BJJ Gi Size Chart: How to Find Your Perfect Fit
Getting the right gi size matters both for comfort and for competition compliance. Too big, and opponents have excess fabric to grip; too small, and you fail the inspector's measurement check. Here's a complete size guide.
Standard BJJ Gi Size Chart (General)
Most BJJ gis use an "A" (Adult) size system, though some brands use "M" (for women) or offer additional half sizes.
Adult Male Sizes
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A00 | 155 cm or under | Under 55 kg |
| A0 | 155–163 cm | 55–65 kg |
| A1 | 163–170 cm | 65–75 kg |
| A1L | 163–170 cm, longer limbs | 65–75 kg |
| A2 | 170–178 cm | 75–85 kg |
| A2H | 170–178 cm, shorter/stockier | 80–90 kg |
| A2L | 170–178 cm, longer limbs | 75–85 kg |
| A3 | 178–185 cm | 85–95 kg |
| A3L | 178–185 cm, longer limbs | 85–95 kg |
| A4 | 185–193 cm | 95–110 kg |
| A5 | 193+ cm | 110+ kg |
Half sizes (A1L, A2H, A2L, A3L) vary by brand. Not all brands offer them.
Adult Female Sizes (F-Series)
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| F0 | Under 155 cm | Under 55 kg |
| F1 | 155–163 cm | 55–65 kg |
| F2 | 163–170 cm | 65–75 kg |
| F3 | 170–178 cm | 75–85 kg |
| F4 | 178+ cm | 85+ kg |
Women's gis are cut differently from men's — narrower shoulders, shorter torso, more room in the hips. Always buy a women's specific gi if available rather than simply sizing down in a men's.
How to Measure Yourself
For the most accurate size selection:
Height: measure bare feet to top of head
Weight: your current weight, not target weight
Chest: measure around the widest part of your chest, under your arms
Waist: natural waist, not hips
Arm length: from the back of your neck, across your shoulder, down to your wrist
Then compare to the specific brand's size chart — not just the general chart above.
The Shrinkage Factor
This is where most beginners go wrong. Cotton-dominant gis shrink significantly in the first few washes — potentially 2–5 cm in the jacket length and sleeve length.
What to do:
-
Before buying, find out if the brand pre-shrinks their gis. Some brands (Tatami, Gold BJJ) pre-shrink their gis before shipping, meaning what you receive is close to the final size.
-
If the brand does NOT pre-shrink: size up one size from what measures correctly, then pre-shrink with hot water (60°C wash, tumble dry) before your first use.
-
After pre-shrinking, check the fit. The gi should be close to final size at this point.
IBJJF Fit Requirements
For competition compliance at IBJJF events:
- Sleeves: must reach within 5 cm of the wrist when arms are extended
- Pants: must reach within 5 cm of the ankle
- Gi must not be excessively baggy (judges have discretion on extreme cases)
An inspector will check your gi before you compete. A gi that's too short in the sleeves or pants after shrinkage means failing inspection and potentially being disqualified. This is why sizing up before pre-shrinking is essential.
Brand-by-Brand Fit Notes
Size charts are general guidelines. Brands vary significantly:
Fuji: Runs slightly large. Most people size down one from where the chart suggests. Jacket is somewhat boxy in cut.
Tatami: True to size and pre-shrunk. The size chart is reliable. Tends toward a fitted cut.
Gold BJJ: True to size, pre-shrunk, moderately fitted cut. The size chart is accurate.
Kingz: Runs slightly large in the body, shorter in the arms compared to some brands. Check their specific chart carefully.
Shoyoroll: Runs small to true. Their sizing notes are generally reliable if you follow them.
When in doubt, check the brand's own size chart first, then look for reviews from people with similar measurements to yours.
Kids and Youth Sizing
Youth gis use a separate "M" (Minis) or "Y" (Youth) system, sized by child's height and weight rather than the adult A-system. Most brands list youth size charts separately on their websites.
When to Buy Two Different Sizes
If you're genuinely between sizes — for example, your torso fits A2 but your arms are A3 length — some brands offer half sizes (A2L = A2 torso with A3 arm length). These are worth seeking out rather than compromising on a poor fit in either direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my BJJ gi size?
Use your height and weight as a starting point with the brand's specific size chart. Then factor in whether the brand pre-shrinks their gis — Tatami and Gold BJJ do, many others don't. If the gi is not pre-shrunk, size up one and shrink it with a hot wash before first use.
Do BJJ gis shrink after washing?
Yes — cotton-dominant gis can shrink 2–5 cm in jacket and sleeve length over the first few washes. Brands that pre-shrink ship close to final size. Others require you to account for shrinkage: size up and run a hot wash cycle before wearing the gi for the first time.
What is the difference between A2 and A2L in BJJ gi sizes?
A2 is the standard fit for that height/weight range. A2L (Long) has the same torso dimensions but longer sleeves and pants — designed for practitioners whose arms are proportionally longer for their height. Not all brands offer half sizes.
What gi size should I buy if I'm between sizes?
Prioritize torso fit. A sleeve that's slightly short is a competition compliance issue; a jacket too large in the body gives opponents excess fabric to grip. If a brand offers half sizes (A2L, A2H), use those rather than compromising in either direction.
Do IBJJF competitions check gi size?
Yes — an inspector checks your gi before you compete. Sleeves must reach within 5 cm of the wrist and pants within 5 cm of the ankle. A gi that passed inspection at purchase but shrank through washing can fail at the event. Pre-shrink your gi well before competition.
If your preferred brand doesn't offer half sizes, choose the size that fits your torso correctly. A sleeve that's slightly too short is a competition compliance issue; a sleeve that's slightly too long can be returned to near-correct length with careful washing. A jacket that's too big in the body is harder to compensate for.