Ever wonder what makes a good Jiu Jitsu gi or rashguard? It’s more than just looking cool on the mats. The right gear can seriously change your training. When you’re rolling hard, your clothes need to keep up. Cheap gear can snag, rip, or just feel awful. That means distraction instead of focus.
Choosing Jiu Jitsu apparel often feels like a maze. You see so many brands, materials, and prices. Should you go for heavy cotton or lightweight synthetic? Does the fit really matter that much? These small decisions affect your comfort, movement, and even your safety during tough rolls.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in gis, no-gi gear, and training wear. You will learn how to find durable, comfortable apparel that fits your budget and your training style. Get ready to upgrade your gear game and train better than ever.
Top Jiu Jitsu Apparel Recommendations
- Ultra Rash Guard: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex blend delivers better anti-friction feature - supports rolling/gripping, cuts friction during dynamic moves, prevents mat rash and friction burns, enhancing your BJJ performance
- High Compression: 4-way stretch fabric offers firm muscle support, precise movement control, enhanced blood flow, and faster recovery (If you prefer a lighter fit or don’t train professionally, consider sizing up for comfort)
- Moisture Wicking Mesh: Adopt breathable mesh material under the arms to promote two-way airflow and enhance moisture wicking ability, improving ventilation and comfort during exercise, so you always stay fresh and comfortable
- Sun Protection & Flatlock: Certified UPF 50+ fabric effectively blocks UVA and UVB rays. Ergonomic flat lock and tagless design fits the skin better to prevent chafing and enhance comfort—keeping comfortable all day, focus on sport
- Usage Scenarios: Ideal for BJJ, MMA, jiu-jitsu, boxing, martial arts, no Gi, surfing, football, running, outdoor activities, workout, training, wrestling, Muay Thai, grappling, swimming, fishing and more—for both high-intensity sports and daily workouts
- Michigan Artists & Printers - this design was drawn and printed with pride by our skilled illustrators and printers in Ann Arbor. If you're ever in the area, stop by for a free tour and see how we make your apparel!
- UNISEX Modern Fit Sizing - this shirt is slightly tapered to be a little less boxy than the old style of mass-market t-shirt. Nothing drastic, and most people wear the same size in our shirts as they do in all of their others, but you might go one size larger if you're on the fence. It is pre-shrunk, but like any high-cotton product, will still shrink slightly in the wash. Our model photos are the real thing - the actual shirt on our salesguy, Rich. He's 6' 2", 200 lbs and wearing a large
- Soft Fabrics - This shirt is a ringspun, 30/1 fine jersey knit on USA-grown cotton (and up to 50% polyester for two-tone blend, depending on the color). This means they are soft and smooth with a high thread-count, tight knit made out of fuzzy plants grown by American farmers. These are mid-weight shirts - a bit lighter than your mass-market, thick gym class t-shirts, but substantial / not see-through. It's a nice balance between comfort and durability
- Tearaway Tags - Our shirts feature an easy-tear tag that will come out without damaging the stitching, if you would prefer to not have a tag in your shirt
- BJJ Humor | A fun and funny way to celebrate Brazilian Jiujitsu or mixed martial arts (MMA)
- CONSTRUCTION FABRIC – Elite Sports BJJ rash guards are made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex making it best BJJ full sleeve rash guards with highest level of comfort. Our BJJ compression rash guard for men has non-chaffing and 4-way stretch features.
- MULTIPURPOSE – Elite Sports full sleeve Jiu Jitsu rash guards are perfect for MMA, BJJ, Jiu-Jitsu, No-GI, Boxing, Kickboxing, and more martial art forms. This best MMA BJJ compression rash guard will be enough for all your training and as a base layer.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE – Our flatlock stitched BJJ ranked rash guards are cheap yet durable. Fully sublimated graphics won’t crack, fade, peel, or irritate, giving comfort. Anti-slip bands at the waist of our No-GI rash guards prevent it from riding up.
- PERFORMANCE BOOST & RECOVERY – BJJ compression rashguard allows better blood flow improving performance and recovery. The honeycomb design under arms and back of our long sleeve compression MMA rash guard adds strength boosting your performance.
- MARTIAL ARTS APPROVED – Our BJJ ranked long sleeve compression rash guard is suitable for any martial arts tournament. Our BJJ rash guards cheap are just perfect for you regardless of your martial art form. Get your favorite Elite BJJ rashguard now.
- Jiu-jitsu gift: This sock set is the perfect choice for gifting jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, especially suitable as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, Valentine's Day gift, or Father's Day gift. Whether for sons, grandsons, nephews, dads, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, or friends, it is not just a practical gift but also an expression of love for jiu-jitsu. It allows the recipient to feel the joy and passion that this sport brings.
- Fun pattern design: Featuring a variety of jiu-jitsu elements such as training uniforms, belts, trophies, safety gestures, and shoulder throw moves, these socks capture the essence of the sport while adding a playful touch. This vibrant design brings energy and personality to each wear, making them perfect for both training sessions and casual outings, elevating your athletic style effortlessly.
- Size: This men's cotton sock set includes 3 pairs and is available in US sizes 7-13, making it perfect for adult men and teenagers.
- Comfortable fabric: Made from a soft fabric containing 80% cotton, these socks provide excellent comfort, making them suitable for extended wear.
- Wearing occasion: These socks are perfect for everyday wear by jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, made from high-quality materials to provide a comfortable wearing experience for jiu-jitsu practitioners and athletes in their daily lives.
- Martial Arts Chess design. This fun vintage Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling design with chess pieces and belt colours for men and women is the perfect gift for MMA fans and mixed martial arts fighters.
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
- Jiu Jitsu Apparel design.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- MICHIGAN ARTISTS & PRINTERS | this design was drawn and screen printed (silk screened) with pride by our skilled illustrators and printers in Ann Arbor. If you're ever in the area, stop by for a free tour and see how we make your apparel! Tagless tag is printed on fabric inside collar, you can't feel it. No print on backside
- UNISEX MODERN FIT SIZING | this shirt is slightly tapered to be a little less boxy than the old style of mass-market t-shirt. Nothing drastic, and most people wear the same size in our shirts as they do in all of their others, but you might go one size larger if you're on the fence. It is pre-shrunk, but like any high-cotton product, will still shrink slightly in the wash. Our model photos are the real thing - the actual shirt on our salesguy, Rich. He's 6' 2", 200 lbs and wearing a large
- SOFT FABRICS | Our shirts are a ringspun, 30/1 fine jersey knit on 100% USA-grown cotton. If you don't speak t-shirt geek, that means they are soft and smooth with a high thread-count, tight knit made out of fuzzy plants grown by American farmers. These are mid-weight shirts - a bit lighter than your mass-market, thick gym class t-shirts, but substantial / not see-through. It's a nice balance between comfort and durability
- TOP QUALITY INKS & EQUIPMENT | We use QCM screen printing inks, manufactured in Pineville, North Carolina. These are high quality inks - vibrant and durable, and highly crack resistant. Some of our designs are intentionally faded or cracked (see product photos), but our inks always "do what they are told" by our printers. We use top of the line printing presses and ovens (to properly cure inks) made by M&R in Roselle, Illinois
- SAFE CHEMISTRY | QCM has been one of the most forward-thinking ink manufacturers in the industry, going phthalate-free over ten years ago - way ahead of the curve. They're also CFC free and rated as carcinogen-free by the state of California
- Jiu Jitsu Apparel design.
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Jiu-Jitsu Apparel
Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a tough sport. You need the right gear to train well and stay safe. This guide helps you pick the best apparel for your rolls.
Key Features to Look For
Good BJJ gear has features that help you train. Think about these things when you shop.
Durability and Strength
Your clothes must handle pulling, twisting, and sweat. Look for strong stitching. Double stitching on seams is much better. Cheap gear rips fast. Good gear lasts a long time.
Fit and Flexibility
Apparel should move with you, not against you. You need full range of motion for sweeps and submissions. Rashguards should fit snugly, almost like a second skin. Pants should not be too loose or too tight in the knees or groin area.
Comfort and Breathability
You will sweat a lot. Your gear must wick sweat away from your body. Breathable fabric keeps you cooler. Look for mesh panels in high-sweat areas, like the back of the knees or armpits.
Important Materials Matter
The fabric makes a huge difference in how your gear feels and lasts.
Rashguards (Tops)
- Polyester/Spandex Blends: This is the standard. It stretches well and dries fast. High-quality blends feel smooth and resist pilling (little fabric balls).
- Lycra or Elastane: These give the gear its stretchiness. More of this means better flexibility.
No-Gi Shorts and Pants
- Ripstop Material: This woven fabric resists tearing. If a small hole starts, the weave stops it from spreading. It is tough and light.
- Stretch Panels: Look for panels (usually spandex) in the crotch and inner thigh. These allow deep squats and lunges without tearing the main fabric.
Gi (Kimono) Material
Gis use heavy cotton (often called ‘pearl weave’ or ‘gold weave’). Heavier Gis are harder to grab, but they take longer to dry. Lighter Gis are better for hot weather competition.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details show if a product is high quality or low quality.
Quality Boosters
- Sublimated Graphics: The designs (logos, art) are dyed directly into the fabric. They never crack or peel off, even after many washes.
- Flatlock Seams: These seams lie flat against your skin. They prevent chafing and irritation during long training sessions.
- Reinforced Stress Points: Extra stitching is added where the most pulling happens (e.g., armpits, crotch).
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Screen-Printed Logos: These sit on top of the fabric. They often crack after a few months.
- Thick, Bulky Seams: Rough seams rub your skin raw when you roll against mats or training partners.
- Low Spandex Content: Gear that loses its shape quickly after stretching is usually poor quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your training style changes what gear you need.
No-Gi Training (Rashguards and Spats/Shorts)
This is fast-paced. You want maximum grip resistance. Rashguards prevent mat burn and keep you covered. Spats (compression pants) help keep muscles warm and reduce skin infections from minor scrapes.
Gi Training (Kimono)
The Gi must be durable enough to withstand heavy gripping. For competition, check the weight rules. For casual training, comfort is key, but toughness cannot be ignored.
Everyday Use
If you wear your gear a lot, prioritize durability and easy washing. Gear that shrinks or fades quickly becomes unusable for training.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Jiu-Jitsu Apparel
Q: Do I need a rashguard for Gi training?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended. A rashguard protects your skin from mat bacteria and prevents your training partner’s chest hair from sticking to you.
Q: How tight should my rashguard fit?
A: It should fit very snugly, like a second skin. It should not restrict your breathing or movement, but there should be no loose fabric.
Q: Can I use regular workout clothes for BJJ?
A: You can for a single beginner class, but regular clothes often tear easily. BJJ gear is specifically built to handle extreme pulling force.
Q: What is the difference between spats and compression shorts?
A: Spats cover the entire leg (ankle to waist). Compression shorts only cover the upper thigh. Spats offer more protection against mat friction.
Q: Do I need to wash my Gi after every single use?
A: Absolutely, yes. BJJ Gis absorb a lot of sweat and bacteria. Always wash them immediately after training.
Q: How do I stop my Gi from shrinking?
A: Wash your Gi in cold water and hang it up to air dry. Using the dryer is the fastest way to shrink cotton Gis.
Q: Are expensive Gis really better than cheap ones?
A: Often, yes. More expensive Gis use better weave patterns (like pearl weave) that are harder to grip while still being comfortable.
Q: How do I choose the right color for my No-Gi gear?
A: For most gyms, any color is fine for training. If you plan to compete, check the tournament rules; some events only allow black, blue, or white.
Q: Will my rashguard cause me to overheat?
A: Quality rashguards use moisture-wicking material that pulls sweat away, actually helping you stay cooler than wearing a thick, non-wicking cotton shirt.
Q: How long should BJJ shorts or spats last?
A: If you train three to four times a week, a high-quality pair should last you at least one to two years before the stretch starts to noticeably weaken.