 |
| Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Buying Your First BJJ Gi |
Table of Contents
1. Mistake 1: Ordering by General Clothing Size Instead of a Brand-Specific Size Chart
2. Mistake 2: Ignoring Fabric and Weave Type
3. Mistake 3: Overlooking IBJJF Approval
4. Mistake 4: Not Accounting for Shrinkage
5. Mistake 5: Picking Style Over Function
6. Choosing the Right First Gi: A Final Note
Walking into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time is exciting. There is a lot to learn, a lot to feel, and a surprising amount to buy. The gi is the single most important piece of gear a new BJJ practitioner will own. It is worn at every session, gripped constantly during rolls, washed repeatedly, and expected to perform through it all. And yet, first-time buyers make the same avoidable mistakes again and again, ending up with a gi that does not fit, falls apart early, or holds them back on the mat.
This guide is built for anyone stepping onto the mat for the first time and wanting to get their first gi purchase right. Brands like Elite Sports, a world-class BJJ gi producer recognized for durable, professional-grade gear, offer well-made options across a full range of styles. Exploring a trusted BJJ gi collection from the start puts new practitioners in a much better position than guessing blindly. Continue reading to learn about the five most common mistakes when buying a first BJJ gi, and exactly how to avoid each one.
1. Mistake 1: Ordering by General Clothing Size Instead of a Brand-Specific Size Chart
This is the most frequent mistake new buyers make, and it causes the most frustration. BJJ gis do not follow standard clothing sizes. A size medium in everyday clothes tells nothing about how a gi will fit. BJJgi sizing is based on a specific system, typically ranging from A1 through A5 for adult men, with separate sizing charts for women and children.+
To make things more complex, sizing varies between brands. A gi labeled A2 from one brand may fit very differently from an A2 from another. Ordering based on a previous gi size from a different brand is a quick way to end up with something that either binds across the shoulders or hangs off the frame entirely.
The right approach is to measure height, weight, and key body measurements before ordering, then match those numbers against the specific brand's size chart. Elite Sports, for example, uses an advanced sizing system that differs from other BJJ brands and recommends measuring carefully before placing an order. Getting this step right from the start saves both time and money.
2. Mistake 2: Ignoring Fabric and Weave Type
 |
| Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Buying Your First BJJ Gi |
Not all gi fabric is the same, and the weave type directly impacts how the gi performs and lasts. The two most common weave styles are single weave and pearl weave. Single-weave fabric is thinner and lighter, while pearl weave offers a balance between weight and durability that most practitioners prefer for regular training.
New buyers often focus on looks rather than fabric construction, which leads to gis that wear out quickly or feel uncomfortable during long sessions. Here is what to look for when checking a gi's fabric:
- GSM (grams per square meter): This number tells how dense the fabric is. A 450gsm pearl weave fabric, like the one used in the Elite Core Adult BJJ Gi, offers a strong balance of durability and comfort without being too heavy for daily training.
- Jacket and pants material: Quality gis use different fabrics for the jacket and pants. The jacket typically uses a heavier pearl weave, while the pants use a cotton-polyester blend for flexibility and range of motion.
- Reinforced stitching: Seams take enormous stress during rolling, particularly in the collar, cuffs, and knee areas. Reinforced stitching at these key points is a sign of a well-built gi that will hold up over time.
The Elite Sports Ultra Light Preshrunk Blue Adult BJJ Gi is a solid example of a gi that gets the fabric right: 450gsm pearl weave for the jacket, a CVC blend for the pants, reinforced stitching throughout, and a lightweight build that keeps training comfortable even during intense sessions.
3. Mistake 3: Overlooking IBJJF Approval
 |
| Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Buying Your First BJJ Gi |
Many new practitioners assume that any gi will be legal for competition. That is not always the case. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) sets specific standards for gi color, sleeve and pant length, jacket thickness, and overall fit. A gi that does not meet these standards cannot be worn at sanctioned tournaments.
Even for practitioners who are not yet thinking about competition, buying a gi that meets IBJJF standards is a smart move. It means the gi is built to a recognized benchmark of quality and construction. When competition goals eventually arrive, the gear will already be ready.
Before buying, confirm that the gi carries IBJJF approval. This information is usually listed clearly in the product specifications. Starting with a compliant gi removes one less obstacle when the time comes to step onto the competition mat.
4. Mistake 4: Not Accounting for Shrinkage
 |
| Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Buying Your First BJJ Gi |
This mistake catches new buyers off guard more than almost anything else. Cotton gi fabric, by its nature, shrinks when washed in warm or hot water. A gi that fits perfectly at the time of purchase can become too short in the sleeves or too tight across the chest after just a few washes if it has not been pre-treated.
Many standard gis require cold-water washing and hang drying to minimize shrinkage, which is an inconvenient routine to maintain. Some practitioners end up buying a size up to compensate, which creates a different set of fit problems.
The better solution is to choose a gi made from preshrunk fabric from the start. Preshrunk gis have already gone through a controlled shrinking process during manufacturing, so the size stays consistent through regular washing. Elite Sports has developed a special preshrunk fabric that allows machine washing and even machine drying without significant size change, which is a real advantage for practitioners who want low-maintenance gear that holds its shape.
When reviewing a gi before buying, checking whether it is preshrunk is as important as checking the size or the weave. It directly affects how the gi fits and functions over its entire lifespan.
5. Mistake 5: Picking Style Over Function
 |
| Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Buying Your First BJJ Gi |
There is nothing wrong with wanting a gi that looks sharp on the mat. However, prioritizing appearance over performance is a mistake that new practitioners often quickly regret. A flashy gi with heavy embroidery, a stiff collar, or a limited range of motion will feel like a handicap during training, regardless of how good it looks hanging on a rack.
The areas where function should drive the decision include:
- Mobility and range of motion: The gi should allow full movement in the hips, shoulders, and legs without pulling or restricting. Side-slit designs on the jacket skirt, like those found on Elite gis, allow freer movement during guard work and takedowns
- Breathability: Training in BJJ generates a lot of heat. A lightweight, breathable fabric keeps the body cooler and reduces fatigue over long sessions. Heavier gis may look impressive, but they can wear out a practitioner physically before the technique even comes into play.
- Practical closures: The pants closure matters more than most new buyers expect. A rope drawstring offers a more secure and adjustable fit than an elastic waistband, which can slip or dig in during grappling.
- Color and competition rules: White, blue, and black are the standard IBJJF-approved colors. Starting with one of these three keeps options open for both training and competition without needing to buy a second gi later.
6. Choosing the Right First Gi: A Final Note
Buying the first BJJ gi is a decision that will affect training comfort and confidence from day one. Getting it right means reading size charts carefully, understanding fabric and weave, checking for IBJJF approval, confirming preshrunk construction, and prioritizing function over style.
Elite Sports stands out as one of the best BJJ gi producers in the sport, combining professional-grade materials with thoughtful design across its full lineup. Whether the goal is daily training, competition, or simply getting started in BJJ, the right gear makes the journey better from the very first roll.
For women just starting out, the Elite Sports Women's BJJ Gi collection offers the same preshrunk, machine-washable quality in cuts designed for women. For younger practitioners, the Elite Sports Kids BJJ Gi range brings the same durable construction to children's sizes, making it the best BJJ gi choice for families stepping into the sport together.
Start with quality. Train with confidence.