{"id":11821,"date":"2026-08-08T10:34:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T08:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/?page_id=11821"},"modified":"2026-08-16T23:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T21:13:19","slug":"bjj-gi-weight","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/guides\/bjj-gi-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"BJJ gi weight: GSM, weave types and pearl weave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"container section-title-container\" ><h1 class=\"section-title section-title-bold\"><b aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/b><span class=\"section-title-main\" style=\"font-size:120%;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);\">BJJ gi weight: GSM, weave types and pearl weave<\/span><b aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/b><\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which <strong>BJJ gi weight<\/strong> should you choose? The question comes up with every purchase, and the answer sits in two figures that product pages sum up in three words: fabric weight and weave. Two Brazilian jiu-jitsu gis can show the same price, the same size and the same colour, and behave in radically different ways after six months on the mat. This guide explains what those two figures actually describe, what they change in training and in competition, and how to use them to choose without getting it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What fabric weight measures, and what it does not<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fabric weight is expressed in GSM, for <em>grams per square metre<\/em>, that is the weight of one square metre of the jacket fabric. A gi advertised at 450 GSM uses a cloth in which every square metre weighs 450 grams. It is a measure of fabric density, nothing more.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three points matter, because they are behind most of the misunderstandings:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GSM applies to the jacket, not to the whole gi.<\/strong> Pants follow a different unit (see below). A &#8220;450 GSM&#8221; gi does not weigh 450 grams, it weighs between 1.2 and 1.9 kg depending on the size.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>GSM says nothing about the quality of the cotton or the finishing.<\/strong> A dense cloth that is badly sewn, with a soft collar and single stitching at the cuffs, will wear out before a lighter, well-built one.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>GSM says nothing about the weave.<\/strong> Two 450 GSM jackets woven differently have neither the same feel, nor the same flexibility, nor the same behaviour when an opponent grips the sleeve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group athom-cle is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key point:<\/strong> fabric weight is a useful indicator, but it is one indicator among several. It only becomes meaningful when read together with the weave, the pre-shrinking and the actual weight of the gi in your size.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The weight ranges and who they are for<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The market has narrowed over the past ten years to a tight band: a <strong>BJJ gi weight<\/strong> almost always sits between 350 and 550 GSM. Here is how the uses break down.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Fabric weight<\/th><th>Fabric profile<\/th><th>Who it is for<\/th><th>Limits<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>350 to 400 GSM<\/strong><\/td><td>Light, soft from the first wear, dries fast<\/td><td>Competitors watching the weigh-in, training in hot climates, daily sessions with little drying time<\/td><td>Creases more, marks faster at the gripping areas. Note: below 380 GSM, the jacket falls outside IBJJF approval.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>400 to 475 GSM<\/strong><\/td><td>Versatile, this is the current standard<\/td><td>The vast majority of practitioners, two to five sessions a week<\/td><td>A compromise, so outstanding nowhere and good everywhere<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>475 to 550 GSM<\/strong><\/td><td>Dense, stiff at first, softens with washing<\/td><td>Intensive practice, heavier builds, practitioners who want a gi that lasts several years<\/td><td>Heavy on the scale, slow to dry, uncomfortable in summer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Above 550 GSM<\/strong><\/td><td>Very dense, inherited from judo gis<\/td><td>Marginal use in BJJ today<\/td><td>Bulky, expensive, poorly suited to the modern guard game<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How jacket fabric weight maps to use. The ranges are indicative and vary between manufacturers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One counter-intuitive point is worth stating: <strong>a heavier gi is not a better gi<\/strong>. A dense cloth stands up better to repeated grips, but it is also harder for you to grip. Many high-level competitors train in 450 GSM and compete in 350 or 380 GSM, for the single reason that they save a few hundred grams on the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The weave: what happens inside the cloth<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fabric is the crossing of two sets of yarns: the <strong>warp<\/strong>, running lengthwise, and the <strong>weft<\/strong>, running across. The way these yarns interlace defines the weave. That is what gives the fabric its texture, its flexibility and its strength at equal density.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Weave<\/th><th>Construction<\/th><th>Common weight<\/th><th>Behaviour<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pearl weave<\/strong><br><span class=\"note-prod\">&#8220;rice grain&#8221;<\/span><\/td><td>Alternating loose and tight wefts, creating small regular bumps on the surface<\/td><td>350 to 550 GSM<\/td><td>The current standard, and by far the most widespread weave on gis sold today. Good balance between weight, flexibility and durability. This is the weave used across the whole ATHOM range.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Single weave<\/strong><\/td><td>The simplest weave: one weft yarn passes alternately over then under each warp yarn<\/td><td>375 to 500 GSM<\/td><td>Light, soft straight away, inexpensive. Less durable over time under heavy grips. Historically the entry-level gi.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gold weave<\/strong><\/td><td>Thick warp yarns alternated with fine ones, producing a ladder-like appearance<\/td><td>550 to 750 GSM<\/td><td>The historic compromise between single and double weave, with a reputation for toughness. Often more prone to shrinking. Now a minority choice since pearl weave became widespread.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Honeycomb<\/strong><br><span class=\"note-prod\">&#8220;nid d&#8217;abeille&#8221;<\/span><\/td><td>The weft skips several warp yarns, forming a raised hexagonal pattern<\/td><td>Close to gold weave<\/td><td>Very textured feel, high density. Uncommon, mostly found on limited runs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Double weave<\/strong><\/td><td>Two warp layers woven together, hence double the thickness<\/td><td>800 GSM and above<\/td><td>Very durable, very heavy. Comes from judo. Almost gone from BJJ: too stiff and too hot for extended ground work.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Diamond weave<\/strong><br><span class=\"note-prod\">&#8220;losange&#8221;<\/span><\/td><td>Offset crossings forming a regular diamond pattern on the surface<\/td><td>Variable, often between 400 and 550 GSM<\/td><td>Positioned between single weave and gold weave: denser and more textured than a single, lighter than a gold. The diamond texture offers good grip. A manufacturer-specific name, with no standardised definition.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crystal weave<\/strong><\/td><td>A pearl weave variant, with a looser weft and a basket-like appearance<\/td><td>Variable<\/td><td>Softer and loftier feel than a classic pearl weave, easy to grip. Reported to shrink more. Uncommon.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ripstop<\/strong><\/td><td>Reinforcement yarns inserted in a grid at regular intervals, stopping a tear from spreading<\/td><td>Very light<\/td><td>Used mainly on <strong>pants<\/strong>, rarely on jackets. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, fast drying.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The main weaves used on BJJ jackets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch out for marketing names<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three families are technically well defined: single weave, double weave and pearl weave. The other names (gold, diamond, honeycomb, crystal, and their &#8220;plus&#8221;, &#8220;pro&#8221; or &#8220;premium&#8221; variants) are partly marketing vocabulary. Two brands can use the same name for two different fabrics, and no standard defines what a diamond weave is.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The consequence is simple: <strong>the name of the weave alone is not enough to compare two gis<\/strong>. Always look at the pair fabric weight plus weave, and where possible the actual weight of the gi in your size. It is the trio that describes the cloth, not the label.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why pearl weave won<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pearl weave produces a durable cloth at a moderate fabric weight. That is exactly what modern BJJ is looking for: a gi that holds up to sleeve and collar grips without weighing two kilos. Single weave stayed fragile, gold weave was heavy, double weave made ground fighting a chore. Pearl weave solved all three problems at once, which explains its dominance on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pants follow a different unit: the ounce<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturers almost never express pants in GSM, but in ounces (oz), a weight-per-square-yard unit inherited from the American textile industry. BJJ pants generally sit between 8 and 12 oz. Two materials share the market:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Canvas (cotton duck).<\/strong> Tough, dense, a little stiff at first. It is the classic choice for pants that have to take knee pressure on the ground and friction on the mat.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Ripstop.<\/strong> Clearly lighter for comparable strength, dries faster, less hot. It is the choice of competition gis and of practitioners training in overheated gyms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One regulatory point worth knowing: for a gi intended for IBJJF competition, the uniform manual requires the pants to be of <strong>twill or ripstop<\/strong> construction, within a range of 220 to 300 g\/m\u00b2. The word &#8220;canvas&#8221; covers different realities depending on the manufacturer, and sometimes refers to a twill. If you are aiming for approval, ask for the exact construction, not the marketing name.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same model can exist with either material. In the ATHOM range, the <strong>96 Mundial<\/strong> and the <strong>Skylar<\/strong> come with 10 oz ripstop pants, while the <strong>Iconic<\/strong>, the <strong>Defend<\/strong> and the <strong>Camo Black V2<\/strong> come with 10 oz canvas. At identical jacket weight, the pants tip the gi towards the light side or the tough side.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fabric weight, actual weight and competition weigh-ins<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where fabric weight stops being an abstraction. In IBJJF competition, <strong>the athlete is weighed wearing the gi and the belt<\/strong>. There is only one weigh-in, before the first match, with no tolerance: going over means disqualification, with no change of division and no refund. The exact terms are set out on the <a href=\"https:\/\/ibjjf.com\/weigh-ins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">official weigh-in page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also the reason a <strong>BJJ gi weight<\/strong> is chosen differently depending on whether you are stepping onto a competition mat or stacking up evening training sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between a 380 GSM gi with ripstop pants and a 550 GSM gi with canvas pants, the weight gap in A2 can exceed 400 grams. In a tight division, that gap alone decides whether you are allowed to compete. Add moisture to that: a dense cotton gi absorbs sweat and gains weight over the course of a competition day.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group athom-cle is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical advice:<\/strong> weigh your complete gi, in your size, with the belt, before entering a division. It is the figure competitors most often lack, and it takes thirty seconds on a kitchen scale. Weights by size are shown on every ATHOM product page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the IBJJF actually checks<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most misunderstood part of the subject. You often read that the federation does not care about fabric weight. That is wrong: the uniform manual for manufacturers sets <strong>precise limits, on both fabric weight and weave type<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Jacket<\/th><th>Pants<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Permitted fabric weight<\/strong><\/td><td>380 to 650 g\/m\u00b2<\/td><td>220 to 300 g\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Composition<\/strong><\/td><td>100% cellulosic fibre (cotton, hemp, bamboo, eucalyptus), or at least 90% cellulosic fibre and at most 10% synthetic<\/td><td>100% cellulosic fibre, or at least 55% cellulosic and at most 45% synthetic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Construction<\/strong><\/td><td>Braided embossed fabric required. Canvas and twill constructions are refused.<\/td><td>Twill or ripstop required<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Colours<\/strong><\/td><td colspan=\"2\">White, royal blue or black. Navy blue is expressly refused. Jacket and pants in the same colour, with no detail in a different colour.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Material and fabric weight requirements from the IBJJF uniform manual for the juvenile, adult and master divisions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The measurements taken at the pre-match check come on top of these material requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Rule<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Collar thickness<\/td><td>Between 1 and 1.3 cm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Collar width<\/td><td>Between 4.5 and 5 cm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jacket length<\/td><td>Must reach down to the thigh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sleeve length<\/td><td>No more than 2 cm from the wrist, arm extended horizontally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sleeve opening<\/td><td>7 cm minimum along the whole length<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pant length<\/td><td>No more than 2 cm above the ankle bone<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pant leg opening<\/td><td>7 cm minimum, measured from the knee down<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Measurements verified in the check area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two practical lessons. First, <strong>a gi under 380 GSM cannot be approved<\/strong>, which sets a floor on the weight-saving game in competition. Second, the construction requirement explains the dominance of pearl weave: it is a braided embossed fabric, so compliant by nature, whereas a canvas jacket is refused whatever its fabric weight.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full detail, patches, reinforcements, labelling and belt, is covered in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/guides\/ibjjf-gi-rules\/\">IBJJF rules guide<\/a>. These figures come from the uniform manual for manufacturers, published by the <a href=\"https:\/\/ibjjf.com\/uniform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IBJJF<\/a>. Check the version in force before a competition, the document changes.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-shrunk: the figure nobody looks at<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cotton shrinks. A gi that has not been through a pre-shrinking treatment can lose several centimetres on the sleeves and on jacket length from the very first washes, which is enough to push a sleeve past the 2 cm limit at the wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>pre-shrunk<\/strong> gi has been washed and dried at the factory before cutting. It still moves a little, but within controlled limits. Dense weaves such as gold weave are reported to shrink more than pearl weave, but the treatment matters more than the weave itself.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three rules are enough to limit the phenomenon: cold wash (30 \u00b0C maximum), air drying, never a tumble dryer. The rest is detailed in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/entretenir-son-kimono-jjb\/\">gi care guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which BJJ gi weight for your profile<\/h2>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You are starting out<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim for 400 to 450 GSM in pearl weave, with canvas pants. It is the most forgiving setup: flexible enough not to get in the way, tough enough to take a year of learning. Do not pay for a high fabric weight you have no use for yet. Our <a href=\"\/guides\/premier-kimono-jjb\/\">first gi guide<\/a> covers the subject from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You train three to five times a week<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two 450 GSM gis beat a single 550 GSM one. Rotating them allows full drying between sessions, which extends the life of the fabric far more effectively than a higher fabric weight.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You compete<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An approved gi in 380 to 400 GSM, with ripstop pants, kept for competition. Below 380 GSM, IBJJF approval is no longer possible. You gain on the weigh-in and on moisture absorption. Keep your heavier training gi for everyday sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You train in a hot gym<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go down in fabric weight and favour ripstop for the pants. Thermal comfort and drying time matter more than theoretical durability.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which BJJ gi weight in the ATHOM range<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All our gis use a pearl weave and pre-shrunk cotton. What sets them apart is the jacket fabric weight and the pants material.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Model<\/th><th>Jacket<\/th><th>Pants<\/th><th>Profile<\/th><th>Approval<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"\/kimono-de-jiu-jitsu-bresilien-skylar-blanc-ibjjf\/\">Skylar<\/a><\/td><td>380 GSM pearl weave<\/td><td>10 oz ripstop<\/td><td>Light, built for competition and the weigh-in<\/td><td>IBJJF and CFJJB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"\/kimono-de-jiu-jitsu-bresilien-camo-black-v2\/\">Camo Black V2<\/a><\/td><td>420 GSM pearl weave<\/td><td>10 oz canvas<\/td><td>Intermediate, daily training<\/td><td><span class=\"todo\">NOT IBJJF<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"\/kimono-de-jiu-jitsu-bresilien-96\/\">96 Mundial<\/a><\/td><td>450 GSM pearl weave<\/td><td>10 oz ripstop<\/td><td>Versatile, lightened by the ripstop pants<\/td><td>IBJJF and CFJJB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"\/kimono-de-jiu-jitsu-bresilien-iconic\/\">Iconic<\/a><\/td><td>450 GSM pearl weave<\/td><td>10 oz canvas<\/td><td>Versatile and tough, intensive training<\/td><td>IBJJF and CFJJB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"\/kimono-de-jiu-jitsu-bresilien-defend\/\">Defend<\/a><\/td><td>450 GSM pearl weave<\/td><td>10 oz canvas<\/td><td>Versatile and tough<\/td><td>IBJJF and CFJJB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Specifications of ATHOM gis. Prices and availability are those shown on each product page.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact weight of the gi, size by size, is shown on every product page. That is the figure to check before entering a competition.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is a 450 GSM gi better than a 350 GSM gi?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, it is different. The 450 GSM stands up better to repeated grips and lasts longer in intensive training. The 350 GSM weighs less at the weigh-in, dries faster and stays comfortable in a hot gym. The right fabric weight depends on your practice, not on a quality ranking.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the IBJJF set a minimum fabric weight?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The IBJJF uniform manual sets jacket fabric weight between 380 and 650 g\/m\u00b2, and pants between 220 and 300 g\/m\u00b2. It also requires a braided embossed fabric for the jacket (canvas and twill are refused), twill or ripstop for the pants, a composition mainly of cellulosic fibre, and one of the three permitted colours: white, royal blue or black.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the difference between pearl weave and gold weave?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pearl weave alternates loose and tight wefts, creating small rice-grain bumps, at a moderate fabric weight. Gold weave alternates thick warp yarns with fine ones, giving a ladder-like appearance and a heavier fabric, generally above 550 GSM. Pearl weave took over because it offers comparable durability for a clearly lower weight.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is diamond weave?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a weave whose offset crossings form a diamond pattern visible on the surface. It sits between single weave and gold weave: denser than a single, lighter than a gold, with a texture that offers good grip. Be aware that the name is not standardised: two manufacturers can use &#8220;diamond weave&#8221; for two different fabrics. Compare the fabric weight and the actual weight of the gi rather than the weave name alone.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is ripstop less durable than canvas?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, it is durable in a different way. Ripstop includes reinforcement yarns in a grid that stop a tear from spreading. At equal weight, it holds up very well. Canvas offers better abrasion resistance, which matters for knee pressure on the ground. Ripstop is lighter and dries faster.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will my gi shrink?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-shrunk cotton still moves slightly over the first few washes, but within controlled limits. Wash cold, air dry and never use a tumble dryer. The expected shrinkage figure is given model by model on our product pages.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Which BJJ gi weight for a beginner?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between 400 and 450 GSM in pearl weave. It is the most versatile setup: flexible enough for a beginner, durable enough to last a full year of training.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Going further<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns athom-liens is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/bjj-gi-size-chart\/\"><strong>Size guide<\/strong><\/a><br>Real measurements, in-between sizes, women&#8217;s cuts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/guides\/ibjjf-gi-rules\/\"><strong>IBJJF rules<\/strong><\/a><br>Colours, measurements, patch placement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/entretenir-son-kimono-jjb\/\"><strong>Care<\/strong><\/a><br>Washing, drying, service life<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/brazilian-jiu-jitsu\/bjj-kimonos-gis\/\"><strong>All our gis<\/strong><\/a><br>380 to 450 GSM, pearl weave<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is a 450 GSM gi better than a 350 GSM gi?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No, it is different. The 450 GSM stands up better to repeated grips and lasts longer in intensive training. The 350 GSM weighs less at the weigh-in, dries faster and stays comfortable in a hot gym. The right fabric weight depends on your practice, not on a quality ranking.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does the IBJJF set a minimum fabric weight?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. The IBJJF uniform manual sets jacket fabric weight between 380 and 650 g\/m2, and pants between 220 and 300 g\/m2. It also requires a braided embossed fabric for the jacket (canvas and twill are refused), twill or ripstop for the pants, a composition mainly of cellulosic fibre, and one of the three permitted colours: white, royal blue or black.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between pearl weave and gold weave?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Pearl weave alternates loose and tight wefts, creating small rice-grain bumps, at a moderate fabric weight. Gold weave alternates thick warp yarns with fine ones, giving a ladder-like appearance and a heavier fabric, generally above 550 GSM. Pearl weave took over because it offers comparable durability for a clearly lower weight.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is diamond weave?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"It is a weave whose offset crossings form a diamond pattern visible on the surface. It sits between single weave and gold weave: denser than a single, lighter than a gold, with a texture that offers good grip. The name is not standardised: two manufacturers can use diamond weave for two different fabrics. Compare the fabric weight and the actual weight of the gi rather than the weave name alone.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is ripstop less durable than canvas?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No, it is durable in a different way. Ripstop includes reinforcement yarns in a grid that stop a tear from spreading. At equal weight, it holds up very well. Canvas offers better abrasion resistance, which matters for knee pressure on the ground. Ripstop is lighter and dries faster.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Will my gi shrink?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Pre-shrunk cotton still moves slightly over the first few washes, but within controlled limits. Wash cold, air dry and never use a tumble dryer. The expected shrinkage figure is given model by model on our product pages.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Which BJJ gi weight for a beginner?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Between 400 and 450 GSM in pearl weave. It is the most versatile setup: flexible enough for a beginner, durable enough to last a full year of training.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/\" },\n    { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Guides\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/guides\/\" },\n    { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"BJJ gi weight and weave\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/guides\/bjj-gi-weight\/\" }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which BJJ gi weight should you choose? The question comes up with every purchase, and the answer sits in two figures that product pages sum up in three words: fabric weight and weave. Two Brazilian jiu-jitsu gis can show the same price, the same size and the same colour, and behave in radically different ways [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":11826,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11821","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11821"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11823,"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11821\/revisions\/11823"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.athletesonthemat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}