Home / Best BJJ gi / Cheap gis
The best cheap BJJ gis of 2026.
You do not need to spend $150 on your first gi, or your fifth. This guide ranks the best cheap BJJ gis that are actually worth owning, all in stock on Amazon, with the dead Amazon-widget photos and broken links the old version of this page was full of finally cleaned up.
BJJMore is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays for placement, and I only list gear I would put on my own training partners.
The best cheap BJJ gis right now
Best cheap gi
Sanabul Essential V2
The default first gi.
Check price on Amazon
Lowest price
Elite Sports Ultra Light
The cheapest gi most people should consider.
Check price on Amazon
Budget brand pick
Venum Contender 2.0
A recognizable MMA brand's beginner gi.
Check price on AmazonWhat you give up on a cheap gi
A cheap gi gives up finish and a stiff, grip-frustrating lapel, not function. The budget picks here are preshrunk, survive years of training, and pass at most local comps. What you will not get is premium stitching, a tailored cut, or the heaviest grip-killing weaves.
The best cheap gis
Ranked by build quality for the money, all in stock.
Sanabul Essential V2
SanabulThe default first gi. It is cheap, it is preshrunk so it barely moves in the wash, and it survives years of three-times-a-week training.
Quick facts
- Pearl weave, preshrunk
- Sizes A0-A5
- Comes with a white belt
- Dozens of colorways
What stands out
- Hard to beat on price for the build quality
- Preshrunk cotton means almost no surprise shrinkage
- Roomy enough for most beginners straight out of the bag
Watch out for
- Lapel is softer than a Fuji All-Around, so grips are easier to break
- Embroidery and patches are minimal
What reviewers say
“Their kimonos tend to run bigger than most of the Gi's in the market.”
– BJJ Informer
“It's breathable and soft against the skin, and the single weave ensures it's not too heavy.”
– James de Lacey, Sweet Science of Fighting
Best for: Your first gi, a cheap backup, or anyone who does not want to overthink it.
Skip if: You compete at IBJJF events and want a stiffer, grip-frustrating lapel.
Elite Sports Ultra Light
Elite SportsThe cheapest gi most people should consider. It is light and basic, but for a first month on the mats it does the job.
Quick facts
- Light pearl weave
- Very low price
- Easy returns/exchanges
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- About the lowest price for a wearable gi
- Light and easy to break in
- Painless sizing exchanges
Watch out for
- Thinner and less durable than the Sanabul Essential
- Basic materials and stitching
What reviewers say
“It was an A3 like my other Gi's but I couldn't bring my arms in front of me.”
– James de Lacey, Sweet Science of Fighting
“Can a very affordable gi (read cheap) be a worthwhile part of your training rotation?”
– Ruben Avila, The Gentle Artist (thegentleartist.com)
Best for: Trying out BJJ without spending much, or a cheap spare.
Skip if: You already know you are sticking with the sport (buy once, cry once).
Venum Contender 2.0
VenumA recognizable MMA brand's beginner gi. Affordable, light, and fine for your first stripes, with the usual budget caveats.
Quick facts
- Light pearl weave
- Recognizable brand
- Affordable
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- Cheap entry from a known brand
- Light and comfortable for beginners
- Looks better than most budget gis
Watch out for
- Sizing can run inconsistent, check the chart
- Not as proven as the Sanabul Essential long term
What reviewers say
“350 GSM pearl weave jacket that allows you to stay cooler when training hard”
– Attack The Back
“EVA foam soft collar is also a great addition as these kinds of collar keep their shapes much better when washing than some other gi's do”
– Attack The Back
Best for: Beginners who like the Venum look on a budget.
Skip if: You want the most bombproof budget option (get the Fuji All-Around).
Gold BJJ Foundation
Gold BJJ
A clean, no-logo-spam pearl weave that punches above its price. Gold BJJ's everyday gi for people who want quality without paying brand tax.
Quick facts
- Pearl weave jacket
- Ripstop pants
- Understated design
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- Balanced weight that works year round
- Minimalist look with no loud patches
- Strong value for a pearl weave
Watch out for
- Smaller size range than the Fuji All-Around
- Less proven longevity than a single weave
What reviewers say
“Best for Everyday Use… A good option for an everyday bjj gi. Features a medium weight 450gsm Pearl Weave jacket (with super comfortable rash guard liner) and 10oz Ripstop pants, fully IBJJF competition legal.”
– Grapplers Graveyard
Best for: A second gi or a clean upgrade from a budget starter.
Skip if: You need an A5/A6 or want the lightest possible jacket.
93Brand Standard Issue
93Brand
A no-nonsense, clean pearl weave from a brand with a cult following. Honest gear, fair price, none of the loud patchwork.
Quick facts
- Pearl weave jacket
- Minimalist design
- Solid mid-tier build
- Sizes A0-A4
What stands out
- Clean look that stays gym-appropriate
- Reliable mid-tier quality
- Strong community reputation
Watch out for
- Less polished finish than the Kingz Balistico
- Limited big sizes
What reviewers say
“Overall, the gi still looks brand new after months of rolling in it… there was no shrinkage at all.”
– Sally Arsenault (BJJ brown belt), Breaking Muscle – review of 93 Brand 'Goose'
Best for: People who want a plain, dependable everyday gi.
Skip if: You want flashy detailing or A5/A6.
Compare the gis
| Gi | Weave / weight | Best for | Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanabul Essential V2 | Pearl weave | Your first gi, a cheap backup, or anyone who does not want to overthink it | Budget | Check price → |
| Elite Sports Ultra Light | Light pearl weave | Trying out BJJ without spending much, or a cheap spare | Budget | Check price → |
| Venum Contender 2.0 | Pearl weave | Beginners who like the Venum look on a budget | Budget | Check price → |
| Gold BJJ Foundation | Pearl weave | A second gi or a clean upgrade from a budget starter | Mid | Check price → |
| 93Brand Standard Issue | Pearl weave | People who want a plain, dependable everyday gi | Mid | Check price → |
More gi guides
- Best BJJ gi: full buyer’s guide
- BJJ gi size calculator
- How should a BJJ gi fit?
- Best BJJ gi brands compared
FAQ
What is the best cheap BJJ gi?
The Sanabul Essential V2. It is preshrunk, tough, and costs a fraction of a premium gi, which is why it is the default first gi for most gyms. The Elite Sports gi is cheaper still if you just want to try a few classes.
How cheap is too cheap?
Under about $40 you start getting thin fabric, weak stitching, and unreliable sizing. The Elite Sports and Sanabul gis sit at the sweet spot where the price is low but the gi still lasts.
Are cheap gis IBJJF legal?
Many are in white, blue, or black, but the cheapest recreational gis are aimed at training. They are fine for most local events; always check your competition’s ruleset and stick to a single legal color.
Is it worth buying a cheap gi as a backup?
Absolutely. A cheap preshrunk gi like the Sanabul Essential is a great second gi so you always have a dry one while the other is in the wash.