Buying your first BJJ gi is confusing. Every brand sizes differently. An A2 in Fuji fits nothing like an A2 in Sanabul. Order wrong and you are stuck with a gi that fits like a tent or cuts off circulation to your legs.
This guide breaks down exactly what size BJJ gi to buy based on your height, weight, and brand. No more guessing. No more returns.
BJJ Gi Sizing Basics
BJJ gi sizes use a letter-number system:
- A = Adult (most common)
- M = Youth/Minor
- Number = Size within category (A0 smallest, A6 largest)
General BJJ Gi Size Chart
Start here for a baseline. Then adjust by brand below.
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″ – 5’4″ | 110-140 lbs |
| A1 | 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 140-165 lbs |
| A2 | 5’8″ – 5’11” | 165-190 lbs |
| A3 | 6’0″ – 6’2″ | 190-220 lbs |
| A4 | 6’2″ – 6’4″ | 220-250 lbs |
| A5 | 6’4″+ | 250-280 lbs |
| A6 | 6’4″+ | 280+ lbs |
Important: These are general guidelines. Brands vary significantly. Always check brand-specific charts below.
Brand-Specific BJJ Gi Sizing
Fuji Gi Sizing Chart
Fuji gis run true to size with minimal shrinkage. Most people order their regular size.
| Size | Height | Weight | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″-5’4″ | 110-140 | Snug fit |
| A1 | 5’4″-5’7″ | 140-165 | Standard |
| A2 | 5’8″-5’11” | 165-190 | Standard |
| A3 | 6’0″-6’2″ | 190-220 | Roomy |
| A4 | 6’2″-6’4″ | 220-250 | Roomy |
Fuji Fit Tip: If you are between sizes, size down. Fuji gis have more room in the jacket.
Sanabul Gi Sizing Chart
Sanabul gis run slightly large and shrink more than average. Consider ordering down if between sizes.
| Size | Height | Weight | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″-5’4″ | 110-140 | Pre-shrunk |
| A1 | 5’4″-5’7″ | 140-170 | Shrinks slightly |
| A2 | 5’8″-5’11” | 170-200 | Shrinks slightly |
| A3 | 6’0″-6’2″ | 200-230 | Shrinks to fit |
Sanabul Fit Tip: These shrink 5-10% after first wash. Order your size if you want a competition fit after shrinking. Size up if you want a looser training fit.
Gold BJJ Gi Sizing Chart
Gold BJJ gis have an athletic cut – more tapered, less baggy. Popular with competitors.
| Size | Height | Weight | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″-5’4″ | 115-145 | Slim fit |
| A1 | 5’4″-5’7″ | 145-170 | Slim fit |
| A2 | 5’8″-5’11” | 170-195 | Athletic fit |
| A3 | 6’0″-6’2″ | 195-225 | Athletic fit |
| A4 | 6’2″-6’4″ | 225-255 | Athletic fit |
Gold Fit Tip: If you are muscular or broad-shouldered, size up. The athletic cut is narrower in the shoulders.
Venum Gi Sizing Chart
Venum gis run small. Most people need to size up, especially for competition.
| Size | Height | Weight | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 4’11”-5’3″ | 110-135 | Tight |
| A1 | 5’3″-5’6″ | 135-160 | Slim |
| A2 | 5’7″-5’10” | 160-185 | Slim |
| A3 | 5’11”-6’1″ | 185-215 | Competition fit |
| A4 | 6’2″-6’4″ | 215-245 | Competition fit |
Venum Fit Tip: Always size up with Venum. An A2 fits more like an A1.5 from other brands.
Elite Sports Gi Sizing Chart
Elite Sports gis are pre-shrunk with a relaxed fit. Good for beginners who want comfort over competition cut.
| Size | Height | Weight | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″-5’3″ | 110-140 | Pre-shrunk |
| A1 | 5’4″-5’7″ | 140-170 | Relaxed fit |
| A2 | 5’8″-5’11” | 170-200 | Relaxed fit |
| A3 | 6’0″-6’2″ | 200-230 | Relaxed fit |
Elite Fit Tip: These run slightly large. If you are between sizes, go down for a better fit.
Special Body Type Sizing
Tall and Skinny (Lanky Build)
If you are tall with a slim build, standard gi sizes leave you with baggy jackets or high-water pants.
Solution: Look for gi brands offering tall sizes or slim cuts:
- Fuji: Size up (A3 if you are usually A2), then shrink jacket only
- Gold BJJ: Athletic cut fits lanky builds well
- Inverted Gear: Offers tall sizes (A2L, A3L)
- Tatami: Some models come in long versions
Pro tip: Buy pants separately if needed. Many brands sell jacket-only or pants-only options.
Short and Stocky (Muscular Build)
Big shoulders and chest make standard gis tight across the back with sleeves that are too long.
- Fuji: Roomy cut accommodates broader builds
- Elite Sports: Relaxed fit with pre-shrinking
- Tatami: Comp SRS models have more room in shoulders
- Sanabul: Size up and let it shrink to fit
Plus Size BJJ Gi Options
Most brands stop at A5 (250 lbs). For larger practitioners:
- Fuji: Offers A6 size (up to 300 lbs)
- Gold BJJ: A5 fits generously
- Elite Sports: Extended sizes available
- Origin: Custom sizing available
Women’s BJJ Gi Sizing
Women’s gis use the F (Female) sizing system or standard A sizes:
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / A0 | 4’10”-5’2″ | 95-115 lbs |
| F1 / A1 | 5’2″-5’5″ | 115-140 lbs |
| F2 / A2 | 5’5″-5’8″ | 140-165 lbs |
| F3 / A3 | 5’8″-5’11” | 165-190 lbs |
| F4 / A4 | 5’11″+ | 190+ lbs |
Women-Specific Brands: Fuji, Sanabul, and Tatami all offer women’s cuts with tapered waists and adjusted proportions.
Youth BJJ Gi Sizing (Kids)
Kids gis use the M (Minor) sizing system:
| Size | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| M000 | 3-4 | 3’0″-3’4″ | 30-40 lbs |
| M00 | 4-5 | 3’4″-3’8″ | 40-50 lbs |
| M0 | 5-6 | 3’8″-4’0″ | 50-65 lbs |
| M1 | 6-8 | 4’0″-4’4″ | 65-85 lbs |
| M2 | 8-10 | 4’4″-4’8″ | 85-105 lbs |
| M3 | 10-12 | 4’8″-5’0″ | 105-125 lbs |
| M4 | 12-14 | 5’0″-5’4″ | 125-145 lbs |
Kids Gi Tip: Size up if your child is between sizes. Kids grow fast, and you cannot shrink a gi larger.
What If My Gi Does not Fit?
Gi Too Big
Wash in hot water and tumble dry on medium heat. Check fit after each cycle. Repeat until desired fit. Be careful not to over-shrink.
Gi Too Small
Unfortunately, you cannot unshrink a gi. Return it if possible, or sell it used and buy a size up. Some stretching can help slightly, but it is minimal.
Jacket Fits, Pants Do not (or Vice Versa)
This is common. Many brands sell jackets and pants separately. Buy each piece in the correct size for your body.
Quick Reference: BJJ Gi Size by Brand
| Brand | Sizing | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fuji | True to size | Most body types |
| Sanabul | Slightly large | Budget buyers |
| Gold BJJ | Athletic/slim | Competitors |
| Venum | Runs small | Competition fit |
| Elite Sports | Relaxed/roomy | Beginners |
| Tatami | True to size | Quality seekers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a gi that fits perfectly or slightly big?
Buy slightly big if the gi is not pre-shrunk. All gis shrink to some degree. A gi that fits perfectly new will be too tight after washing.
Do BJJ gis shrink?
Yes, 5-10% on average. Pre-shrunk gis shrink less. Sanabul shrinks the most. Fuji and Gold shrink the least.
What size gi for IBJJF competition?
Your gi must fit tight. The jacket cannot extend past your wrists when arms are extended. Pants cannot extend past ankles. Buy competition-specific gis (Gold, Venum) or size down from your training gi.
Can I wear an A2 jacket with A3 pants?
Absolutely. Many people mix sizes to fit their proportions. As long as both pieces are the same brand/color, it looks fine.
Bottom Line
Getting the right BJJ gi size comes down to:
- Know your height and weight
- Check the brand-specific chart (not just the general one)
- Consider your body type
- Account for shrinkage
- When in doubt, size up
Still unsure? Start with a Fuji gi in your general size. They are the most forgiving for beginners and fit most body types well.