A BJJ gi (kimono) is the uniform worn in gi grappling. This guide covers everything you need to choose the right one: size charts, weave types, IBJJF competition requirements, and washing care.
A BJJ gi is the jacket-and-trouser training uniform used in gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You wear it in the vast majority of beginner classes and all IBJJF-format competitions. The right gi fits your body, suits your training climate, and meets any ruleset you plan to compete under. This guide gives you the information to make that choice without guesswork.
The word "gi" comes from the Japanese term "keikogi" (training uniform). In BJJ it refers specifically to the heavy-cotton jacket, drawstring trousers, and belt worn during gi grappling. The jacket has a reinforced collar, sleeve cuffs, and skirt; the trousers have a reinforced knee panel and a cord waistband. Together these details are load-bearing for the sport: grips on the collar, lapels, sleeves, and trouser legs are central to gi BJJ strategy.
Gi grappling is the older of the two main BJJ formats. The other, no-gi, is practised in rash guards and shorts without the kimono. For a comparison of the two formats, see our gi vs no-gi guide.
BJJ gi sizing uses an alpha-numeric system. The "A" stands for adult; youth sizes typically use F or M designations. Sizes run from A0 (the smallest adult cut) to A6 (the largest). Some brands add letter modifiers such as A1L (long) or A2H (heavy/wide) to help practitioners who fall between standard size brackets.
The table below gives approximate height and weight ranges for each adult size. These are guidelines only: always cross-reference with the specific manufacturer's size chart, as cuts vary between brands.
| Size | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 155 to 165 | Up to 60 | Smaller adult frames; also suits lighter female practitioners |
| A1 | 165 to 175 | 60 to 70 | Lighter adult builds; common for lighter-weight divisions |
| A2 | 170 to 180 | 70 to 85 | The most widely stocked size; suits average adult male builds |
| A3 | 178 to 188 | 85 to 100 | Larger or taller adult frames |
| A4 | 185 to 193 | 100 to 115 | Heavier builds or very tall practitioners |
| A5 | 188 to 198 | 115 to 135 | Extra-large frames; less widely stocked |
| A6 | 195+ | 135+ | Specialist size; order direct from manufacturer |
Cotton gis shrink between 5 and 10 percent after the first wash, depending on the fabric weight and washing temperature. If you are on the border between two sizes, buy the larger one and wash it on a warm cycle to bring it down to fit. Pre-shrunk gis (the label will state this) shrink far less and can often be bought in your true size.
The IBJJF requires that the jacket sleeve end no more than 5 cm from the wrist and the trouser leg end no more than 5 cm from the ankle. If your gi shrinks past those thresholds it may fail gi inspection at a competition, so err on the side of slightly longer rather than shorter.
The "weave" of a gi refers to how the cotton threads are interlocked to form the jacket fabric. Different weave patterns produce different weights, durability characteristics, and textures. The trouser fabric is usually separate and lighter than the jacket, often using rip-stop or canvas cotton.
Single weave is the lightest and least expensive construction. The threads are interlocked once per unit, producing a thinner fabric. Single weave gis are cooler to train in and dry quickly, making them practical for Thailand's climate. The drawback is durability: the collar and cuffs wear through faster under regular gripping. A single weave gi is a sensible first purchase for someone training two or three times a week.
Double weave interlocks threads twice per unit, producing a much heavier and denser fabric. Double weave gis are extremely durable and difficult to grip through, but they are heavy (some exceed 2 kg) and very hot in warm climates. They are rarely recommended for training in Thailand. If you compete under rulesets that allow heavier gis, a double weave can be advantageous for defence, but for everyday use a single or pearl weave is more practical.
Pearl weave is the most popular construction for competition gis. It alternates the over-under pattern of threads to produce a slightly textured, pearlescent surface. The result is a fabric that is lighter than double weave but more durable than single weave. Most purpose-built competition gis use pearl weave for the jacket. It is a good all-round choice for practitioners who train four or more times a week.
Gold weave sits between single and double weave in weight and density. It is heavier than single but lighter than double, and it is softer than pearl weave. Gold weave gis are less common than pearl weave today but are still produced by several established brands. They suit practitioners who want more durability than a single weave without the bulk of a double.
Rip-stop is a cross-hatched weave originally developed for outdoor and military gear. In BJJ, rip-stop fabric is most commonly used for the trousers because it is extremely light, strong, and fast-drying. Some brands produce full rip-stop gis with a rip-stop jacket as well. These are among the lightest gis available and are well suited to training in hot climates such as Thailand. The surface texture is slightly different from cotton weave, which can make sleeve and collar grips feel different.
If you plan to compete under International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) rules, your gi must pass a pre-competition inspection. The key requirements are as follows.
The IBJJF updates its rulebook periodically. Always download the current version from the official IBJJF website before competing to confirm the latest specifications. Rules for other federations such as SJJIF may differ, so check their documentation separately.
| Weave | Weight | Durability | Heat rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Light | Moderate | Cool | Beginners, hot climates, casual training |
| Pearl | Medium | High | Moderate | Regular training, competition |
| Gold | Medium-heavy | High | Moderate | Regular training, soft feel preference |
| Double | Heavy | Very high | Hot | Defence-oriented competitors, cold climates |
| Rip-stop | Very light | High | Very cool | Hot climates, fast-drying, travel gis |
Your first gi does not need to be expensive or competition-ready. Focus on fit, durability, and value for money. A mid-range single or pearl weave gi from a recognised brand is a sensible starting point. Budget gis from unknown brands often develop holes at the collar or cuffs within six months of regular training, costing more over time.
Thailand's climate runs warm and humid year-round. If you are training at a gym in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Phuket, a lighter gi matters more than it does in a cooler country. A single weave or rip-stop gi will keep you significantly cooler on the mat than a double or gold weave. Most gyms here have air conditioning in the training area, but the mat still gets warm during a full class.
Gis also dry faster in Thailand's heat when hung outside, which helps with the hygiene necessity of washing after every session. If you are travelling to train in Thailand, bringing two gis allows one to dry while you train in the other.
Gi prices vary widely. Entry-level options from established brands typically start from around USD 60 to 80. Mid-range competition gis from well-known labels run from approximately USD 100 to 160. Premium or limited-edition gis can exceed USD 200. In Thailand, gis are available at some gyms and sporting goods stores, though selection is limited. Ordering online from international brands and shipping to Thailand is a common approach. Confirm customs duties and shipping times before ordering.
Washing your gi after every session is not optional. A damp, used gi left in a bag even for 24 hours can develop bacteria and fungal growth. Most gyms enforce a no-dirty-gi policy as a basic hygiene standard.
Choosing a gi is tied to the question of what type of training you want to do. Gi training uses the jacket, collar, and trouser grips as core tools for sweeps, chokes, and controls. No-gi training removes the uniform and changes the gripping strategy entirely.
Most beginners start in gi classes because the slower pace and additional friction help with learning positional fundamentals. That said, many gyms in Thailand offer both formats, and there is no strict rule about which to learn first. For a full discussion of both formats, visit our dedicated gi vs no-gi page. For rash guard options to wear under your gi or in no-gi classes, see our rash guard guide.
Now that you know what to look for in a gi, find a gym in Thailand where you can put it to use. Browse our city-by-city guides to gyms in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket.
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