Layer by Layer: Putting Together a Gee Jiu Jitsu Outfit
Getting dressed for class should be the easy part. Yet plenty of people stand in the locker room unsure which piece goes first, what belongs in the bag, and whether their pants are on backward. A complete gee jiu jitsu outfit is a handful of pieces that work together, and each one has a job. In this guide, we will get dressed from the inside out. You will see what touches your skin, what goes on your legs and shoulders, how the belt fits in, and what finishes the look. By the end, you will know exactly what to pack and why, with no guessing at the door.
Layer Zero: What Touches Your Skin
Before a single piece of cotton goes on, think about your base layer. It sounds boring, but it makes a big difference in comfort.
A Rash Guard Under the Jacket
Many students wear a snug rash guard under the gi jacket. It keeps cloth from rubbing your chest and arms, and it makes the jacket feel cleaner at the end of class. Pick one without zippers or buttons.
Spats or Compression Shorts
Under the pants, a pair of spats or compression shorts keeps things comfortable and stops scrapes on your legs. They also stay put during rolls, which loose shorts will not.
A Fresh Set Every Time
Base layers soak up the most sweat, so have a clean set ready for each class. Keep a spare in your bag in case you need to change after warm-ups.
Layer One: The Pants
Pants go on first because they are the easiest to fix if something is wrong.
What Good Pants Feel Like
You want room to squat, kick, and step wide, but not so much that your partner can grab a fistful of cloth. Our gi pants are ripstop with a cotton drawstring. Ripstop means extra threads are woven in a pattern, so a small tear does not spread across the leg.
Length Check
Stand tall and look down. The hems should end near your ankles. Pants that are too long can trip you, and pants that are too short can look and feel odd.
Tie the Drawstring Right
Pull the drawstring snug, tie a flat knot, and tuck the ends inside the waistband. A loose knot can slip mid-round and leave you retying your pants in front of everyone.
Layer Two: The Jacket
The jacket is the star of the outfit, so it earns the most attention.
Collar, Cloth, and Cuffs
Our men’s jacket has a stiff, thick collar, a 450GSM pearl weave, and reinforced stitching in the spots that wear out first. GSM stands for grams per square meter, which tells you how thick the cloth is. Thick, firm cloth tends to last longer, though it feels warmer in summer.
Sleeve Length
Stretch your arms straight out. The sleeves should stop near your wrists. If they reach your knuckles, your partner has extra cloth to grab. If they stop halfway up your forearm, it may be time to size up.
Why Pre-Shrunk Matters
Pre-shrunk cloth is washed at the factory, so it is made to keep its size after you wash it at home. The fabric on our gis is pre-shrunk, which makes the size you pick easier to trust. Our men’s sizes run from A00 to A6, with custom sizing for bodies that sit between sizes.
Layer Three: The Belt
The belt holds the jacket closed and tells everyone your rank. It is small but important.
Wrapping and Tying
Find the middle of the belt and place it at your belly button. Wrap both ends around your waist twice, cross them in front, and tie a flat knot. You should have a few inches of tail on each side.
Keep It Honest
Wear the belt you earned. A white belt on a new student is a badge of honor, not something to hide. Everyone in the room started there.
Layer Four: Finishing Touches
Once the main pieces are on, a few small items finish the outfit. They are easy to forget and easy to miss if you leave them at home.
The Short List
A mouthguard protects your teeth. Sandals keep your feet clean when you walk off the mat. A water bottle and a small towel help you through long classes. Athletic tape is handy for sore fingers.
Where to Find the Rest
A lot of people discover that collecting bjj stuff is fun and a little dangerous for the wallet. The trick is to add slowly. Our shop has a wide range of bjj stuff for men, women, and kids, including belts, rash guards, grappling shorts, and spats, so you can build your outfit piece by piece without running around.
A Note for Teams
If you coach or run a club, custom gear lets everyone match in the same colors and logos. Wholesale pricing is also available for bigger orders.
Matching Colors Without the Headache
Colors can make an outfit look sharp or scattered. A few easy rules help.
Start With the Gi
Our men’s range comes in white, black, blue, brown, green, navy blue, and yellow. Choose a gi color first, since it is the biggest piece. Check what your gym allows before you decide, because white, blue, and black are the colors most places accept.
Add Accent Pieces
Black rash guards and spats go with almost anything. If your gi is bright, keep the base layers quiet. If your gi is plain, you can try a bolder rash guard.
Packing the Bag in the Right Order
Packing is part of the outfit. Do it right, and everything is ready.
Lay It Out First
Put each piece on your bed in the order you will wear it: base layer, pants, jacket, belt. If something is missing, you will see the gap right away.
Use Two Compartments
Keep dry items on one side and a bag for wet clothes on the other. After class, put the sweaty gear in the wet bag and get it out as soon as you get home.
Keeping the Outfit Fresh
Good care keeps each piece looking and smelling right.
For the Gi
Use cold water, below about 30°C (86°F), and a mild soap. Skip bleach and fabric softener. Let it dry in open air and out of strong sun. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat.
For Rash Guards and Spats
Turn them inside out and wash them on a gentle cycle. Let them air dry. Heat can break down stretchy fabric over time.
For the Belt
Belts like a gentle hand wash and a slow dry in the open air. Many students wash them less often than the gi.
Ordering the Whole Outfit at Once
If you need several pieces, ordering together saves time. Our shop ships inside the United States. Regular orders usually go out in about five to seven days, and custom gear takes around one to two weeks. Orders of $300 or more ship free, and you get a tracking number once your package is on the way. Our men’s gis run from $79 to $109, depending on size. Custom gear cannot be returned, so measure twice. For regular items, read the refund policy for the time limit and valid reasons. Our support team is available 12 hours a day, six days a week, at support@bjiujitsu.com.
A Last Look in the Mirror
One more check before you head out the door. Sleeves near your wrists. Pants near your ankles. Belt snug with a flat knot. Base layer clean and zip-free. Mouthguard in the bag. If all of that is true, your gee jiu jitsu outfit is ready, and you can stop thinking about clothes and start thinking about the mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a full BJJ uniform?
A full uniform includes a gi jacket, gi pants, and a belt. Many students add a rash guard, spats, a mouthguard, and sandals. Our shop carries gis, belts, rash guards, shorts, and spats.
Do I need a rash guard under my gi?
It is not always required, but many students like one. It protects your skin and keeps the jacket cleaner. Check your gym or event rules for any color or style limits.
Can I wear a hoodie or sweats to a jiu-jitsu class?
It is better to wear fitted athletic clothes or a gi if you have one. Loose or zippered clothing can snag or be unsafe during rolls.
How many gis do I need for a week of training?
Two is a comfortable number for most students, so one can dry while you wear the other. If you train only a couple of times a week, one may be enough.
What shoes can I wear on the mat?
Most gyms ask you to go barefoot on the mat. Wear sandals when you walk off the mat to the bathroom or outside, so you keep the floor clean.