Gi sizes look simple until you realise every brand's A2 is a little different. Here's how the system works, what the letters mean, and how to avoid ordering a gi that doesn't fit.
How gi sizes work
Adult gis are sized A0 to A6, smallest to largest, with A meaning adult. Sizes are set mainly by height, then weight. Most adults land somewhere between A1 and A3.
Some brands add variants for builds that fall between sizes. Gold BJJ's chart, for example, includes H (heavy: same height, more weight) and L (long: taller and leaner) versions such as A1H, A2H, A1L and A2L. Women's gis are often sized separately, with F sizes or women's A sizes.
Why sizes differ between brands
There's no industry standard. One brand's A2 can fit like another's A1 or A3, and some brands are clear that their sizing doesn't match anyone else's: Elite Sports says so on its own product pages, and a hands-on reviewer found its jacket ran small.
So the rule is simple: always use the chart for the exact gi you're buying, never the size you wore in a different brand.
How to measure yourself
- Height, barefoot, against a wall.
- Weight, in the clothes you'd train in.
- Find your height on the brand's chart first, then check your weight sits inside that size's range.
- If you fall between two sizes, decide on fit: the smaller size for a slimmer fit, the larger for more room. Gold BJJ gives exactly this advice on its own chart.
What about shrinkage?
Cotton shrinks with heat. Most good gis are sold pre-shrunk, which cuts shrinkage a lot but rarely to zero: Gold BJJ, for one, says to expect some shrinkage even from its pre-shrunk gis, and less from light gis than heavy ones.
If you wash cold and hang to dry, a pre-shrunk gi should stay close to the size you bought. If your gi isn't pre-shrunk, some people buy a size up and shrink it to fit with a hot wash. That's a gamble, so check the listing first. Our washing guide covers care in detail.
Fit rules if you compete
The IBJJF checks fit at tournaments. Sleeves must end no more than 2 cm from your wrist with your arm held out straight, and pants must reach no more than 2 cm above your ankle bone. A gi that's shrunk too much can fail the check. More in our IBJJF uniform rules guide.
Where to start
Open the chart for your exact gi
There is no universal A0–A6 chart. Open the product's size guide and select the right cut.
- Gold BJJ Aeroweave: unisex chart. Women's and kids' cuts use separate charts.
- Kingz Kore V2: product size guide.
- Hayabusa Lightweight: product size guide.
- Elite Sports Ultra Light/Core: product sizing. Match the current model name.
- Fuji All Around: official unisex size chart.
Worked example: 178 cm and 77 kg
That is about 5 ft 10 in and 170 lb. On Gold BJJ's unisex chart checked on 28 October 2026, those measurements sit within A2: 5 ft 8 in to 6 ft (about 173–183 cm) and 150–190 lb (about 68–86 kg). This example is for that chart, not an A2 recommendation for another brand.
Compare both measurements and check the seller's return conditions before washing or training in the gi. If height and weight point to different sizes, ask the manufacturer which cut fits your measurements.
See our gi shortlist for training and competition options.
FAQ
What size BJJ gi should I get?
Find your height on the chart for the exact gi you're buying, then check your weight falls in that size's range. Most adults wear between A1 and A3. If you're between sizes, go smaller for a slim fit or larger for more room.
What does A2H mean on a gi?
The H stands for heavy: an A2H is cut for the height of an A2 but a heavier build. L variants, such as A2L, are for taller, leaner builds.
Should I size up for shrinkage?
Not if the gi is pre-shrunk and you wash it cold and hang it to dry. Only consider sizing up for a gi that isn't pre-shrunk, and check the brand's advice first.
Updated on 28 October 2026. Source links accompany the revised buying guidance.
