Ask around any BJJ gym and you'll hear the same warning: "Shoyoroll gis run small — size up." But is it actually true? The short answer is no, not exactly. Shoyoroll gis are cut with a tailored, athletic fit, so they feel trimmer than old-school boxy gis — but that's the design, not a sizing flaw. Here's how Shoyoroll sizing really works and how to pick your size with confidence.
How Shoyoroll Gis Actually Fit
Shoyoroll's house cut is athletic and tapered: closer through the torso, arms, and legs than traditional gis, with less excess fabric for opponents to grab. If you're coming from a roomy, old-style gi, your normal size will feel noticeably snugger — and that's intentional. The gi is supposed to sit close without restricting your movement.
The key test is mobility, not looseness. You should be able to cross your arms, shrimp, invert, and reach overhead without the jacket pulling tight across the back or the pants binding at the hips. If you can move freely, the fit is right even if it looks slimmer than what you're used to. If the jacket rides up constantly or the sleeves pull when you grip, that's when you actually need a different size.
Standard, Long, Husky, and Fitted Cuts
One reason Shoyoroll sizing confuses people is that the brand offers the same base sizes in multiple cuts. Understanding the modifiers solves most sizing mistakes:
- Standard (A0–A5): the baseline cut, sized by height and weight.
- L — Long: same width as the base size, but the length of the next size up. An A2L has the body of an A2 with sleeves and pants as long as an A3. Built for tall, lean grapplers.
- H — Husky: same length as the base size, but the width of the next size up. An A2H has the length of an A2 with the jacket and pant width of an A3. Built for stocky, broader grapplers.
- F — Fitted: a slimmer, closer-cut version of the base size for a more tailored fit.
Check the full breakdown with the official chart in our BJJ gi size chart guide — it covers every Shoyoroll cut with height and weight ranges, including the corrected husky chart.
Do Shoyoroll Gis Shrink?
Like most cotton gis, Shoyoroll gis shrink modestly — typically a small percentage over the first few washes, mostly in length. The pearl weave construction the brand favors is relatively stable compared to heavier weaves, but it's not immune. How you wash matters more than the brand: cold water and hang-drying keeps shrinkage minimal, while warm washes and the dryer will tighten things up noticeably.
Practical advice: if your gi fits perfectly out of the bag, wash cold and hang dry to keep it there. If it's slightly roomy, a warm wash and low tumble dry will dial it in — check the fit between cycles rather than running it hot all at once. Never try to shrink your way down a full size; buy the right size and fine-tune from there.
What to Do Between Sizes
Most sizing problems aren't about the brand — they're about falling between two standard sizes. Here's how to decide:
- Tall and lean? Go with the L version of your weight's size rather than sizing up. You'll get the length you need without swimming in extra width.
- Stocky or broad? Go with the H version. It gives you room through the chest, shoulders, and thighs without adding sleeve and pant length you don't need.
- Right on the line between two sizes? Size up if you prefer comfort and plan to shrink it slightly; stay down if you want a competition-tight fit and don't mind a snug first wear.
- Buying for IBJJF competition? Remember that sleeves must reach the wrist and pant cuffs the ankle at the gi check. When in doubt, the slightly larger option is the safer tournament pick.
Find Your Shoyoroll Gi
Now that you know how the cuts work, find your size on the official Shoyoroll size chart and browse our BJJ gis collection — premium pearl weave kimonos with tailored athletic fits, built for the grind.
Shoyoroll Sizing FAQ
Do Shoyoroll gis run small?
Not really — they're cut athletic and tapered, so they fit trimmer than boxy traditional gis. Order your normal size based on the size chart; the snug feel is the intended fit.
Should I size up in Shoyoroll?
Only if you're between sizes and prefer a roomier fit, or if you want room to shrink the gi down. Otherwise, trust the chart — and consider L or H cuts before jumping a full size.
What's the difference between A2, A2L, and A2H?
All three suit roughly the same weight range. A2L adds sleeve and pant length for tall, lean builds; A2H adds width through the body for stocky builds; standard A2 is the baseline.
Will my Shoyoroll gi shrink after washing?
Expect minor shrinkage over the first few washes, mostly in length. Wash cold and hang dry to minimize it, or use warm water and the dryer to deliberately tighten a slightly roomy gi.