Buying your first BJJ gi — or your tenth — always comes down to the same question: what size gi should I get? A gi that fits well feels like armor. One that doesn't will bunch, ride up, and give your opponent extra fabric to grab. This guide walks you through BJJ gi sizing, how a gi should fit, and what to do when you're between sizes.
Official Shoyoroll BJJ Gi Size Chart
Below is the official Shoyoroll size chart, covering standard, husky, long, and fitted cuts. One correction: the original chart swaps the A2H and A3H weight ranges — we've fixed them here (A2H: 195–225 lbs, A3H: 220–260 lbs).
Standard
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5'0" – 5'4" | 110 – 140 lbs |
| A1 | 5'4" – 5'8" | 140 – 165 lbs |
| A2 | 5'8" – 6'0" | 165 – 195 lbs |
| A3 | 5'11" – 6'3" | 195 – 230 lbs |
| A4 | 6'2" – 6'5" | 225 – 250 lbs |
| A5 | 6'5" – 6'8" | 250 – 270 lbs |
Husky
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A0H | 5'1" – 5'4" | 165 – 185 lbs |
| A2H | 5'6" – 6'0" | 195 – 225 lbs |
| A3H | 5'8" – 6'0" | 220 – 260 lbs |
Long
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A1L | 5'6" – 5'11" | 135 – 165 lbs |
| A2L | 5'11" – 6'3" | 165 – 190 lbs |
| A3L | 6'3" – 6'6" | 170 – 205 lbs |
Fitted
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A00F | 4'8" – 5'0" | 85 – 100 lbs |
| A0F | 5'0" – 5'4" | 100 – 125 lbs |
| A1F | 5'4" – 5'7" | 120 – 140 lbs |
| A2F | 5'7" – 5'10" | 140 – 160 lbs |
Note: most gis shrink 1–3% after the first few washes. When in doubt between two sizes, size up — you can shrink a gi, but you can't stretch one.
L and H Sizes Explained
Not everyone fits neatly into A1, A2, or A3 — that's where the L and H modifiers come in. They fine-tune the fit by borrowing one dimension from the next size up:
- L (Long): same width as the base size, but the length of the next size up. An A1L has the body width of an A1 with sleeves and pants as long as an A2 — made for tall, lean grapplers.
- H (Husky): same length as the base size, but the width of the next size up. An A1H has the sleeve and pant length of an A1 with the jacket and pant width of an A2 — made for stocky, broader grapplers.
- F (Fitted): a slimmer, closer-cut version of the base size for a more tailored, athletic fit.
In short: L adds length, H adds width, F trims the cut.
How Should a BJJ Gi Fit?
Jacket: The skirt should reach mid-thigh, and the sleeves should end about an inch above your wrist bone when your arms hang straight. You should be able to cross your arms comfortably without the back pulling tight.
Pants: The cuffs should sit at or just above the ankle bone. The waist should stay put with the drawstring tied — if you're constantly hitching them up mid-roll, try a smaller size or a different cut.
Overall: A competition gi should feel snug but not restrictive. For IBJJF competition, sleeves must reach the wrist and pants the ankle — a gi that's too short can get you disqualified at the gi check.
What If You're Between Sizes?
- Tall and lean? Look for L sizes (A1L, A2L, A3L) — same weight range, longer sleeves and pants.
- Stocky or husky build? Look for H sizes (A1H, A2H, A3H) — same height range as the standard size with extra room in the jacket and pants.
- Planning to compete? Size for a snug IBJJF-legal fit rather than comfort — baggy gis are easier to grip.
Will My Gi Shrink?
Yes — cotton and cotton-blend gis shrink most in the first 2–3 washes, especially in hot water or the dryer. To control shrinkage: wash cold and hang dry. To shrink a slightly large gi: wash warm and tumble dry on low, checking the fit between cycles. Pre-shrunk gis still move a little, so don't panic if it's roomy out of the bag.
Gi Weave Matters Too
Heavier weaves like gold weave are durable but shrink more; pearl weave hits the sweet spot of durability, light weight, and minimal shrinkage — which is why most modern competition gis use it. If you're choosing between weaves, read our breakdown of gi fabrics before you buy.
Find Your Gi
Now that you know your size, browse our collection of competition-ready BJJ gis — pearl weave kimonos with a tailored athletic fit, built for the grind and cut to IBJJF specs.
BJJ Gi Sizing FAQ
Should a BJJ gi be tight or loose?
Snug but mobile. You should be able to move freely, but excess fabric is just handles for your opponent.
Do BJJ gis shrink?
Yes, typically 1–3%. Wash cold and hang dry to minimize it, or use warm wash and dryer to shrink a gi that's slightly big.
What size gi for a 6'0", 185 lb man?
Start with A2 (5'8"–6'0", 165–195 lbs) — or A2L if you're tall and lean.
Can I wear a judo gi for BJJ?
You can train in one, but judo gis are cut baggier and usually aren't IBJJF-legal for BJJ competition.