Gi$
Best for beginners
Fuji All Around
A roomy, pre-shrunk first gi with a wide size range. The heavier jacket can feel warm in a hot gym.
Read the reviewIndependent BJJ gear guides
Less gear guesswork. More time on the mat.
Your first gi or your next rash guard. Find a clear pick, the honest catch and the sources behind it.
Research-led. Sources linked.
The kit cupboard
What are you looking for?
Start with the kit you need. Each guide puts the picks, the trade-offs and the sources in one place.
A place to start
Good kit. Clear trade-offs.
A few picks from across the guides. Open a review to see who it suits, what to watch for and the sources we used.
Affiliate links: if you buy through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what makes the list. Read our affiliate disclosure
- Gi$$
Best for competition
Kingz Kore V2
A 380 GSM micro pearl-weave gi with reinforced knees. A competition pick, though heavier than the ultralight options.
Read the review - Rash guard
Best for IBJJF no-gi
Tatami IBJJF Ranked Rash Guard
A stretchy ranked top made around the IBJJF colour rule. Pick your belt colour, and expect to replace it after a promotion.
Read the review - Shorts
Best overall
XMartial BJJ Shorts
An anti-slip waistband and stretch panels make these a reviewer's training favourite. The mid-length cut will not suit everyone.
Read the review - Mouthguard
Best overall
SISU Max 2.4mm
A thin, remouldable guard for grapplers who dislike bulky mouthguards. At 2.4 mm, it offers less bulk than a traditional guard.
Read the review - Finger tape
Best overall
Monkey Tape
Finger tape with latex-free adhesive. Buyers praise its grip, but it costs more than generic athletic tape.
Read the review
How we pick
The reading is part of the review.
We compare brand specifications, independent reviews and community reports. Each review lists the sources behind it, so you can see what a recommendation rests on.
We do not test gear in-house. When sources disagree, we explain the difference. No brand pays for a place on a list.
What you will find
- A clear use case, instead of a star score
- The useful specifications, without the sales pitch
- The catch, alongside the good points
- The sources, linked on each review
Before you buy
A little reading. A better choice.
Questions
New to all this?
What BJJ gear do I need as a beginner?
For a gi class: a gi (most come with a white belt) and, if you like, a rash guard to wear under it. For no-gi: a rash guard and grappling shorts. A mouthguard is a good idea for both. Finger tape can wait until your fingers start to complain. Our beginner checklist covers it step by step.
Are your reviews sponsored?
No. No brand pays to appear and we don't accept free samples. We earn a commission if you buy through some of our links, which never decides what makes the list. The full details are on our affiliate disclosure page.
Do you test the gear yourselves?
No. We do not test gear in-house. We compare independent reviews, community reports and brand specifications, with the sources linked on each review.
Which gi should I buy first?
The Fuji All Around is the most common recommendation for a first gi: durable, pre-shrunk and sold in sizes A0 to A6. If you train somewhere hot, a lighter gi like the Tatami Nova Absolute is cooler.
Can I wear a rash guard under my gi?
In training, almost every gym allows it. In IBJJF gi competition, men can't wear a shirt under the gi top. Women must wear a stretchy, body-hugging shirt underneath.