Getting turned away at the uniform check is a miserable way to start a tournament. Here are the IBJJF's uniform rules, in plain English.
This guide uses the IBJJF uniform page and its current uniform manual. The gi fabric requirements below cover juvenile, adult and master divisions. Check your own event and age division before buying.
The gi
- Jacket fabric: 380–650 GSM, with an embossed braided construction. At least 90% cellulose fibre, such as cotton; no more than 10% synthetic fibre. Canvas and twill jackets are not accepted.
- Pants fabric: 220–300 GSM, with twill or ripstop construction. At least 55% cellulose fibre and no more than 45% synthetic fibre.
- Before buying: weight alone is not approval. The manual also covers reinforcement, finishing and labels.
- Colour: white, royal blue or black. The top and pants must match, and the collar must match the top.
- Jacket length: it must reach your thighs.
- Sleeves: with your arm held straight out, parallel to the floor, the sleeve must end no more than 2 cm from your wrist.
- Pants: they must reach no more than 2 cm above your ankle bone.
- Inspection checks: lapel thickness (1.3 cm), collar width (5 cm) and the sleeve opening at full extension (7 cm).
- Patches: cotton, properly sewn on, and only in the areas the Rules Book allows. Inspectors remove anything else.
- Paint: painted gis are banned, except for academy or sponsor logos in patch areas.
- Condition: no tears, repairs, wetness, dirt or unpleasant smell.
A gi that's shrunk can fail the sleeve and pant checks, so be careful how you wash it. See how to wash a gi without shrinking it.
Under the gi
- Men: no shirt under the gi top.
- Women: must wear a stretchy, body-hugging shirt under the top, any colour, short or long sleeved. They may also wear elastic pants shorter than the gi pants.
- Everyone: underwear is required, briefs rather than thongs.
The belt
- Width: 4 to 5 cm.
- Colour: your rank colour with a black bar. Black belts have a white or red bar.
- How it's worn: over the top, wrapped twice round the waist, and tied with a double knot tight enough to hold the jacket closed. Each end should hang 20 to 30 cm.
IBJJF permits embroidery after the knot, not elsewhere on the belt. Printing on the belt body is not allowed; manufacturer labels belong at the tip. Confirm the layout before ordering a non-returnable custom belt. See custom BJJ belts and our belt picks.
No-gi
- Top (everyone): an elastic, skin-tight shirt long enough to reach the waistband of your shorts. Black, white, or black and white with at least 10% of your belt colour, or 100% your belt colour. Black belts may have a small red area. See ranked rash guards.
- Men's shorts: board shorts in black, white, black and white and/or your belt colour, from halfway down the thigh to no longer than the knee. No pockets unless sewn shut, no buttons, zips, exposed drawstrings, or plastic or metal that could hurt an opponent. Compression shorts are allowed underneath, in the same colours. See grappling shorts.
- Women: shorts, skin-tight compression pants (spats) and/or compression shorts, in the same colours, with the same rules on length and hardware.
FAQ
What colour gi is legal for IBJJF?
White, royal blue or black. The top and pants must match, and the collar must match the top.
How long do gi sleeves have to be for IBJJF?
With your arm held straight out parallel to the floor, the sleeve must end no more than 2 cm from your wrist.
Can men wear a rash guard under the gi in IBJJF?
No. Men can't wear a shirt under the gi top in IBJJF gi competition. Women must wear a stretchy, body-hugging shirt underneath.
What colour rash guard do I need for IBJJF no-gi?
Black, white, or black and white with at least 10% of your belt colour, or a top that is entirely your belt colour.
Can men wear spats in IBJJF no-gi?
Men must wear board shorts, with compression shorts allowed underneath. Spats are listed for women.
Updated on 28 October 2026. Source links accompany the revised buying guidance.
