When it comes to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the gi is probably the best purchase that you’ll need to make. If done correctly, you’ll be training in the same gi consistently for years to come which means you should try to make sure you get the best one for you. Here, we have compiled a list of the best gi’s that women can wear whilst training BJJ.
Before you look at buying a gi – here are some things to consider.
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Price
Obviously, price is something that everyone is wary of. For instance, you’ll ideally want the cheapest gi possible without compromising on quality. This is a balancing act that every BJJ practitioner has to try and get right. Here, you should try to do your research on the materials, stitching, and other features.
Quality and durability
Speaking of which, quality is the most important factor for most people when buying a gi. Even if it is priced cheaply, there’s no point in buying something if it literally falls apart in a few weeks or months. Instead, you should look for something that will last long-term. Sometimes this means buying from a known quality brand. However, you may be surprised by some lesser-known gems available.
Style
For some, style can be quite a big deal, and looking the part is important. This could mean buying a gi with a unique color or certain patterns embroidered into it. For others, style is irrelevant but if you want to look good whilst choking people then why not?
Size
One of the main things to look out for when buying a gi is getting the right size. The last thing you want to do is buy something and have to return it if it doesn’t fit. When it comes to BJJ gi’s, one common feature that they often shrink after the first wash. Even pre-shrunk gi’s will sometimes do this. So, as a word of warning you may want to buy a gi with a little room before washing it – in anticipation that it eventually fits your size perfectly.
Whilst you’re here, why not check out our guide for the best women’s BJJ rash guards as well?
Elite Sports Gi
Elite Sports have been around for a while and also make some pretty decent rash guards as well. Priced competitively, this gi also comes with a free white belt which is useful if you’ve just started. It’s also lightweight with very light pants which is pretty handy whilst rolling. Sometimes, if your gi is too heavy then it can slow you down and make you sweat more.
When it comes to washing, this is also a perk as it means it will dry much quicker compared to older, thicker styles of gis. Available in multiple colors and made from a blend of cotton and polyester, this is our top pick if you’re thinking of buying a women’s BJJ gi.
Sanabul Gi
Another quality BJJ brand is Sanabul whose gi’s are also a popular choice for female athletes. These are designed with women in mind so they won’t swamp you either. The quality here is very high and they’ve also layered the inner sleeves so they won’t break even if you do partake in some intense grip breaking with strong people. In other words, a lot of effort has gone into the quality of this gi so it will last a long time.
Aside from quality, this gi also looks the part. It is one of the prettier gi’s out there and has good matching color schemes such as black and purple, and white and green. Not only can you train in a solid gi but also look good in the process.
Fuji Gi
One of the biggest killers of women around the globe is breast cancer. So, this may be close to the heart of many women BJJ practitioners. As seen, this gi has a pink rose embroidery on the shoulders, as well as the breast cancer ribbon on the bottom of the gi.
Here, Fuji have not only designed a great gi – but they’ve also donated a percentage of every sale to breast cancer charities. It truly is a helpful cause and isn’t too expensive either. Stylistically it looks awesome and is pretty subtle whilst also promoting a good cause. As you’d expect with Fuji, this gi will last for years and is also IBJJF approved which is ideal for competitors.
Jayefo Gi
The Jayefo gi sports a minimalist design and comes with a free white belt as well as plenty of space to stitch on patches of your affiliated gym. Also, it’s IBJJF approved which is another positive whilst also being one of the cheaper gi’s on our list. In other words, it ticks all of the boxes.
It also comes with a one-year warranty which means if it gets ripped or broken then you can get another replacement gi sent out. Generally, this is a good sign of a quality brand that truly believes in their product. However, when it’s made from pearl weave you should expect high quality anyway.
Starpro Gi
Although Starpro may be a lesser-known BJJ brand, don’t let the name put you off. Starpro gi’s are made in the USA which is a rare positive, meaning the quality is generally better than gi’s manufactured elsewhere. You may expect to pay more but this isn’t the case either.
For instance, these use an eva foam lapel which means it’s incredibly difficult to tear, even after years of use. They also use ripstop pants which are designed to last whilst also being naturally lightweight, offering practitioners the best of both worlds. Speaking of quality, certain parts of the gi also use triple stitching to ensure rips won’t happen. If you want something to last, this gi is ideal.
Fluory Gi
In terms of style and look, the Fluory gi is probably the best on the market if you want to stand out from the crowd. These guys are available in mint green, yellow, and deep purple. Generally, these colors don’t really exist in BJJ and if they do, they’re incredibly difficult to find. Some of these Fluory gi’s also come with embroidered anime bear pictures and simply look stunning.
As you’d expect, they have all of the other typical features such as triple stitching, pre-shrinkage, and other examples of quality. So, if you want to really look the part in a well-designed gi then Fluory is the answer.
Gold Gi
One of the lighter gi’s on the market, the Gold gi is a very solid choice. In fact, as far as BJJ brands go – Gold has to be up there. For instance, this gi claims to be 40% lighter than your standard pearl weave gi which is ideal if you’re looking for a competitive advantage.
It’s also IBJJF legal and was designed by women and its cut is specifically for women. In other words, a lot of thought and detail has gone into making this gi and it shows. Such is Gold’s confidence in this gi, they’ll even replace it if it rips.
Tatami Gi
Tatami have been around for years and are worn by top BJJ competitors such as Vanessa English. This gi has 10oz pants and uses 350gsm pearl weave fabric and is made from cotton. Weighing a total of 16 ounces, it won’t bog you down either.
One thing that is also cool about this gi is the shoulder patches on the top. This gives a distinctly retro feel and throwback vibes. Generally, most gi’s don’t use this design these days but if you’re looking for something a bit old school then this Tatami gi may just fit the bill.
Twister Gi
An ideal starter gi, this comes with a free travel bag and white belt. This is also made from the standard pearl weave fabric, has an eva rubber collar, and has drawstring pants which is useful if you put on or lose weight. Basically, it has all of the typical features that are used in high-end gi’s. The catch is that this gi is sold at a fraction of the price and is very solid in terms of durability.
A nice touch of this gi is the inside lining. Although not for everyone, it features some pretty nice artwork and designs that make it look a bit nicer.
Hawk Gi
Hawk is yet another budget gi with a twist. This is made in the USA and is 100% cotton. It has a very minimalist look with little artwork going on throughout. The grey gi in particular arguably looks the best.
Interestingly, this gi also comes with a five-year warranty. This seems a bit crazy and really shows Hawk’s faith in their product. If you train regularly then even the best gi’s should start to wear out by five years deep. Nonetheless, this is a testament to how much confidence Hawk have when it comes to making gi’s.
