buy)

  • Lightweight: ~350–425 GSM (cooler + travel-friendly)

  • Midweight (sweet spot): ~425–550 GSM (durable + comfortable)

  • Heavyweight: ~550–750+ GSM (tank-like durability, usually hotter)

Competition GSM matters (IBJJF-style specs)

Many competitors aim for a midweight gi that fits within widely-cited IBJJF manufacturer guidelines—e.g., jacket GSM and pants GSM ranges. One commonly referenced breakdown includes jacket 380–650 GSM and pants 220–300 GSM. Sanabul

Rule of thumb for most people:
If you want one do-it-all gi, choose a midweight jacket (around 425–550 GSM) and pants that aren’t overly heavy—comfortable for training, durable enough for hard rounds, and typically safer for inspection.

Step 3: Choose the right weave (and why “weave” beats marketing)

The weave is how the gi fabric is constructed. It affects:

  • grip “feel” (slippery vs textured)

  • durability (how fast it frays)

  • shrink behavior

  • heat + drying time

  • how the gi moves when you scramble

The most common BJJ gi weaves

Pearl weave (The Best Choice for Newbies)

Pearl weave BJJ gi: What it is and why you might prefer it - Athlon Custom Sportswear

  • Most popular today: strong, not too heavy, good breathability

  • Great “one gi only” choice (training + competition)

Single weave (To use in a tough competition not training)

  • Lighter and often cheaper

  • Can feel soft and break in quickly

  • Typically less durable than pearl (varies by brand)

Gold weave

  • Classic old-school feel, often heavier than pearl

  • Durable but can run warm

Double weave (For Training)

  • Very thick and durable, very warm

  • Not ideal for hot gyms or frequent travel

Ripstop (usually pants, sometimes jackets, best choice for competition)

  • Lightweight, resists tearing, dries fast

  • Common in pants; many competition standards accept ripstop pants in specific constructions. Sanabul

“Weave” vs “competition compliance”

If you compete under stricter rule sets, the safe play is:

  • Pearl weave jacket

  • Standard pants (many are twill; some are ripstop depending on the spec)

IBJJF’s public uniform page emphasizes cotton/cotton-like woven fabric and that the gi can’t be so thick/hard that it prevents gripping. ibjjf.com

Step 4: Make sure your gi passes inspection (fit is the #1 failure)

A gi can be the “right size” for training and still fail competition checks—especially after shrinkage.

IBJJF uniform checkpoints (high-level)

IBJJF specifies:

  • Allowed colors: white, royal blue, black ibjjf.com

  • Sleeves: must come to within 2 cm of the wrist with arm extended ibjjf.com

  • Pants: must be within 2 cm of the ankle bone ibjjf.com

  • Checks include collar thickness/width and sleeve opening measurements. ibjjf.com
    IBJJF also notes updated uniform rules going into effect after the 2024 Gi World Championships and references a gi-checker tool. ibjjf.com

AJP Tour quick uniform checkpoints (high-level)

AJP Tour’s uniform policy mirrors many IBJJF concepts (colors, patches), with measurement tolerances commonly listed at 5 cm for sleeves/pants in their uniform policy page. Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro

NAGA quick uniform checkpoints (high-level)

NAGA states:

  • Any color / any color combination gi is allowed NAGA Fighter+1

  • They still enforce sleeve/pant length minimums and forbid uniforms that are unsafe or inappropriate (e.g., offensive designs). NAGA Fighter

SJJIF-style (via SJJCANF summary page)

This summary includes:

Quick comparison: which gi choice is safest across rule sets?

If you want “one gi for everything”

Choose:

  • Color: white, royal blue, or black (avoid mixed-color lapels/collars) ibjjf.com+1

  • Weave: pearl weave jacket (safe, common, balanced)

  • GSM: midweight jacket (commonly in the middle of accepted ranges) Sanabul

  • Patches: minimal, sewn cleanly, placed where allowed ibjjf.com+1

  • Fit: don’t gamble—pre-wash, then re-check sleeve/pant length (shrinkage is real)

If you mostly train (no competitions soon)

You can prioritize:

  • comfort (softer fabric, lighter weight)

  • style (more colors, more patches—if your gym allows)

  • budget

If you compete under IBJJF or AJP soon

Prioritize:

  • strict color compliance

  • correct measurements

  • conservative patching

  • avoid anything “weird” (painted designs, odd collar colors, unusual cuts) ibjjf.com+1

The BJJ Gi buyer checklist (copy/paste for your blog)

Before you buy

  • ✅ Which tournaments will I enter? (IBJJF / AJP / NAGA / SJJIF / local)

  • ✅ Does the rule set restrict gi color?

  • ✅ Do they enforce strict sleeve/pant tolerances?

Specs

  • ✅ Weave: pearl weave is the safest all-around pick

  • ✅ GSM: midweight for most people; avoid extremes if you compete often Sanabul

  • ✅ Pants: durable, not overly thick; consider drying time if you train a lot

Inspection

  • ✅ Sleeve length + pant length after washing/drying ibjjf.com+1

  • ✅ Collar thickness/width and sleeve opening (some events measure) ibjjf.com+1

  • ✅ Patches are sewn and in allowed zones ibjjf.com+1

Tournament day

  • ✅ Bring a backup gi (especially if you’re near the measurement limits)

FAQ (great for SEO featured snippets)

What GSM gi is best for beginners?

A midweight gi is usually the easiest starting point: durable enough for daily training, not unbearably hot, and commonly competition-friendly. If you plan to compete under IBJJF-style specs, ensure your jacket and pants fall within commonly referenced GSM ranges. Sanabul

Is pearl weave better than gold weave?

Pearl weave is the modern “default” because it balances durability, weight, and breathability. Gold weave often feels heavier and warmer but can be very durable.

Can I wear any color gi in competition?

It depends. IBJJF and AJP list white/royal blue/black as permissible colors in their uniform policies. ibjjf.com+1
NAGA explicitly allows any color / color combination. NAGA Fighter+1

Do competitions measure sleeve and pant length?

Yes—many do. IBJJF lists sleeve/pant tolerances and other measurements on its uniform page. ibjjf.com

 

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