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Finding the right Gi can be tough if you’re a larger individual. For BJJ practitioners, the Gi is one of their most treasured possessions. A comfortable and well-fitting Gi can help you move swiftly during attacks and prevent your outfit inhibiting your movements and making you vulnerable during defense as well as give your more control against grips.
This article aims to make things a little easier for you, and so we have listed the best BJJ Gis for big guys to wear.
The sizing of BJJ Gis differs vastly from other martial arts, such as judo or karate. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each Gi is usually labeled with “A” for adult males, “F” for adult females, and “M” for kids and teenagers. Each size of the Gi is also defined with a number, with a smaller number indicating a smaller size. For example, an A1 Gi would be much smaller than an A5 Gi. Some companies also manufacture L (long) and H (heavy) sizes, which are suitable for someone tall and lanky, or short and stocky, respectively.
In an ideal world, choosing the right sized BJJ Gis would not be a problem for you at all. There are size charts, after all! Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world. There are many manufacturers of BJJ Gis out there, and each brand has its own size chart. If you’re looking for a ready-made Gi, you would need to take a look at the company’s size chart, cross-match it with your height and weight, and find the best BJJ Gis for you. Usually, individuals over 6’ ft and 180 lbs can find a suitable Gi in sizes A3 and above – depending on their height and weight.
The Usual BJJ GI size chart
Size | Height | Weight |
A0 | 5ft 4” – 5ft 7” | 132 – 143lb |
A1 | 5ft 7” – 5ft 9” | 143 – 158lb |
A1L | 5ft 11” – 6ft | 143 – 158lb |
A2 | 5ft 8” – 6ft | 158 – 180lb |
A2L | 5ft 11” – 6ft 2” | 158 – 180lb |
A3 | 6ft 1” – 6ft 3 | 180 – 209lb |
A3L | 6ft 3” – 6ft 4” | 180 – 209lb |
A4 | 6ft 1” – 6ft 4” | 209 – 264lb |
However, for some big guys, this can be problematic. Manufacturers usually design with height and weight in proportion, so if your weight does not match with your height, you might have a problem finding the right fit. Even if the Gi fits snugly, you might find that the sleeves or the trousers are too long. This is why we’ve listed the best BJJ Gis for big guys so that we can spare you the trouble and help you find the right Gi much more easily.
And in case you’re finding your Gi pants are too short or too long, then out this review article and perhaps buy an additional pair of Gi pants for your outfit.
It is unusual for veteran Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to have not heard of Fuji, one of the best manufacturers of BJJ uniforms out there. They have several different lines of Gi, and the Fuji All-Around Victory Gi is one of the best BJJ Gis for big guys. It comes in many different sizes from A1 to A6, but for larger men, the size of A5 or A6 would be the most suitable.
Not too light and not too heavy, this Gi is comfortable to wear – whether you’re training at the gym or stepping up into a tournament. It’s made out of 100% cotton, but the fabric remains sturdy even after long periods of use. Other than two small logos on the back and the shoulder, the Gi is comprised entirely of one color, but there is a variety of colors available.
Even after numerous washing cycles, the Gi does not undergo noticeable shrinkage, which is important as you would need to wash your Gi a lot. It costs a little more than an average Gi, but its longevity makes it worth every penny.
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For many beginners dipping their toes into the ocean of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the first obstacle comes even before starting training. Many novices are at a complete loss when choosing the right Gi for them, and for big individuals, the task is even more daunting. However, one of the best BJJ Gis for big guys who are just starting out is the Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi, its lightweight design giving you an edge when you start training.
When you begin training, your heart rate will accelerate, and you will be sweating profusely. A lightweight Gi such as this one from Gold BJJ will help make those training sessions more comfortable. Is such a light fabric really suitable for jiu-jitsu? Absolutely! This Gi has been designed to be durable as well with reinforced stitching at the stress points. The Gi comes in several sizes from A0 to A5, including the L (long) and H (heavy) variants. Pick the one that suits you the best, and you’re good to go.
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For big guys who want a great build like that of Gold BJJ, but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, Sanabul has a solution for you. A comparatively new company founded only in 2014 – they have already become a fan favorite with Sanabul Essentials Version 2, a Gi that offers great value for money in terms of quality.
One of the reasons this Gi stands out so much is customer feedback. Version 2 is essentially an upgrade from their previous product, which has been improved based on reviews of its buyers. It is preshrunk and designed to be a perfect fit, so you can cold wash your Gi as many times as you want without having to worry about the Gi becoming tighter. Size of A4 should be good enough for large individuals, but if you find it to be loose, you can wash it in hot water and machine dry it to shrink it a little.
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Another cost-effective choice for bigger guys can be this Gi from Your Jiu Jitsu Gear. At first look, the Gi feels almost as good as a Fuji. The manufacturers of this uniform are yet to be well-known, but compared to the price point, Your Jiu Jitsu Gear offers excellent quality.
There are many reasons that make this Gi stand out from the rest. It is light yet durable, and it comes preshrunk so that wash cycles do not end up making the uniform tighter. The Gi comes in all sizes, from A1 to A5, and the latter ones can be perfect for tall and muscular individuals. However, sometimes, the Gi is said to be larger than advertised. In terms of looks, aside from a minuscule logo, the Gi is almost bare. It is clear that the manufacturer prioritized the art of jiu-jitsu over their publicity.
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One of the reasons a Gi is so important for a BJJ practitioner is due to the comfort it offers. A Gi should allow you to move freely, grapple mercilessly, and perform maneuvers like Ezekiel chokes without having your clothing get in the way. If you’re looking for something like that, Elite Sports offers Gi that fit and feel “just right.”
The Gi comes in all sizes from A0 to A5, with the L (long) and H (heavy) variants as well. For big guys, the size of A4 or A5 can be perfect – depending on your height and your weight. The Gi has been preshrunk so that you can wash the uniform in cold water and still have it remain snug. It is lightweight but strong, and the use of the latest anti-odor and anti-microbial technology on the fabric makes it one of the most hygienic products out there.
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Many of the items on this list are geared more towards beginners, with the Gi being lightweight and inexpensive. However, some veteran Brazillian jiu-jitsu practitioners may prefer something with a more premium build. For these veterans with a tall and muscular body, the Hayabusa Goorudo 3 can be a brilliant choice. It comes in choices of A0-A5, with A5 being the best BJJ Gis for big guys, as it can shrink after washes.
When it comes to the best BJJ brands out there, Hayabusa leads the frontlines. The gold weave Goorudo 3 has been designed with the finest craftsmanship – fusing the generic Single Weave design with the Double Weave.
The Gi is comparatively heavier – made of 550 GSM – but it adds to the durability of the Gi whilst providing maximum comfort. When it comes to style, Hayabusa goes overboard, but that’s what many athletes want when they compete in tournaments. The Gi contains patches on the lapel, chest, back, shoulders, and legs, and is decorated with kanjis meaning words like “Courage,” “Strength,” and “Respect.”
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Although a bit more plain than most other Gis, the Reevo Guard Ultra Light Gi is very impressive considering its cost. This Gi is particularly suited for big guys, as Reevo’s sizes differ slightly from other manufacturers. Their sleeves are wider and the cuffs of the pants roomier, which would normally be a problem – but for larger individuals, these sizing options are better. If you’re big and tall, an A5 Reevo Gi would be more than comfortable.
Despite its affordable price, Reevo does not cut slack when it comes to quality. Made of soft iron cotton, the Gi is reinforced at the underarms, all the way from the knee to the angles. The Gi offers plenty of space to add patches, comes with a stiff, weighted collar that makes it comfy, and a strong lapel that does not sway during movement. As a whole, the Gi allows you to move with confidence and swiftness, making your training more effective.
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Whether you’re an amateur in training or an expert preparing for tournaments, another great choice for big guys is the Ronin BJJ Gis. This Gi is especially useful in hot and humid weather, as the material is very breathable, keeping the freshness alive. The Gi also boasts great design, having been manufactured with the help of the calligrapher Thomas Docherty.
Although reviews about this Gi are scarce, many big individuals in online forums report that they found this Gi to be a perfect fit and very comfortable. The cleanly designed Gi comes in eight different sizes: A1 to A5, including A1L, A2L, and A3L. If you tower over your peers, you might choose to go with an A4 or A5, depending on your preference.
The Gi fabric is lightweight yet sturdy, so you will be able to glide at the gym without having to worry about your uniform hindering you. It is stylish, affordable, and comfortable, making it a great pick for big guys.
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Breathable and easy to move in
Extremely comfortable and suitable for beginners
Comes in the sizes A1-A5 and can fit large people comfortably
Can be machine-washed and has a shrinking rate of 1-3%
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Not pre-shrunk and can shrink when washed
Quite expensive
Perhaps, you’ve cross-checked your height and weight with different size charts and finally decided to settle on your next BJJ Gis. However, your duty is not over here. While size is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing the best BJJ Gis for big guys, there are some other factors that you should keep in mind as well.
In the past, most BJJ Gis originally came in white. Brands became more innovative, though, and now, many companies have started creating Gis that come in blue, black, grey, pink, and a myriad of other colors. If you’re only beginning training at the gym, the color of the Gi shouldn’t matter much as long as it is plain, and your professor allows it.
If you’re planning to participate in tournaments, though, you better stick to white, black, or blue as they are the only uniform colors approved by the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation). The IBJJF also does not permit the tops and pants to be of different colors or the color of the collar varying from the rest of the top.
The weave of your Gi plays a big role in your mobility and comfort. There are many types of weaves out there, some of which are:
Single Weave – A single weave makes a Gi inexpensive and lightweight, but it comes at the price of resilience. If you’re a complete beginner and still unsure about BJJ, a single weave can be a good choice.
Double Weave – Double weaves are thicker, making the Gi more durable. They are strong and comfortable, but are also heavier, making them unsuitable in hotter weather.
Gold Weave – Gold weaves are a hybrid of single weave and double weave, taking the best of both worlds. They are strong and lightweight at the same time.
Pearl Weave – Pearl weaves are comparatively new, but they are already very popular. They are designed to be lightweight and resilient whilst also being breathable, making them perfect in all conditions.
Gi collar fills are usually made of cotton or rubber, and each has its pros and cons. Cotton collars are less restrictive, making you more comfortable. On the other hand, if hygiene is your priority, rubberized collars are a better option as they are less prone to bacteria and other germs.
In conclusion, while finding the best BJJ Gis for big guys is difficult, it is not impossible. Although traditionally, Gi manufacturers do not specifically make products for tall and large individuals, some companies manufacture products that can fit them perfectly. So, wait no further! Look up your height and weight right now, and order the best Gi for you!
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I'm Timmy and I'm the chief-editor and co-founder of Jiu-Jitsu Street. You'll usually find me on the mats and also cross-training Muay Thai. Besides martial arts I'm also into functional fitness and all things health. Jiu-Jitsu Street was created to provide useful information for BJJ beginners and seasoned practitioners alike to help you on your journey and love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Oss!
Jiu-Jitsu Street is a community of fun loving and hard rolling BJJ enthusiasts. Born out of our passion for the gentle art, we have decided to create this blog and help you on your journey. Let’s grow and learn together on this never-ending journey. Oss!
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