When I started BJJ I found the BJJ gi sizes super confusing, and I bought the wrong gi because of it (I had to sell it on to someone else, it was annoying). But you’re not going to make the same mistake! In this article I share my BJJ gi size calculator and various BJJ gi size charts to help you find out what’s your BJJ gi size. And I answer some commonly asked questions about BJJ gi sizes. Let’s get started!
How do BJJ gi sizes work?
BJJ gi sizes are based on your weight and height. Sometimes gi manufacturers get even more specific with it by telling you their gi sizes based on your exact body measurements (torso width, leg length, etc.). But usually they’re just based on your height and weight (and whether you’re a man, woman or kid).
How to know your BJJ gi size?
You can find out your BJJ gi size in a few different ways:
- Use my gi size calculator below (for a general estimation of your BJJ gi size)
- Study the gi size chart of the the BJJ gi you want to buy (always do this too, because different gi’s use different size charts)
- Buy a gi and try it on (this is the most reliable method – and you can always return it if it doesn’t fit)
Also read: How to know if your BJJ gi fits?
GI Size Calculator
Also read: The Complete BJJ Gi Size Guide | Gi Size Calculator & 3 Gi Size Charts
BJJ gi size charts
You can also discover what’s your BJJ gi size by looking at gi size charts. These charts show which bjj gi size you have depending on your weight and height.
You should always do this. Why?
Gi sizes are different for every brand and every model – so always check the size chart
Because the gi size chart is different for every gi. Even within the same brand of gi, different models can have different size charts. (To be clear: they’re not super different – but it could happen that you’re an A2 for Kingz and an A3 for Tatami.)
This is partly annoying, but it also has an upside. The upside is that because every gi is a little different, you have more chances to find a gi that fits your body perfectly.
Also read: 12 Best BJJ Gi Brands & Companies | Premium & Budget
I’ll show you some examples of gi size charts (for males and females) so you can start to discover what gi size you are.
Kingz BJJ gi size chart Male
In this Kingz gi size chart you see that on top of the standard gi sizes (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5), they also offer ‘L’ and ‘H’ variations of their gi sizes (e.g. A2L, A2H, etc.). These are the ‘Long’ and ‘Heavy’ sizes, and they fit tall and ‘big’ athletes respectively (and ‘big’ can mean that you’re very muscular, wide, or fat).
Sanabul BJJ Gi Size Chart Male
In this Sanabul bjj gi size chart you see more details than in the Kingz chart above. These details help to clarify what’s your BJJ gi size in edge cases, such as when you’re 6’1” and only 165 lbs (A3!).
Gold BJJ Gi Size Chart Female
In this Gold BJJ gi size chart for women you see that gi size charts for women look exactly the same as the size charts for men – although the sizes are completely different, of course.
Find your perfect gi
How (tight) should a BJJ gi fit?
A BJJ gi should fit comfortably. That’s the most important thing.
This means that a BJJ gi shouldn’t be too tight, because you have to move in it very freely. You can check if your gi is too tight by doing stretches in it – if the gi impedes your movement at all, it’s too tight.
But a BJJ gi also shouldn’t be too loose, because:
- You’ll feel like a clown
- You’ll look like a clown
- Your gi will be too easy to grab and you’ll never break your opponent’s grips again
So aim for the sweet spot in the middle where you can move freely but the gi still looks good on you.
What gi size do you recommend for tall people? And heavy people?
If you are very tall, very muscular, very skinny, very fat, or very anything else – it can be hard to find a gi that fits you perfectly.
There are some standard solutions for this:
- If you’re tall and skinny: buy an ‘L’ sized gi (so A2L instead of A2)
- If you’re heavy: buy an ‘H’ sized gi (so A2H instead of A2)
- (For example the GoldBJJ Aeroweave is a great gi that comes in ‘L’ and ‘H’ sizes – click here to shop this gi on Amazon.)
If that’s not enough, I have some extra tips for you in this article: The Best BJJ Gi For Tall Skinny Guys
How long should bjj gi sleeves be?
Your BJJ gi sleeves should be within an acceptable distance of your wirsts. The rule of thumb is that the sleeves should not be more than twice the width of your thumb (it’s an actual rule of thumb!) over your wrist or short of your wrist.
How long should bjj gi pants be?
Your BJJ gi pantsshould be within an acceptable distance of your ankles. The rule of thumb is that the pants should not be more than twice the width of your thumb (it’s an actual rule of thumb!) over your ankle or above your ankle.
How much will a bjj gi shrink?
How much a BJJ gi will shrink depends on whether or not it’s preshrunk. If it’s preshrunk it won’t shrink more than an inch, otherwise it might shrink 1 or 2 inches.