BJJ Gi Size Guide: How to Pick A0 to A4 (and Avoid Shrinkage)

To pick a BJJ gi size, start with your height, then check your weight. Sizes A0 to A4 run from shorter, lighter adults to tall, heavier ones. If you sit between two sizes, let your build and the fabric's shrinkage decide.

Our product team trains in the gis we sell and washes them the way you will. Below is a typical size chart, a simple way to measure yourself, and the wash routine that keeps a gi fitting like day one.

What do A0, A1, A2, A3 and A4 mean?

The "A" stands for adult. The number goes up with height and weight. Kids' gis usually use M or K sizes, and some brands offer women's cuts labelled F.

There is no single official chart. Every brand cuts a little differently, so an A2 from one company can fit like an A1 or A3 from another. Treat any chart as a starting point, then check the measurements for the exact gi you want.

What do L and H mean?

Some brands add letters. "L" usually means long, for taller and leaner athletes. "H" or "W" usually means a heavier or wider cut. An A2L, for example, has A2 width with extra length in the sleeves and pants.

BJJ gi size chart: typical ranges

The ranges below reflect common industry sizing. They overlap on purpose, because build matters as much as the numbers.

Always confirm with the size chart on the product page before you buy.

Height or weight: which matters more for gi size?

Height matters more for length. Sleeve and pant length follow your height and arm span. Weight matters more for width, through the chest, shoulders and seat of the pants.

If you fall between sizes

• Tall and lean: size by height, or look for an L cut. Extra width is easier to live with than short sleeves.
• Shorter and stocky: size by weight or chest, then hem or shrink the length slightly.
• Right on the line: choose the larger size if the gi is all cotton and you plan a warm first wash.
• Competing soon: prioritize sleeve and pant length, since referees check them.

How should a BJJ gi fit?

Jacket

The lapels should cross comfortably over your chest without pulling. The jacket skirt should cover your hips and sit below the belt. It should not be baggy. Extra fabric is extra grips for your training partner.

Sleeves

With your arms straight out in front of you, sleeves should reach close to the wrist. IBJJF rules require sleeves to reach within 5 cm of the wrist in that position. Too long and they get in your way. Too short and you may fail a uniform check.

Pants

Pants should reach close to the ankle bone. IBJJF rules require them to sit no more than 5 cm above it. The seat should allow a deep squat and a full guard without tension. Rules change, so check the current IBJJF uniform rules before any event.

How do you measure yourself for a gi?

You need a soft tape measure, a wall and about five minutes. A friend helps with arm length.

1. Stand barefoot against a wall and measure your height.
2. Weigh yourself in the morning, before eating, for a consistent number.
3. Extend one arm straight forward. Measure from the center of the back of your neck, over the shoulder, to your wrist bone.
4. Measure your chest around the fullest part, under the arms.
5. Measure your inseam from the crotch to the ankle bone.
6. Lay a gi that fits you well flat on the floor. Measure jacket length, sleeve length and pant length.
7. Compare every number to the product chart, not just height and weight.

Step six is the most useful one. Matching a gi you already like is the fastest way to a good fit.

How much does a BJJ gi shrink?

Cotton gis can shrink, mostly in the first few washes. Heat is the main cause, from hot water and especially from a hot dryer. Length usually shrinks more than width, so sleeves and pant legs show it first.

Pre-shrunk gis shrink less, but they can still tighten if you wash them hot. The care label is the best guide for any specific gi.

How to avoid gi shrinkage

• Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Turn the jacket and pants inside out.
• Hang dry, out of direct sun. Never use a hot dryer.
• Wash after every session. Sweat left to sit breaks down fibers and causes odor.
• Skip bleach. It weakens cotton and fades color.

Can you shrink a gi on purpose?

Yes, a little. If your gi is slightly long, wash it warm and run a short, warm dry cycle. Check the fit after each round and stop as soon as it fits. You can always shrink more. You cannot add length back.

Pro tip: Buy for the fit you want after the first wash, not straight out of the bag. If a cotton gi is perfect on day one, wash cold and hang dry forever. If it runs a touch long, one warm wash can dial it in.

Do pearl weave, ripstop and GSM change the fit?

GSM means grams per square meter. It tells you how heavy the jacket fabric is. Heavier jackets feel tougher and harder to grip. Lighter jackets train cooler and pack smaller.

Pearl weave is a popular jacket weave. It balances strength, breathability and weight, which is why many gis use it. Ripstop pants use a grid weave that resists tears and stays light.

Fabric weight does not change your size. A heavier jacket can feel a little snugger through the shoulders, though. If you are between sizes and choosing a heavy weave, lean toward the larger one.

The Synergy take

Our pearl weave BJJ gi pairs a 450 GSM pearl weave jacket with 10 oz ripstop pants, in sizes A0 to A4, for $129. It is sturdy enough for hard rolls and still breathes through long classes. Check the product size chart, then wash cold and hang dry to keep the fit you chose.

Complete the kit with a BJJ belt and a grappling rash guard to wear under the jacket. Running an academy? Our custom studio handles team patches and logos. If a size is off, see our returns policy.