Women's BJJ Gear Guide: What to Wear for Gi and No-Gi Training

Women's BJJ Gear Guide: What to Wear for Gi and No-Gi Training

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing sports among women worldwide — and for good reason. It's technical, empowering, and one of the most effective martial arts for self-defence regardless of size or strength. But when it comes to gear, most buying guides are written with male athletes in mind. This guide is for female grapplers.

Women's BJJ Gi: What to Look For

A women's cut BJJ gi is designed with a narrower shoulder width, a more tapered waist, and shorter sleeve and trouser lengths compared to a standard men's gi. If you're a woman training BJJ, a women's cut gi will almost always fit better and feel more comfortable than a men's gi in the same size.

Key Features for Women's Gis

  • Women's cut: Tailored fit through the shoulders, waist, and hips for better movement and comfort
  • Correct sleeve length: Sleeves should end 5cm above the wrist — not bunching at the hands
  • Trouser fit: Should sit at the waist securely with a drawstring, not slipping during rolling
  • Fabric weight: 350–450gsm cotton is the sweet spot for most female grapplers — durable but not overly heavy
  • Reinforced stitching: Essential at the collar, armpits, and trouser knees

Gi Sizing for Women

Women's BJJ gis typically use the F-series sizing system:

  • F1 — XS/S frame, approx. 155–163cm, 50–60kg
  • F2 — S/M frame, approx. 160–168cm, 58–68kg
  • F3 — M/L frame, approx. 165–173cm, 65–75kg
  • F4 — L/XL frame, approx. 170–178cm, 72–82kg

Always check the specific brand's size chart and measure your height, weight, and chest/hip measurements before purchasing.

Rashguards for Women

A rashguard is essential for both gi and no-gi training. For women, fit is particularly important — a rashguard that's too loose will bunch under your gi jacket and become uncomfortable during rolling.

What to Look For

  • Compression fit: Should feel snug but not restrictive. You should be able to move freely in all directions.
  • Long sleeve for gi training: Protects arms from gi burns and reduces skin-to-skin contact
  • Flatlock stitching: Prevents chafing during extended training sessions
  • Moisture-wicking fabric: Keeps you dry and comfortable throughout training
  • Length: Should stay tucked in during rolling — avoid rashguards that ride up

Spats and Shorts for No-Gi Training

For no-gi training, women typically wear compression spats (leggings) with or without shorts over the top. Spats offer full leg protection from mat burns and reduce skin infections — a significant benefit for female grapplers who often have more skin exposed during no-gi training.

Spats

  • Full-length compression leggings designed for grappling
  • Should stay in place during rolling — no slipping or bunching
  • Flatlock stitching to prevent chafing
  • High waistband for security during scrambles

Shorts

Many female grapplers wear shorts over spats for modesty and additional coverage. Look for shorts without pockets, belt loops, or metal hardware that could catch fingers or cause injuries.

Sports Bra and Base Layers

A high-impact sports bra is essential for BJJ training. The sport involves a lot of movement, scrambling, and contact — you need support that stays in place. Many female grapplers wear a compression rashguard over their sports bra, which provides additional coverage and keeps everything secure during rolling.

Modest Training Gear

For Muslim women and those who prefer more coverage during training, modest martial arts gear is increasingly available. Long sleeve rashguards, full-length spats, and looser-fitting gi trousers allow female athletes to train comfortably while maintaining their preferred level of coverage. The key is finding gear that stays in place and doesn't restrict movement — compression fabrics work best for this.

Gear Care for Female Grapplers

  • Wash all gear after every session — never leave damp kit in your bag
  • Cold wash (30°C) to preserve fabric and colour
  • Hang dry — tumble drying degrades elastic and compression fabrics faster
  • Wash your gi and rashguard separately from regular laundry if possible

Building Your Women's BJJ Kit: Priority Order

  1. Mouthguard — essential from day one
  2. Women's cut BJJ gi (for gi training)
  3. Long sleeve rashguard
  4. Compression spats
  5. High-impact sports bra
  6. Shorts (for no-gi)
  7. Ear guards (once training regularly)

Final Thoughts

The right gear makes training more comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable. As a female grappler, investing in women's-specific cuts and fits will make a noticeable difference on the mat. Don't settle for ill-fitting men's gear when women's options are available — you deserve kit that's designed for your body and your training.

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