Women in sport typically have a disadvantage in the sense they have to overcome those discriminative stereotypes that exist around them. The idea that women are not strong and can’t fight has been a long-lasting notion in the combat martial arts world. However, with the rise of female Jiu Jitsu practitioners, these stereotypes are slowly but surely being whittled away.
Finding that right Gi can be difficult for any BJJ practitioner, but it is especially difficult for those female fighters to find a women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi as there are fewer options to choose from. With these issues in mind, this guide is here to help as we set out exactly what options of Gi are available to women, the best BJJ Gi brands, and how to choose the best BJJ Gi for women including our very own top 5 recommendations.
What Is The Difference Between Men and Women's Gis?
As a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, you will naturally want to ensure the best fit possible for your Gi. Regardless of whether you are female or male, if your Gi fits badly, then you are likely to perform badly. Therefore, there are differences between a men and women's Jiu Jitsu Gi as they are needed to cater to the physical differences between both sexes.
Women Gis come in a variety of sizes, considering bust size, waist size and hip. The cut of these Gis are specifically made with the female anatomy in mind. Whereas Gis designed for men typically cater for a slim fit or an athletic build.
In theory, women can wear men’s Gi, however, it would be beneficial for women to have a Gi that best fits their shape for increased comfort and movement.
Understanding the Different Types of Weave
There are three different types of BJJ Gis: single weave, double weave, and gold weave. Essentially, the difference between the three lies within their thickness. There are other strands of weave, however, these are typically attached to a specific brand as they try to create new and exciting hybrids of their own.
Single Weave
The single weave Gi is often the go-to option for beginners as it's a light and affordable option. It is important to note that while a single weave Gi will keep you cooler, they are not as durable as a double or gold weave. Also, for the seasoned fighter, they will be well aware that having a single weave Gi means it will be much easier for your opponent to get a grip on your jacket.
Double Weave
The double weave Gi is thicker and has a more durable construction. The thickness of the jacket is ideal when it comes to competitions as it makes it harder for the opponent to grab and hold onto you. However, with the extra thickness comes extra weight, consequently overheating during competitions or intense training is more likely.
Gold Weave
Gold weave is made from a heavier strand of single weave, that weaves two single threads together to give it that extra strength. The hybrid aims to keep its lightweight style, with more durability and thickness than a typical single weave.
There is also the pearl weave and many other options. To find out about all the types of weave check out our guide to the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis overall.
How to Choose the Right Women's Gi?
BJJ Gis consists of a jacket, trousers, and a belt. The BJJ Gis come in a variety of colors, however, under the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (IBJJF) regulations, Gis must be either white, black, or blue.
Belts
There are five belts in BJJ, beginners will start with a white belt and progress through to blue, purple, brown and then finally, black. The grading system for BJJ is quite different from other martial arts as progression is dependent based not only on a syllabus but also a demonstration of their ability to handle different situations.
Sizing & Fit
Ensuring you get that right size and fit is important in any martial arts, but especially to a BJJ practitioner. You will want your Gi to fit your body, the sleeves should come down to your wrist and the jacket needs to fit comfortably over your chest and back. You don’t want it to be too tight, otherwise, you’ll restrict your movement. However, you don’t want it to be too loose as your jacket will be easier to grab.
Shrinkage
A lot of Gis available say they are pre-shrunk, however, there is always a chance that the Gi can shrink ever so slightly. And so, if you find yourself stuck between two sizes, it’s best to go for the larger size
How Much Does a Women's BJJ Gi Cost?
There is an abundance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi available for women and so, naturally, the price range for a women's Gi is vast. Within our top 5 recommendations, the cheapest Gi brand available is $60, and the most expensive one costs around $160.
Best Women's BJJ Gi Brands
There are currently lots of existing brands that are well renowned for their Gis for the warrior women of Jiu Jitsu. Venum, Tatami, Fuji, Sanabul and Gold are the top 5 that we have decided to single out in this guide. However, that does not mean to say that there are not other incredible brands out there that are catering to women! To name a few other female BJJ brands available there’s Storm Kimonos, Hawk, Hypnotik Vortex, Elite Sports and more! All of these provide some of the best women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis that are IBJJF approved.
Our Top 5 Best BJJ Gi Recommendations
There are several great brands for women fighters to choose from, and so, in order to help you figure out what one is the best BJJ Gi for you, we have set out our top 5 recommendations for women and summarized their pros and cons.
1. Venum Challenger 3.0 Women's BJJ Gi
The Venum Challenger 3.0 is an exceptional BJJ Gi for women and is definitely one of the best. It’s made up of 410 GSM and uses a pearl weave cotton that’s not only soft to the touch but extremely durable. The fabric of the jacket is rip-resistant, and it absorbs and disperses sweat quickly, making it odour resistant too. If you are a fierce competitor then this Gi is ready to withstand copious amounts of stress! The collar is padded with foam to prevent injury where your opponent grips. The trousers are manufactured at 230 GSM and are made of 100% cotton. The Venum Challenger 3.0 is surprisingly lightweight and so it is perfect for those summer training sessions.
This incredibly stylish and practical BJJ Gi for women is available in black, blue, and white. However, a personal favourite is the navy blue Gi with orange stitching. The stitching is reinforced throughout the Gi and so you can rest assured it will survive even the hardest of competitions/training sessions. Definitely one of the best women's Gi we've come across.
The Tatami Ladies Zero G V3 is yet another exceptional women's Gi. The Tatami Fightwear brand has proudly designed this extremely lightweight Gi for women in conjunction with some of the world’s top BJJ practitioners. The female BJJ Gi jacket is manufactured from 475gsm pearl weave and is reinforced in the areas needed most with cotton stitching. The rubberised collar allows for comfort as well as durability.
The design is simpler than some other options, however, it still has a stylish, put-together look. It is an attractive Gi for women without it being too flashy. It is strong, durable, and comfortable. Though, if you are a beginner then this may not be the best one for you. The Zero G V3 is quite an expensive option, and so, if you are not sure about BJJ yet then it’s best to explore some cheaper alternatives.
On the other hand, if you are a seasoned veteran of the sport then this is a very popular choice among women as the Gi has constructed a fabric that finds a desirable balance between comfort and durability.
The Fuji IBJJF 100% cotton Gi is designed by women for women. The construction of this Gi has the female anatomy in mind even in the small details.
The jacket has slightly shorter arms, and the trousers are also tailored specifically to women. It comes with a smaller waistline that helps achieve a better fit for women. The mid-weight jacket is great for those intense training sessions and for grappling in competitions. It comes reinforced with stylish pink stitching, as well as featuring a cherry blossom design on each of the shoulders.
This is a traditional weave Gi that is IBJJF, NABJJF, and UAEJJ approved. A fantastic and notable point about the Fuji Gi is that a portion of their profits is donated to Breast Cancer Research.
The 100% cotton material makes it very soft to the touch. It provides a nice snug fit for women without restricting you. A better fit ensures better performance and so the Fuji IBJJF Gi is definitely a superior women's BJJ Gi.
The Sanabul Women’s essential BJJ Gi is an all-round favourite among the female community. It is one of the more affordable options out there, without compromising on quality. Sanabul is adamant that women should not have to settle for unisex Gis that do not fit their shape, and so have designed an elegant Gi that is both lightweight and durable. The single weave fabric comes pre-shrunk and makes an excellent summer training Gi as it has that breathability that double weave options do not have.
It is available in white, black, and pink, each embroidered with a different colour stitching. The black Gi comes with sleek, purple stitching that helps to reinforce areas likely to withstand stress.
The Sanabul BJJ Gi stands out from across the room, it looks the part without breaking the bank. This is an excellent option for women who are just starting their BJJ journey as you can get a feel for a Gi that suits specifically women. Sanabul brag that with their designs women no longer have to worry about excessive material or baggy clothing no more! This is a prominent, and upcoming brand that has nailed the design of female Gis at an affordable rate.
The Gold BJJ Gi proudly presents a Gi specially designed with input from female Jiu Jitsu practitioners, because nobody knows more about a ladies Gi cut then the athletes themselves. The Gi is made up of a 275gsm Aeroweave fabric which is 40% lighter than a normal pearl weave Gi! The only way suitable to describe this Gi is that is just ultra-light. This is great for summer as you’ll be able to breathe in hard training sessions. Y
ou might be dubious about the durability of this Gi, however, the Gold BJJ store guarantee that it is anti-rip! If you rip it, they will replace it. The design has reinforced stitching on both the jacket and trousers that are strategically placed in area’s likely to endure high stress, giving it that extra strength as well as that extra confidence for you.
The Gi is available in white, black, and blue. The black and blue BJJ Gis come with white stitching, and the white one comes with subtle purple stitching. This a world-class Gi that is not over the top or incredibly expensive! It has that minimalist design, a women’s cut and fit and all at a reasonable price. Gold BJJ mantra is that their Gi’s are created 'by Jiu Jitsu athletes for Jiu Jitsu athletes.'
A Quick Summary
Whether you are male or female, having a Gi that fits well is the first and most important step in being a BJJ practitioner. Sometimes the female fighters end up not only fighting on the mat but also off the mat when it comes to finding a Gi that is cut for them. However, the tides are turning on this issue and more and more brands have started to design, refine, and create Gis specifically for women. More and more women are joining what was once a traditionally male martial art, and the sporting world has slowly but surely begun to cater to this.
There is an abundance of options to choose from, whether you are working on a tight budget or have that extra money to spare. There is something for every female fighter out there. Gone are the days of having to worry about wearing baggy Gi’s designed for men. Now, women can decide what Gi is best for them based on the important details, including weave, weight, colour, size and so on. Hopefully, this guide has helped shed some light on what Gi features are appropriate for females and helped you find the best BJJ Gi for women.