7 Powerful Secrets for Perfect BJJ Gi Sizing (2026)
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by gi manufacturers and black belt instructors | Last Updated: January 14, 2026
Perfect BJJ gi sizing requires measuring your height and weight to match standard A-sizing charts (A1 fits 5’6″-5’11” at 150-180 lbs, A2 fits 5’10”-6’2″ at 175-210 lbs), ensuring jacket sleeves extend 2-3 inches past wrists and pants reach 2-3 inches past ankles for IBJJF competition legality, accounting for 2-5% shrinkage in pre-shrunk gis or 5-15% in non-pre-shrunk gis depending on fabric weave, choosing specialty sizes like L (Long) for tall/lean or H (Husky) for short/stocky builds, and selecting traditional fit over competition fit for comfort during training.
Hayabusa explains proper measurements: “Measure chest around the fullest part beneath armpits, waist at natural waistline, hips around widest point, thigh near highest point beneath crotch, and leg length from waist to floor—match these measurements with brand-specific size charts since sizing varies between manufacturers”. Naga Fighter warns: “A gi that’s too tight restricts movement during grappling, while too loose creates gaps giving opponents control opportunities and excess fabric that tangles during techniques—proper fit allows freedom of movement while staying snug enough to prevent easy grips”.
These seven powerful secrets cover standard sizing charts with height/weight ranges, proper measurement techniques for chest/waist/hips/legs, understanding shrinkage percentages by fabric type, specialty sizing options for different body types, competition fit requirements, troubleshooting common sizing mistakes, and how to fix poorly fitted gis. Mastering gi sizing ensures your investment in choosing your first BJJ gi fits perfectly for learning techniques at BJJ classes throughout your white belt journey.
Table of Contents
Secret 1: Master Standard Sizing Charts
Understanding A-Sizing
Gold BJJ sizing chart provides standard ranges:
| Size | Weight | Height | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | <125 lbs | <5’4″ | Smaller athletes |
| A1 | 125-165 lbs | 5’4″-5’8″ | Average smaller |
| A2 | 150-190 lbs | 5’8″-5’11” | Most common |
| A3 | 181-210 lbs | 5’11”-6’2″ | Larger athletes |
| A4 | 210-245 lbs | 6’2″-6’4″ | Very large |
| A5 | 245+ lbs | 6’4″+ | Extra large |
Specialty sizing:
- A1L, A2L, A3L (Long): Tall and lean builds—longer sleeves/pants, narrower torso
- A1H, A2H, A3H (Husky): Short and stocky—wider fit, shorter limbs
- F-sizing: Female-specific cuts with contoured fits
Between sizes: Go larger for traditional fit, smaller for competition fit.
Secret 2: Take Accurate Body Measurements
Measuring Technique
Upper body:
- Chest: Around fullest part beneath armpits across nipples, tape level
- Waist: Natural waistline where body bends sideways
- Sleeve length: Center of neck → shoulder → wrist with arm extended
Lower body:
- Hips: Around widest point of hips/buttocks
- Thigh: Highest point beneath crotch, tape level around
- Leg length: Side waist point down to floor
Pro tip: Measure over thin clothing for accuracy, not bare skin or thick clothes.
Matching Measurements to Charts
Check BOTH height and weight:
- Height determines sleeve/pant length primarily
- Weight determines jacket/pant width
- If height suggests A2 but weight suggests A3, consider A2L (Long) or A3 based on build
Brand-specific charts matter:
- Sanabul sizing runs different than industry standard
- Always check manufacturer’s specific chart
- Read reviews for “runs small” or “runs large” feedback
- Reference: Choosing Your First BJJ Gi covers brand comparisons
Secret 3: Understand Shrinkage by Fabric Type
Shrinkage Percentages
Pre-shrunk gis: 2-5% total shrinkage
- Already treated to minimize shrinking
- Wash cold, air dry to maintain size
- Most beginner gis are pre-shrunk
- Recommended for first gi purchase
Pearl weave gis: 3-8% shrinkage
- Most common BJJ gi fabric
- Moderate shrinkage potential
- Wash cold to minimize
Single weave gis: 5-10% shrinkage
- Lightweight competition gis
- Higher shrinkage risk
- Buy slightly larger if not pre-shrunk
Gold weave/heavyweight gis: 10-15% shrinkage if not pre-shrunk
- Significant size reduction possible
- Critical to follow care instructions
- Hot wash/dry can ruin fit
Secret: Always wash in cold water and air dry—never machine dry unless intentionally shrinking.
Secret 4: Perfect Sleeve and Pant Length
Competition Legal Requirements
Jacket sleeves:
- Must extend 2-3 inches past wrist bone
- Minimum: Covers wrist when arm straight (IBJJF legal)
- Maximum: Mid-palm length
- Too short = illegal for competition, harder to grip for training
- Too long = opponent grips easily, looks unprofessional
Pants:
- Must extend 2-3 inches past ankle bone
- Minimum: Covers ankle when standing
- Maximum: Mid-foot
- Too short = competition illegal
- Too long = trip hazard, gets stepped on
Jacket length:
- Covers hips completely
- Reaches mid-thigh when arms at sides
- Can overlap 4-6 inches in front (belt holds closed)
Testing fit: Perform guard passing movements and mount escapes to ensure comfort and coverage.
Secret 5: Choose Right Fit Style
Traditional vs. Competition Fit
Traditional/Regular fit (recommended for beginners):
- More room through chest, shoulders, waist
- Looser sleeves and pants
- Comfort for learning closed guard and side control escapes
- Forgiving with weight fluctuations
- Focus on technique, not restrictive clothing
Competition/Slim fit:
- Tighter, athletic cut
- Less fabric for opponent grips
- Tapered sleeves and pants
- Requires precise sizing
- Preferred after blue belt for competitors
Habrok sizing notes: “Our Jiu Jitsu Gis are modern fit for training and competitions—not baggy or loose, designed for BJJ athletes”.
Secret 6: Avoid Common Sizing Mistakes
Top Sizing Errors
Mistake 1: Ignoring shrinkage
- Buying exact size for non-pre-shrunk gi
- First hot wash ruins expensive gi
- Solution: Buy pre-shrunk or size up
Mistake 2: Using generic size (S/M/L)
- Generic sizing doesn’t exist in BJJ
- Always use A-sizing or specialty sizing
- Brands vary significantly
Mistake 3: Not checking brand-specific charts
- Assuming all A2s fit identically
- Different brands have different cuts
- Read reviews from verified buyers
Mistake 4: Choosing wrong specialty size
- Tall person buying regular A-size (sleeves too short)
- Stocky person buying L-size (too narrow)
- Match body type to specialty sizing
Mistake 5: Too tight/too loose
- Naga Fighter warns: “Too tight restricts arm extension and shoulder movement during grappling; too loose creates control gaps and tangled fabric”
- Solution: Snug but allows full range of motion
Secret 7: Fix Poorly Fitted Gis
Shrinking Oversized Gi
Intentional shrinking method:
- Wash in warm water (not hot initially)
- Dry on medium heat for 10-15 minutes
- Check fit, repeat if needed
- Gradual shrinking prevents over-shrinking
Target specific areas:
- Sleeves too long: Wet sleeves only, dry on heat
- Pants too long: Same targeted approach
- Entire gi too big: Full hot wash/dry cycle
Unshrinking Too-Small Gi
Elite Sports unshrinking method:
Steps:
- Fill basin with room temperature water
- Add 3-4 tablespoons hair conditioner and borax powder
- Soak gi for 30 minutes
- Remove and squeeze out excess
- Gently stretch tight areas (sleeves, pants)
- Air dry while maintaining stretched position
Prevention: Wash in cold water, air dry always—never machine dry unless needed.
When to Replace vs. Fix
Replace if:
- Sleeves/pants more than 3 inches too short (competition illegal)
- Gi shrank so much it restricts movement
- Torso too tight to close properly
- Fabric damaged from shrinking attempts
Fix if:
- Slightly too long (intentional shrinking works)
- Slightly too short (unshrinking possible)
- Fit is close but needs minor adjustment
Better solution: Buy correctly sized gi initially using first gi buying guide to avoid expensive mistakes.
Quick Sizing Reference
Perfect gi fit checklist:
- ✅ Sleeves 2-3 inches past wrists
- ✅ Pants 2-3 inches past ankles
- ✅ Jacket covers hips/mid-thigh
- ✅ Can overlap jacket 4-6 inches front
- ✅ Snug but allows full movement
- ✅ Matches your A-size or specialty size
- ✅ Accounts for 2-5% shrinkage (pre-shrunk)
- ✅ Comfortable during drilling and rolling
First gi recommendation:
- Use standard A-sizing chart
- Choose pre-shrunk for predictability
- Traditional fit for comfort
- White color for universal acceptance
- $80-$120 quality brands (Fuji, Tatami, Sanabul)
- Wash cold, air dry always
Need more help?
- Choosing Your First BJJ Gi – Complete buying guide
- Essential BJJ Gear – All equipment needs
- BJJ vs Judo Gi – Gi differences explained
- How to Tie BJJ Belt – Belt tying guide
- BJJ Belt System – Progression path
- White Belt Guide – Starting journey
The bottom line: Measure your height and weight accurately, match to standard A-sizing charts (A1: 5’4″-5’8″/125-165 lbs, A2: 5’8″-5’11″/150-190 lbs, A3: 5’11”-6’2″/181-210 lbs), choose specialty L/H sizes for tall-lean or short-stocky builds, ensure sleeves/pants extend 2-3 inches past wrists/ankles for IBJJF competition legality, buy pre-shrunk gis to avoid 10-15% shrinkage surprises, select traditional fit for beginner comfort during BJJ classes, wash in cold water and air dry to maintain size, and fix poorly fitted gis through targeted shrinking (warm wash/dry) or unshrinking (conditioner soak and stretch) methods. Perfect sizing ensures your gi investment supports learning fundamental techniques like guard passing and mount positions comfortably throughout your journey from white belt to blue belt and beyond.
Measure accurately. Size correctly. Train comfortably. 🥋📏
How We Reviewed This Article
Editorial Standards: Information verified through gi manufacturer sizing specifications, IBJJF competition fit requirements, shrinkage testing data, and black belt instructor feedback on proper gi fit.
Sources Referenced:
- Hayabusa (measurement techniques and sizing overview)
- Novakik BJJ (shrinkage guide by fabric type)
- Naga Fighter (competition fit rules)
- Elite Sports (unshrinking methods)
- Gold BJJ, Sanabul, Habrok (brand sizing charts)
Last Updated: January 14, 2026