I think it's safe to say:
there's a ton of different gis out there, each with different fabrics, weaves, weights, colors and patches.
Lightweight gis in-particular, are ideal for training in warm weather, and for competitions when you're required to weigh-in wearing your gi.
With that said, you’ll want a gi that's lightweight yet strong, providing you with something that won’t fall apart, but isn’t going to make you feel bogged down or feel overly stiff.
Finding such a gi however, can be relatively hard. That's why we've put together this guide on the best lightweight BJJ gis.
This list will provide you with everything you need to know about lightweight gis, as well as a number of fantastic options.
Editors Choice:
FUJI SUPARAITO BJJ GI
Let’s get right into it by showing you what to look for in a lightweight gi.
What to Look for in a Lightweight BJJ Gi
WEAVE AND GSM RATING
You've probably noticed the term "GSM" floating around when looking for a gi.
For all intents and purposes, think of GSM as the weight of the fabric, which will largely depend on the type of weave used to construct the gi.
This is due to the fact that each type of weave uses a different amount of material, which therefore directly effects how much the gi weighs.
A pearl weave BJJ Gi
The types of weaves you will see in BJJ vary, but the most popular style in lightweight gis is called pearl weave. This style typically has a GSM rating of 350 (or under), and it is the lightest weave allowed into competition by the IBJJF (International BJJ Federation), the sanctioning body for competition.
Considering that the GSM rating for gis can easily reach over 500, that gives you an idea of what this style is all about.
Pearl weave is light and durable, so you can count on seeing it in a lot on our list.
IBJJF Certified
Another important aspect that you need to see with gis is whether or not they are IBJJF certified.
This is the governing body that certifies competition level gis, and if you aren’t wearing one that is certified, then you won’t be able to compete.
While you can train in whatever you want, it’s can never be a bad thing wearing an IBJJF certified gi, as they're obviously certified for a reason.
Size
It’s obvious that you want a gi that fits you, which means you want a company that supplies sizes that can accommodate you.
It’s important to remember that the first time you wash a gi, it's liable to shrink, even if they say that it is pre-shrunk.
With that in mind, if you're between sizes, it is always best to go up a size to account for any shrinking that wiwll probably happen while you’re washing it.
Price
A good rule of thumb for a gi is that quality gis cost money.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you want to go out and grab the first gi that comes with a high price.
You’ll want to make sure that the gi has the qualities that we described here to justify a good price point.
Certain brands that command respects in the BJJ community are also going to cost more, but they come with the benefit of being developed by a company that knows what makes quality gis.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Lightweight BJJ Gis
Before we take a look at some of the different lightweight gis, let's assess the benefits and drawbacks of wearing them.
Benefits
Drawbacks
List of the Best Lightweight BJJ Gis
I think that's enough chit chat now, let's get on with the list!
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Choice Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Gameness Air
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Hayabusa Lightweight Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Flow Kimonos Air Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Tatami Zero G V4
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra-Light Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Elite Sports Ultra-Light Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
 | Gold BJJ Lightweight Gi
| VIEW ON AMAZON →SEE CUSTOMER REVIEWS → |
Fuji Suparaito BJJ GI
Noteworthy Features:
The Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi has to be included in the list of the best BJJ gi for competition, because it has high quality, long-lasting design, and is able to provide a fit for just about everyone.
The issue that people see right out of the gate is the cost. This is definitely on the higher end of gis in terms of price, but you have to remember what you are getting for that money.
Pearl weave jacket, triple reinforced stitching in the pants along with rip stop fabrics, and a design that is going to last through many, many battles on the mat. Competition gis require high quality, and that is exactly what Fuji have delivered here.
As we’ve mentioned, this is made from the toughest stuff out there for a lightweight gi. You can count on the jacket and pants to fit very well, as Fuji has introduced half sizes. This is great as it allows pretty much anyone to get a Fuji gi fitting perfectly.
Since this one fits you a little more closely due to it's competition cut, no access material can be found, making it slightly harder for your opponent to establish a grip.
The gi has a great and unique look to it, which is pretty flashy, especially for a brand like Fuji, that let the quality do the talking, as opposed to the design. With the reinforced stitching and variety of different colors, you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd while wearing one of these.
That said, if you're a more low-key type of person, you can go for a more subdued look with the black color.
All in all, this is a fantastic gi that isn’t going to stretch, tear, or give your opponent any edge over you.
We liked everything it had to offer, and even with the price tag you have to remember that good gear is worth breaking out the wallet.
We actually listed the Fuji Suparaito in this article, where we detail the 10 best BJJ gi's currently available. Feel free to check that out for some more great options.
Pros
Cons
Gameness Air
Noteworthy Features:
As we mentioned in the noteworthy features, one of the things that makes this gi great is the moderate price, despite being one of the highest quality options on our list.
You won’t spend as much on this as you would on some of the other gis that are out there, and that can be helpful for people on a budget.
The design of the gi is very good. Starting with the jacket, you’ll find that it is made of tough yet light materials. Gameness used pearl weave in the design, giving the jacket a great ability to stand up under severe punishment while maintaining a lightweight design. At only 350 gsm, this is a very lightweight gi that will be comfortable for training and good for competition. It is IBJJF certified, so it’s allowed in competitions for BJJ.
Speaking of lightweight materials, this gi has pants that only weigh 8oz, which is a bit lower than other competition-level pants and very light. As we’ve mentioned, the pants are also made with rip stop which makes them more durable and less likely to tear when you are putting in some time on the mats.
You’ll be happy to know that the gi comes in blue, black, and white for colors and it doesn’t have a ton of branding or patches on it.
In fact, there is the Gameness logo on each arm, and they aren’t very big. It’s a little more subtle than some of the other gis that are out there on the market, so it’s good if you want you want something with a basic look.
You’ll be able to get the gi in sizes A0-A6, so most people will be able to get a gi that fits them well.
Overall, this is a very good gi to use if you're looking for an option that has a moderate cost, high quality, and an appearance that isn’t overdone with patches and branding.
If you want some more information on the Gameness Air, head over to our Gameness BJJ gi review and comparison here.
Pros
Cons
HAYABUSA LIGHTWEIGHT GI
Noteworthy Features:
Anyone who's been involved in martial arts for a while will have heard the name Hayabusa before. They're one of the biggest names in the game and are known for their exceptionally high quality gear.
Unfortunately, this quality does come at a price, which tends to be pretty high, but if you're serious about finding a long lasting gi, then it's worth every cent.
Their lightweight gi for example, is made using pearl weave cotton material. Pearl weave is known to be the most durable type of weave used to construct BJJ gi's. Although lightweight, pearl weave is incredibly durable, making this particular gi ideal for both training and competition purposes.
Hayabusa have made use of 8pz rip stop pants, which is pretty much as light as you're going to get in the pants department. This again makes the Hayabusa gi ideal for competitions, where you'll weigh in wearing your gi.
In terms of design, this is one of Hayabusa's more low-key gis, and is available in 9 different color combinations and variations.
All in all, this gi will definitely meet the needs of anyone on the hunt for a good quality lightweight gi.
Pros
Cons
Flow Kimonos Air Gi
Noteworthy Features:
The Flow Kimonos Air Gi is another great entry into the best competition BJJ gis for a lot of different reasons.
It’s very clear that the company wanted to put forth their best work, so they pulled out all the stops they could. Looking at the fabric that makes up this gi is a good place to start, as you've got an awesome looking jacket that's made from 350 gsm pearl weave fabric.
You know this stuff by now. It’s tough, it’s durable, and it’s very light. Your jacket has some pretty solid stitching on the collar too, making it a little stiffer than a collar without the reinforced, double stitches.
When looking at the pants and their materials, you’ll see that they are made out of rip stop cotton, so it’s tough stuff that isn’t going to split down the seams when you go to do some heavy rolling or competing.
Now, you’ll see that a lot of this gi is made from cotton, which can shrink up on you. Yet, the gi is pre-shrunk ` so it’s only going to shrink a very little bit, almost to the point where you won’t notice it. With the wide variety of sizes at your disposal, you’ll have no trouble finding a gi that fits you.
Along with being very lightweight at just 8oz, the pants are incredibly breathable so you won’t feel like you’re drowning in a pool of sweat while training & competing, even if it's summer time.
Built into the pants is a drawstring that is made from high density foam, something that is not going to come untied very easily and isn't that common in BJJ gis. This gives you more time to worry about what you’re doing on the mat, and not focusing on your pants falling down.
As with the other gis that we have looked at here, this one is IBJJF compliant so you can use it whenever you are competing.
That means you don’t have to swap out your gear when you’re getting ready for a competition, as you can both train and compete in this gi.
Which brings me to my last point, we have to look it's price tag, which is somewhere between moderate and high. It’s definitely somewhat of an investment, but after looking at everything that they have to offer, it’s probably one that you will want to make.
Pros
Cons
Tatami Zero G V4
Noteworthy Features:
The Tatami Zero G V4 gi is another good entry into lightweight gis for BJJ.
It’s a IBJJF compliant gi that is able to be used in competitions. Tatami, as always, pushed the boundaries, putting branding and patches on shoulders, neck, and thigh areas, making it just a little tougher for someone to grab those areas - any little helps right?
You’re going to like the look of this gi if you are into flashier kinds of styles. The stitching is bright cobalt blue and it really stands out along with all of the branding on the gi. While it only comes in black and white, the unique stitching makes the jacket and the pants stand out quite a bit.
You can expect to get all of the typical sizes for this product from A0 to A6, so most people will be covered by the sizes.
Speaking of sizes, this gi is made from twill cotton and is not pre-shrunk, so you have to take into account some good amount of shrinkage will occur when you first wash it. With that in mind, if you're on the cusp of the larger size, it's probably a good idea to go for it.
The jacket is made out of some pretty strong material, pearl weave with a gsm of 475. This is a little bit heavier than some of the other gis that we have looked at, so it’s not going to be as lightweight as some of those other options.
It’s also important to look at the pants here and see that they have some really strong stitching in them. It’s a little unusual because it is diagonal stitches, but it’s still really useful for keeping your pants together. They only weigh 9oz which is a pretty low weight.
Speaking of weight, this gi is lightweight, but it’s definitely on the higher end of lightweight owing to the 475 gsm in the material. Still, you can get a lot of movement from the gi without the material billowing out and waiting to be grabbed.
Overall, this is a quality gi that requires a little bit of an investment on the part of the user. It is a moderate price, but you do get a lot from it.
Also, ladies will be pleased to hear that Tatami also make this gi in a female cut. No more uni-sex gis!
Pros
Cons
Sanabul Essentials V.2 Ultra-Light Gi
Noteworthy Features:
It shouldn’t be any surprise to see the Sanabul brand on this list, as they're known for offer decent quality gear, for incredible (and I mean incredible) prices. In the case of the Sanabul Essentials v.2, you are getting a good gi for an abseloute bargain.
Ok, it may not be the most durable, but if you're just starting out in BJJ and want an affordable lightweight gi, this is probably the way to go.
The gi is made from very light and tough fabrics that feature contrasting stitching. That gives the jacket and the pants enough strength to be durable throughout some of the tougher training sessions that you’ll have.
The material that makes up the gi is pre-shrunk, so you’re not going to need to worry about your gi shrinking up too much on you if you wash it on the right settings. The Sanabul company even has their own sizing chart to help you get the best fit possible.
The collar is one feature that we really like because it is stiff, infused with rubberized materials, and tough to get a good grip on. That makes it slightly harder for your opponent/ training partner to establish a grip on your collar, which of course, is always nice.
One thing to bear in mind is that this gi is not certified by the IBJJF, meaning that you can’t use it for formal competitions. Yet, that doesn’t mean it is not useful for training purposes. With the low cost that you have to get one of these gis, it’s a great option just to use for training while you have another for competition.
There are several other features that everyone will like in this gi such as the color scheme and design. The gi has a good amount colors available like blue, grey, green, white, and black.
Combined with the patch on the chest and shin, Sanabul have done an awesome job at producing a good looking gi.
For the price, it’ll be hard to beat, but you have to remember that this one is for training, not competition.
Pros
Cons
Elite Sports Ultra-Light Gi
Noteworthy Features:
Elite Sports is a great name in fighting gear, so it’s no surprise that they have one of the best BJJ gi's for competition out there. This gi is particularly nice because it provides its wearers with an inexpensive option that has everything you need in an IBJJF approved gi, without all the bells and whistles.
The fabric in this gi is pre-shrunk, so you can wash it according to the instructions and not have to worry about it getting too small on you. While we’re talking about materials, this is lightweight, 400 gsm material that is pretty durable and light. You’ll be able to use this on the mats for a long time without having to worry about wearing through it or having it torn.
The pants don’t have rip stop fabrics in them, so they are a little less protected against damage than some of the other gis out there.
Yet, you do save money by not having that in the pants. The bottom line is that you are going to get your money’s worth out of these pants.
Another great part about this gi is the collar. It is extra stiff and thick so it’s not an easy target for people to grab onto. Even if they do, they'll find it hard to maintain a solid grip, especially if your defence game is on point.
We liked the various colors that are available for the gi. You can wear white, black, green, gray, pink, and blue for those people out there who enjoy a little style with their outfit.
You get a free white belt with the purchase, and it’s always nice to get something extra. With a low price point, lots of customization options, and a solid design, this is definitely a good gi that just about anyone can afford.
Pros
Cons
Gold BJJ Lightweight Gi
Noteworthy Features:
Gold is a company that is always counted among the best for BJJ and other gear, so don’t be surprised to see them on this list.
The one thing that we love the most about Gold is that they have a guarantee available. If you don’t like the gi, send it back and get your money returned to you. It’s always good when they put their money where their mouth is.
The gi itself is very lightweight but still legal for the IBJJF. It is made from very light 275 gsm material using their “aeroweave”. This unique weave is meant to push the limits of strength and durability while being as light as possible. It’s strong and perfect for training in the summer months because it’s very light. It’s going to easily fit in a bag or in your closet because of how well the material folds from being so light.
That doesn’t mean this is going to rip, though.
The entire legs are reinforced with stitching and contain rip stop. The shins, knees, and some of the thighs are extra strong so you can spend time on the mats without ruining your gi.
The collar is another part of the gi that we always look at and it’s pretty solid and stiff in this case. That means you aren’t going to have your collar be a liability for you, which can happen if it’s too soft.
This gi does come with the most common sizes that you can expect to use in a gi starting with A0 and ending at A5. All but the biggest people will be able to fit into these gis.
Overall, Gold BJJmade a good gi with a moderate price point that anyone could enjoy.
It’s very lightweight, strong enough to be used consistently, and offers the user a guarantee on their work. It gives you just about everything that you’ll need in product.
Pros
Cons
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE: The War Tribe Hydrogen is no longer available. We'll update this article should the Hydrogen Gi be available to purchase again.
War Tribe Hydrogen
Noteworthy Features:
The War Tribe Hydrogen Gi is definitely one of the more stylish choices out there for people who are looking for lightweight gis.
The stitching and embroidery on the gi highlights the places where reinforced stitching was added but also gives it a really cool look, especially on the black gi. It’s less apparent on the white model, but it’s still nice-looking either way.
The gi comes in several different sizes, from the A0 to the A6. This should be more than enough variation so that most people get a gi. This product isn’t pre-shrunk, so be aware that the gi will shrink down on it's first wash. The gi is made from cotton fabric, so it isn’t going to shrink a lot, but if you’re in between sizes, it’s best to just go up.
Speaking of the materials, the gi uses 350 gsm pearl weave for the jacket. That means it is both lightweight and tough. With reinforced stitching all over this gi, it’s going to handle a lot of wear and tear without breaking down.
One area that isn’t as reinforced as we’ve seen in other models is the collar. That means it’s a little easier for your opponent to establish a grip in that area.
Still, there are more than enough benefits of using this gi that we can overlook that part. The pants are made from rip stop fabric which, as the name suggests, stops them from tearing along the seams. These pants are very lightweight, only 8oz, so it’s going to feel like you are wearing as little material as possible. Not only is that good for weigh-ins, but you’ll be comfortable while wearing it.
The gi is a very good contender for the best lightweight BJJ gi, with one of the only downsides being the relatively high cost.
It’s more than capable of giving you plenty of protection, but the initial investment might seem a bit too much for some. In our opinion, this is a product that should be considered when looking into lightweight gis even if it is more than you wanted to spend.
You can also check out a review and comparison of the War Tribe gi here.
Pros
Cons
FAQ's
Which Weave is Best for a Lightweight Gi?
Pearl Weave is by far the best type of weave to look for if you're on the hunt for a lightweight BJJ gi. This is because this weave in particular is super strong, however is the lightest type of weave allowed in terms of being IBJJF certified.
Should I Wash my Gi Before I Wear it?
Yes it's usually a good idea to wash your gi before you first wear it, as it will shrink down slightly and be a little less rigid as well.
How Many Gis Should I Own?
This depends on a few factors. If you haven't been doing BJJ for long, one gi should be fine. If however, you're training on regular basis, having a number of different gis is a good idea.
This way, you can wear on gi, whilst your others are in the wash. Also, I find it's good to have one gi that you use exclusively for competitions. This gi should ideally be your best gi, with stiff lapels and collar, making it harder for your opponent to grip.
Best Lightweight BJJ Gi - The Verdict
The time has come to talk about what gi deserves to be called the best lightweight BJJ gi.
We looked at all of the things such as price, materials, sizes, whether it is allowed in competition, and the durability. With all those things in mind, we believe that the very best gi has to be the Fuji Suparaito BJJ Gi.
There are a lot of great things to consider with this gi such as the pearl weave jacket and rip stop pants. This gi is powerful and won’t give in and wear out when you need it to be strong. You can spend a lot of time on your knees and not wear through this really strong material.
Now, there are some naysayers that aren’t going to want to pay for the gi because the price point is a little high.
However, we think this one is worth every single cent for everything it offers. Aside from being very strong and light, the collar is very stiff and reinforced with extra stitching.
Nobody is going to be able to grab that and yank you around with ease like some other lightweight gi models. Also, you can’t do a whole lot better with the look that you get with this gi. It has some really nice stitching and colors that will stand out even though there are only three options for color.
All in all, this is the best lightweight gi out there today, so if you’re looking to invest in a quality, competition-level piece of gear, this is the one for you!
Final Thoughts
Thanks for checking out our list of the top gis on the market. We hope that we made a good case for the best lightweight BJJ gi out there today. We created a list that was pretty comprehensive given the popularity of some of the brands as well as the features we think at the best for gis.
That being said, we are always looking for some feedback and questions about how we came to our decision.
As always, thank you for reading and we hope you drop us a line to let us know what you thought about our decision here.
Until next, time, keep practicing your discipline of choice, and stay up to date on your gear knowledge by dropping to check out our latest articles.
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