How to Choose the Best Women’s BJJ Spats – Buying Guide:

When it comes to choosing the best women’s BJJ spats, it’s important to understand what sets high-quality pairs apart from cheaper, low-performance alternatives. Unlike regular leggings or yoga pants, BJJ spats are built for the rigors of grappling, rolling, and intense training. Below, we’ll break down the most important features you should consider before investing in your next pair.

1. Material & Fabric Quality

The first thing to consider when buying spats is the fabric blend. Most high-quality women’s BJJ spats are made from a polyester-spandex mix, offering the perfect balance of stretch, durability, and sweat control.

• Polyester is durable, lightweight, and quick-drying.
• Spandex (or elastane) adds the essential stretch for mobility during scrambles and submissions.

👉 Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that keep sweat away from the skin to prevent irritation and rashes. Some premium brands also use antimicrobial treatments to keep odors under control.

Pro tip: Avoid cotton blends. Cotton retains moisture, making spats heavy and uncomfortable after a few minutes of training.

2. Fit & Comfort

One of the biggest challenges women face in combat sports apparel is finding the right fit. BJJ spats should feel like a second skin—snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that they restrict movement.

Key fit features to look for:

• High-waisted design → Prevents spats from sliding down during rolls.
• Ergonomic tailoring → Designed to fit female curves, especially around the hips and thighs.
• Flatlock stitching → Reduces skin chafing and irritation.
• Wide waistband → Adds comfort and ensures the spats don’t dig into your skin.

If you often train No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, a secure waistband is especially important since you won’t have a gi belt holding your outfit in place.

3. Compression Benefits

High-quality BJJ spats provide graduated compression, which offers more than just a flattering look:

• Improved blood flow → Helps reduce fatigue during long training sessions.
• Muscle support → Keeps your muscles warm and reduces the risk of strain.
• Faster recovery → Compression helps reduce post-training soreness.

For competitors, compression can also give a slight performance boost, keeping you agile and less fatigued on the mats.

4. Durability & Stitching

BJJ puts a lot of stress on clothing—constant pulling, friction with mats, and repeated washing. This is why durability is non-negotiable.

• Reinforced seams (often with triple or flatlock stitching) are essential to prevent tearing.
• Thicker fabric panels in high-stress areas (knees, hips, seat) extend the lifespan of spats.
• Quality waistbands keep spats from stretching out over time.

While cheaper spats may look good initially, they often lose elasticity or tear after a few months of consistent rolling. Investing in durability pays off in the long run.

5. Design & Aesthetic Appeal

For many women, style matters just as much as function. Luckily, modern BJJ brands offer spats in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs.

Options range from:

• Minimalist black spats → Professional and versatile, suitable for competitions.
• Bold, patterned designs → Express your individuality on the mats.
• Team-branded spats → Great if you belong to a gym with its own gear.

👉 Keep in mind that some competitions, like IBJJF events, have specific uniform rules. For example, spats must typically be black, white, or the belt-rank color. If you plan on competing, make sure your spats comply.

6. Price vs. Value

Women’s BJJ spats range anywhere from $30 to $120+. The price usually reflects the quality of the material, stitching, and brand reputation.

• Budget-friendly ($30–$50) → Good for beginners, occasional training.
• Mid-range ($60–$80) → Best balance of quality and affordability.
• Premium ($90–$120+) → High-performance spats for competitors and serious practitioners.

Remember: buying two or three durable pairs is better than buying five cheap ones that wear out quickly.

7. Brand Reputation

Some of the most respected BJJ brands offering women’s spats include:

• Tatami Fightwear – Known for durability and wide design selection.
• Scramble – Stylish, high-quality gear with strong compression.
• Hayabusa – Premium construction, often with antimicrobial fabrics.
• Fuji Sports – Affordable, competition-approved options.
• Virus International – Specializes in compression gear with recovery benefits.

When choosing, check reviews from female athletes, since comfort and fit can vary greatly between men’s and women’s lines.

8. Extra Features to Consider

A few additional features that can improve your experience:

• UV protection → Great for outdoor training or cross-training.
• Quick-dry technology → Keeps you comfortable in long sessions.
• Anti-slip waistband grips → Keeps spats in place no matter how hard you roll.

Care & Maintenance Tips for Women’s BJJ Spats

Investing in a good pair of women’s BJJ spats is only half the battle. To get the most out of them—and avoid replacing them every few months—you’ll need to take proper care of your gear. Because spats are made from specialized compression fabrics, they require more attention than your average gym leggings. Here’s how to keep them in top condition:

1. Wash Immediately After Training

The number one rule of BJJ gear care: don’t let sweat sit in your spats. After rolling, bacteria and sweat soak into the fabric. If you leave them in your gym bag, odors and stains will set in quickly.

• Always wash your spats within a few hours of training.
• If you can’t wash immediately, rinse them in cold water to remove excess sweat.

👉 Pro tip: Keep a mesh laundry bag in your training bag to separate sweaty gear from the rest of your clothes.

2. Use Cold Water & Gentle Detergent

Compression fabrics are sensitive to heat. Washing in hot water can weaken the elasticity and shorten the lifespan of your spats.

• Always wash in cold water.
• Use a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softeners.
• Avoid strong fragrances—they can irritate skin when you sweat.

Fabric softeners coat the material, reducing its sweat-wicking ability and making it harder to breathe.

3. Avoid the Dryer

The golden rule: never put your BJJ spats in the dryer. High heat damages the spandex fibers, leading to sagging and loss of compression.

• Hang dry your spats in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, as UV rays can fade colors.

If you need a faster drying option, place them near a fan or dehumidifier.

4. Turn Inside Out Before Washing

Turning your spats inside out before throwing them in the washer helps in two ways:

1. Protects printed designs and logos from cracking or fading.
2. Removes sweat buildup from the inside layer where it accumulates most.

This small step can extend the life of your spats significantly.

5. Wash With Similar Fabrics

Compression fabrics should be washed with other performance gear (like rash guards, shorts, and dry-fit tops).

Avoid mixing spats with:

• Rough fabrics (like jeans or towels) → cause pilling.
• Items with zippers or Velcro → can snag and tear the spats.

6. Store Properly

When your spats are dry, fold them neatly or hang them. Avoid leaving them crumpled in your bag, as trapped moisture can cause mildew.

👉 If you train multiple times a week, it’s smart to have at least 2–3 pairs of spats to rotate. This gives each pair time to fully dry and prevents overuse.

7. Deal With Odors Naturally

Over time, even well-washed spats can develop stubborn smells. Instead of using harsh chemicals:

• Add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• Use a tablespoon of baking soda with your detergent.
• Occasionally soak spats in a vinegar-water solution for 30 minutes before washing.

This keeps them fresh without damaging the fibers.

8. Inspect for Wear & Tear

Before and after training, check your spats for:

• Loose stitching.
• Thinning fabric (especially at the knees).
• Worn-out waistbands.

Catching small issues early can prevent bigger rips. If seams start coming apart, a quick reinforcement stitch can give you a few extra months of use.

FAQs About Women’s BJJ Spats 

1. Are BJJ spats the same as regular leggings?

Not quite. While they may look similar, BJJ spats are designed specifically for grappling and martial arts training. Unlike regular gym leggings or yoga pants, BJJ spats use durable, sweat-wicking fabrics and reinforced stitching to handle the stress of rolling, pulling, and mat friction. They also provide compression benefits and often feature a higher waistband to stay secure during scrambles.

2. Can women wear spats in IBJJF competitions?

Yes. Spats are allowed in IBJJF competitions, but there are strict rules about colors and design. Typically, spats must be black, white, or the color of your current belt rank. If worn under shorts, they must extend to the knee or longer. Always check the latest IBJJF rulebook before competition, since uniform requirements can change.

3. Do spats help prevent injuries or skin infections?

Yes, spats play an important protective role. By covering the skin fully, they help prevent mat burns, cuts, and abrasions. More importantly, they reduce direct skin contact, lowering the risk of skin infections such as ringworm or staph, which are common in grappling sports. Combined with proper hygiene, spats are an effective layer of protection.

4. What size spats should I buy for BJJ?

Sizing can vary between brands, so it’s best to consult each brand’s size chart. In general, spats should feel like a second skin—snug but not restrictive. If you’re between sizes, many women prefer sizing up for extra comfort. Look for spats with a wide waistband to avoid rolling down during training.

5. How many pairs of BJJ spats should I own?

It depends on how often you train. For women training 2–3 times per week, at least two pairs are recommended so you can rotate between sessions. If you train daily, having three to five pairs ensures you always have fresh gear while allowing proper washing and drying time.