IBJJF gi rules: fabric, measurements and approval
The IBJJF gi rules are not satisfied by a logo on the sleeve. A compliant gi is one whose fabric, measurements, reinforcements and patches meet a precise specification, published by the federation for manufacturers. This guide sets out its contents, point by point, in plain English. It is aimed as much at the competitor who wants to pass the check without surprises as at the practitioner who wants to understand what they are buying.
Before you read on: these rules cover the juvenile, adult and master divisions, in gi. The regulations change. Always check the version in force on the federation’s website before a competition, and read the organiser’s own rules if you compete outside the IBJJF circuit.
The fabric of an IBJJF gi: the rule almost nobody knows
This is the most overlooked part of the regulations, and yet the most decisive. For an IBJJF gi to be admissible, the federation does not allow just any cloth.
Composition
| Jacket | Pants | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | 100% cellulosic fibre (cotton, hemp, bamboo, eucalyptus), or a blend of at least 90% cellulosic fibre and at most 10% synthetic fibre (nylon, polyester) | 100% cellulosic fibre, or a blend of at least 55% cellulosic fibre and at most 45% synthetic fibre |
| Colour details | No solid detail in a colour different from that of the gi is allowed | |
Fabric weight
| Item | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket | 380 g/m² | 650 g/m² |
| Pants | 220 g/m² | 300 g/m² |
Direct consequence: a jacket under 380 GSM cannot be approved. Ultralight gis sold at 350 GSM to save weight at the weigh-in fall outside the framework. That is the floor of the weight-saving game in competition.
Construction and weave
| Item | Required | Refused |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket | Braided embossed fabric, whose texture provides grip during practice | Canvas and twill constructions |
| Pants | Twill or ripstop | Any other construction |
The pants must be made from a single fabric, the crotch being allowed to take braided embossed fabric.
Why pearl weave dominates the market: it is a braided embossed fabric, so compliant by construction. A fine canvas cloth, whatever its fabric weight, is refused on a jacket. The regulations have effectively imposed one weave family on the entire market. To understand the differences between pearl, gold and diamond weave, see our guide to fabric weight and weave.
The IBJJF gi measurements taken at the check
Before the first match, the check team inspects the gi using a gauge. These measurements are the most frequent causes of rejection.
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Collar thickness | Between 1 and 1.3 cm |
| Collar width | Between 4.5 and 5 cm |
| Jacket length | Must reach down the thigh, below the gluteal muscle |
| Sleeve length | No more than 2 cm from the wrist, arm extended horizontally |
| Sleeve opening | 7 cm minimum, along the whole length of the sleeve |
| Pant length | No more than 2 cm above the ankle bone |
| Pant leg opening | 7 cm minimum, measured from the knee down |
Two classic traps. The first: a sleeve that is too short, because the gi shrank in the wash. Cotton that has not been pre-shrunk can lose enough length to fall below the limit after a few machine cycles. The second: a sleeve that is compliant in length but too tight, in particular on an athlete with developed forearms wearing a snug size. The 7 cm opening is measured along the whole sleeve, not only at the wrist.
Reinforcements and linings
On the jacket
Double reinforcement is allowed at the shoulders, under the armpits and along the skirt of the jacket. It is forbidden on the forearms. Finishing reinforcements on the sleeves and the skirt must not exceed 2.5 cm.
Printed linings are only allowed inside the collar and the shoulders, and only if they are not embossed.
On the pants
A double lining reinforcement at the knees is allowed, starting 10 cm above the bottom hem and without going past the crotch. The bottom hem reinforcement is limited to 2.5 cm, and the waistband reinforcement to 5 cm.
The federation itself suggests that manufacturers offer several leg lengths for the same waist size (A1 Short, A1 Medium, A1 Tall), because an athlete who has their pants shortened moves the reinforcement zone above the permitted limit.
The alteration trap: having a tailor shorten your pants can make a compliant gi non-compliant. The knee reinforcement moves up, the hem changes thickness. Choose the right length at purchase rather than altering it later.
Finishing
The collar may contain EVA or an equivalent material, provided the thickness and stiffness limits are respected. Strip lacing around the collar, on the other hand, is forbidden, inside as well as outside.
The pants fabric must not contain any rigid material.
Patches, embroidery and printing
On an IBJJF gi, patches and embroidery are only allowed in the permitted areas, and must be properly sewn. The permitted areas cover the upper back, the shoulders, the upper sleeves, the collar lapels, the thighs and the lower legs of the pants.
Three rules to remember:
- A patch must sit at least 15 cm from the edge of the piece it is placed on.
- Embroidery follows exactly the same placements as patches.
- No embroidery or printing on the collar, inside or outside.
This is what most often catches out practitioners who have their club patches sewn on without checking the areas. A badly placed patch gets unpicked in the car park before the match, or costs you your entry.
Labelling
The federation suggests that manufacturers attach a composition label stating the material and the fabric weight. On the jacket, it goes inside, at neck height or on the side. On the pants, inside the waistband.
As for the visible brand label: it is allowed at the bottom of the jacket lapel, over a maximum length of 8 cm, and no other label is allowed near the lapel. On the pants, a brand label is allowed on the front of one leg and under the waistband. The leg label must be in thin fabric, must not exceed 36 cm² and must not be embroidered.
Permitted colours
| Colour | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| White | PMS White | |
| Royal blue | Royal Blue | Navy blue is not allowed |
| Black | Black C |
The jacket and the pants of an IBJJF gi must be the same colour. A white top with a blue bottom is refused, even though both colours are permitted separately. This also rules out camouflage-pattern gis and gis with colour panels, whatever their quality otherwise.
IBJJF gi checklist before a competition
To be checked a week before, not on the morning itself.
- Jacket fabric weight between 380 and 650 g/m², shown on the product page or the composition label
- Jacket in braided embossed fabric, pants in twill or ripstop
- Single colour: white, royal blue or black, jacket and pants identical
- Sleeves: arm extended, the fabric stops less than 2 cm from the wrist
- Sleeve opening of at least 7 cm along the whole length, tested with two flat fingers
- Pants no more than 2 cm above the ankle bone
- Collar: no embroidery, no printing, no lacing
- Patches at least 15 cm from the edges, all firmly sewn
- Belt matching your rank, correctly tied
- Complete gi weighed with the belt, for your target division
The habit that avoids disqualification: the IBJJF weigh-in is done wearing the gi and the belt, once only, before the first match, with no tolerance. Weigh the whole set at home, on your own scale, before choosing your division. Weights by size are shown on every ATHOM product page.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric weight for an IBJJF gi?
The jacket must weigh between 380 and 650 g/m², the pants between 220 and 300 g/m². An ultralight gi at 350 GSM therefore cannot be approved, even if it meets every other rule.
Is a camouflage gi allowed in IBJJF competition?
No. Only white, royal blue and black are permitted, in a solid colour, with jacket and pants the same colour. No solid detail in another colour is allowed. A patterned gi remains perfectly usable in training.
Does navy blue count as royal blue?
No, the uniform manual expressly excludes navy blue. Only royal blue is permitted. If you are unsure about a shade, compare it with a gi that has already been cleared in competition rather than relying on the marketing description.
Where can I sew my club patches?
On the permitted areas: upper back, shoulders, upper sleeves, collar lapels, thighs and lower legs. Each patch must sit at least 15 cm from the edge of the piece and be firmly sewn. No embroidery or printing is allowed on the collar.
My gi has shrunk, is it still compliant?
Worth checking. Shrinkage shortens the sleeves, and a sleeve that stops more than 2 cm from the wrist with the arm extended means rejection. Measure before you enter. Pre-shrunk cotton greatly limits the risk.
Can I have my pants shortened?
It is risky. Shortening the leg moves the knee reinforcement zone above the 10 cm limit permitted over the hem. The federation recommends that brands offer several lengths per waist size rather than encouraging alterations.
Does an IBJJF logo on a gi guarantee compliance?
It shows that the manufacturer states it meets the specification. It does not exempt you from the pre-match check, which covers your own gi, in your size, in its current condition. An approved gi that has shrunk, or whose patches were added after purchase, can still be refused.
Going further
Fabric weight and weave
GSM, pearl weave, ripstop
Size guide
Real measurements, in-between sizes
Care
Avoiding the shrinkage that makes a gi non-compliant
Our gis
Our IBJJF approved gi models
Source: uniform manual for manufacturers published by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Weigh-in procedures are set out on the federation’s dedicated page. The document is subject to change, check the version in force before any competition.