What Size BJJ Gi Should I Buy? A Complete Sizing Guide
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Gi Sizing Is Its Own Martial Art
Buying a BJJ gi should be simple. You pick a size, you buy it, it fits. Except gi sizing doesn't work like regular clothing, it varies by brand, and getting it wrong means you're either swimming in fabric or busting seams during your first armbar drill.
If you're buying a gi for yourself or as a gift for someone who trains, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the sizing system, how to measure, how much shrinkage to expect, and what to do when you're between sizes. If you're new to the sport and still figuring out what gear you need, our beginner gift guide covers the essentials.
How BJJ Gi Sizing Works
BJJ gis use an alphanumeric sizing system that has nothing to do with standard clothing sizes. The most common sizes are:
A0 — Typically fits someone around 5'1"-5'5", 120-140 lbs
A1 — Around 5'5"-5'8", 140-165 lbs
A2 — Around 5'8"-5'11", 165-190 lbs
A3 — Around 5'11"-6'1", 190-220 lbs
A4 — Around 6'1"-6'4", 220-250 lbs
A5 — Around 6'4"+, 250+ lbs
The "A" stands for "Adult." Some brands also offer half sizes (A1L, A2H, A2L) where the "L" means long (extra length in sleeves and pants without extra width) and "H" means husky (extra width without extra length). These half sizes exist because human bodies don't come in six standardized shapes.
Kids' gis typically use M0 through M4, with sizing based on the child's height and weight.
The Problem: Every Brand Sizes Differently
An A2 in Fuji does not fit the same as an A2 in Tatami, which does not fit the same as an A2 in Hayabusa. There is no universal standard. Each manufacturer cuts their gis slightly differently based on their own patterns, fabric choices, and target market.
This is why the single most important thing you can do before buying a gi is check the specific brand's size chart. Not a generic gi sizing chart from a random website. The actual chart from the manufacturer of the gi you're considering. Every reputable brand publishes one, and they'll list measurements in inches or centimeters for chest, sleeve length, pant length, and waist.
How to Measure for a BJJ Gi
If you're buying for yourself, measure these four things:
Height: Your standing height in bare feet.
Weight: Your current weight. If you fluctuate, use the higher number.
Chest: Measure around the widest part of your chest, under your arms, with the tape snug but not tight.
Arm length: From the center of the back of your neck, across the shoulder, down to your wrist bone.
If you're buying a gi as a gift, you need the recipient's height and weight at minimum. Their chest measurement helps if they're between sizes. When you can't measure them directly, check their existing gi for a size label, or ask one of their training partners. Grapplers discuss gear constantly. Someone at their gym knows their size. Our non-grappler's buying guide has more tips on navigating this without spoiling the surprise.
Shrinkage: Plan for It
Almost every BJJ gi shrinks after the first few washes, especially if machine dried. The amount of shrinkage depends on the fabric:
Pearl weave (the most common gi fabric) — Moderate shrinkage, typically 1-2 inches in length across jacket and pants.
Single weave — Lighter weight, tends to shrink slightly more than pearl weave.
Double weave — Heavier, more durable, generally shrinks less due to denser fabric.
Gold weave — A middle ground between single and double, moderate shrinkage.
The general rule: if you're between sizes, go up. You can shrink a gi down with hot washes and dryer heat. You cannot unshrink a gi that's too small. A gi that's slightly too big on day one will likely fit perfectly after two or three washes.
To minimize shrinkage, wash in cold water and hang dry. To intentionally shrink a gi, wash in warm or hot water and machine dry on medium heat, checking the fit after each cycle.
Competition Fit vs. Training Fit
If the person you're buying for competes, fit matters even more. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) has specific gi measurement requirements for competition: sleeve length must reach no more than 5cm above the wrist bone, and pant length must reach no more than 5cm above the ankle bone when standing.
A gi that's too short in the sleeves or pants can get a competitor disqualified at weigh-ins. If they compete, lean toward the larger size and shrink to fit, or look for brands that specifically design competition-cut gis.
For training only, fit is more about comfort and personal preference. Some practitioners prefer a tighter, more form-fitting gi that gives opponents less fabric to grab. Others prefer a looser fit for comfort and mobility. Neither is wrong.
Men's vs. Women's vs. Kids' Gis
Women's Gis
Women's gis are not just smaller men's gis. The best women's gis are designed with different proportions: narrower shoulders, shorter torso relative to height, and adjusted sleeve and pant lengths. Brands like Fenom, Fuji, and Tatami make women's-specific gis that fit significantly better than a men's gi in a smaller size.
If you're buying for a woman who trains, always buy a women's-specific gi when available. The fit difference is immediately noticeable.
Kids' Gis
Kids' gis use a different sizing scale (M0 through M4) and are generally sized by the child's height and weight. Kids grow fast, so buying one size up and letting it shrink to fit over time is standard practice. Brands like Sanabul and Elite Sports make affordable kids' gis that work well for growing practitioners.
Best Gi Brands by Budget
Budget ($40-60): Sanabul Essentials, Elite Sports. Great for beginners or anyone who needs a reliable training gi without a premium price tag.
Mid-Range ($80-130): Fuji, Tatami, Venum. Higher quality fabrics, better fit, more durable construction. The sweet spot for most practitioners.
Premium ($130-200+): Hayabusa, Shoyoroll (limited release), Kingz. Premium materials, refined fits, and designs that reflect a more serious investment in the sport.
American-Made ($170-250+): Origin. Manufactured entirely in Maine. The highest quality available in domestic production, with a fit and feel that reflects the craftsmanship.
What to Do When You Can't Figure Out the Size
If you're buying a gi as a gift and you genuinely cannot determine the right size, here are your options:
Ask their training partner. This is the easiest and most reliable method. Someone at their gym knows their size.
Check their existing gi. Look at the label inside the collar or on the inner skirt. It'll have a size (A1, A2, etc.) and the brand name. If you buy the same brand in the same size, you're safe. If you buy a different brand, cross-reference the measurements.
Buy a gift card. If sizing feels too risky, a gift card to their preferred gi brand lets them pick the exact size and model they want. No guesswork, no returns.
For BJJ apparel that doesn't require gi-specific sizing, like t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, and rash guards, Holiday BJJ uses standard clothing sizes, which makes gift-buying significantly simpler. Their seasonal collections are designed for grapplers but sized like regular apparel.
Final Thoughts
Gi sizing isn't intuitive, but it's not impossible. Check the brand's specific size chart, measure or estimate height and weight, account for shrinkage by sizing up when in doubt, and verify competition requirements if they compete. Follow those steps and you'll land a gi that fits.
And if the whole process feels like too much, a Holiday BJJ gift card or a piece of seasonal apparel in standard sizing is always a safe, appreciated alternative. Not every gift needs to involve a tape measure. For more gift ideas across every budget, browse our complete jiu jitsu gift guide.