Buying your first BJJ gi can feel confusing fast.
Between sizing charts, weave types, GSM meaning and importance, and all the brand opinions people have, most white belts either overspend or end up with a gi that doesn’t fit, shrinks badly after a couple of washes, or feels horrible on their body after a few rounds.
This guide is built specifically for white belts purchasing their first, second, or third Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi. We want to help you find something that fits well, lasts, stays competition-legal, and most importantly, doesn’t waste your money. There are a lot of options to choose from and they will constantly be changing.
Every recommendation below is based on real training, repeated washing, and hands-on testing so you dont have go through the pain of wasting money on something that you cannot return after use.
What Beginners Actually Need in a BJJ Gi
As a white belt, your priorities are different than an experienced competitor.
You don’t need the lightest gi on the market or a $200+ boutique build. You need something that:
- Fits correctly (even after washing)
- Feels comfortable during long rolling sessions
- Holds up overtime and does not rip
- Is IBJJF-legal, or at least has a legal option
- Doesn’t cost more than it needs to
For most beginners, gis in the $100–$150 range are going to be the sweet spot and that is wear we will be focusing our recommendations for this guide.
Best BJJ Gi for Beginners (Top Picks)
These are the gis we recommend most often to new practitioners based on value, durability, comfort, and ease of ownership.
Best Overall Beginner BJJ Gi
Gold BJJ – Comp380 GSM or Foundation Gi
If you want one gi that does almost everything well, this is it. Gold BJJ one of the highest rated Gi companies that makes it on multiple of our lists. Gold a foundation, competition and lightweight BJJ gi to service just about every area there is in this space.
For the price you pay on the gear itself you’ll get exceptional value and longevity out of all the products they have to offer.
The Gold BJJ Competition gi consistently stands out for beginners because it balances weight, durability, and comfort better than most gis in its price range.
Why it’s great for white belts:
- Midweight pearl weave (durable but not bulky)
- Comfortable cut for most body types
- Minimal shrinkage when washed correctly (almost none in mine over years of use)
- IBJJF-legal, making it competition-ready
- Excellent value for the quality
This is a gi you can train in multiple times per week without worrying about it falling apart or feeling restrictive.
- Ideal for beginners who want a reliable “do-it-all” gi.
Check out our full review here
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Best for Competitors
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$139.99
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129.99
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139.99
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Best Lightweight Training Gi for Beginners
Gold BJJ – AeroWeave Lightweight Gi
If you train in hot gyms (or live in places like Arizona like us), lightweight matters.
The Gold BJJ AeroWeave is not our top competition recommendation, but it’s one of the best everyday training gis for white belts who prioritize comfort and breathability. Personally, we recommend this gi to just about all of our teammates when they come to us asking for recommendations of Gi’s to check out.
This BJJ gi is our everyday trainer along side some Origin BJJ Gi’s that we own.
Why we love like it:
- Extremely lightweight and breathable
- Comfortable during long sessions
- Affordable for a second or third gi
- Easy to pack and wash
Important note:
While it’s great for training, we wouldn’t recommend this gi as your primary competition option due to its lighter construction. Technically, if you are competing in a IBJJF tournament and they weigh your gi, this will not be competition legal.
- Best as a training-first gi, not a competition-focused one.
Check out our full review here
This is our go to daily training gi. Overall it has lasted us a very long time, is extremely light and offers at a very affordable price compared to other gi's on the market
Video Review:
Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Gis
Sanabul BJJ Gis (Core / Highlight / Essentials)
Sanabul consistently offers some of the best entry-level value in BJJ.
Their gis are affordable, widely available, and durable enough for beginners training multiple times per week. We have tried three separate options from Sanabul and we pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the products that we got. They do not make it in our rotation as much these days but early in our BJJ journey they were awesome gis to roll in.
Why Sanabul works for beginners:
- Reasonable pricing across all models
- Solid stitching and construction
- Comfortable cuts
- Many IBJJF-safe options
- Easy to replace or rotate
Sanabul gis won’t feel premium, but they’re reliable — and that’s exactly what most white belts need.
- Best for beginners who want dependable gear without overthinking it.
Check out the reviews for each line:
Best Ultra-Budget Options (If Price Is the Priority)
If you’re trying to keep costs as low as possible, these are acceptable just know the tradeoffs.
Elite Sports BJJ Gis
- Very affordable (starts at $70 and can be bought on Amazon)
- Functional for early training
- Shorter lifespan than premium options
Premium BJJ Gi's without breaking the bank
These are best for brand-new white belts who aren’t sure how long they’ll stick with the sport.
What Size Gi Should a Beginner Buy?
Most beginners should start with standard sizing (A0–A5) and avoid guessing. Most of the time BJJ gi companies will have size charts readily available for you to choose from. Just match up your height and weight and it should give you the ideal size for your body type.
General tips:
- Follow the brand’s official size chart
- Expect some shrinkage, even on pre-shrunk gis
- If between sizes, size up and shrink slightly
Avoid buying too tight. Gis almost always shrink more than you expect and when they are too tight they suck to roll in. Its the easist way to feel like your restrictive on movement, that the gear rips, and could make you feel like you are overheating during long rolling sessions.
Beginner Gi Weight Recommendation
For white belts, weight not matter initially when you are buying a product but as you start rolling and consistently training it matters way more than you would think.
Personally, I hate rolling in anything heavier that 380 GSM. It feels heavy, makes me overheat, and just makes my rolls less enjoyable. Call me a snob I dont are but I like what I like!!
Best choice:
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Middleweight (180 GSM to 380 GSM) pearl weave
Why?
- Durable range of products that lasts through constant gripping and pulling
- Comfortable for long classes
- Legal for competition
- Easier to maintain than heavy gis
Lightweight gis are fine for training, but shouldn’t be your only gi early on.
Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These)
- Buying a gi that’s too heavy
- Ignoring shrinkage
- Overspending before knowing preferences
- Choosing style over function
- Buying a non-competition-safe gi unintentionally
Final Recommendation for Beginners
If you’re a white belt buying your first gi:
- Start in the $100–$150 range
- Choose middleweight pearl weave
- Prioritize fit, comfort, and durability
- Stick with brands that have proven reliability
If you want a broader breakdown across all experience levels, see our full Best BJJ Gi guide. This where we rank and score every gi we test using the Graveyard Scale. That list is constantly being updated and changed as we buy and review more gear.
For all the latest gear that we review you will find our thoughts either on our YouTube Channel, Brand’s Subreddit or a dedicated subreddit for Fight Gear Reviews.
