Walking into your first BJJ class is intimidating enough without worrying about what to wear. The good news: you don't need a full kit to start. This beginner's gear checklist covers exactly what to wear to your first class — whether your gym trains in the gi or no-gi — plus the hygiene essentials and the things you should leave at home.
Gi Gym or No-Gi Gym? Ask First
BJJ is trained two ways: in the gi (the traditional kimono) and no-gi (rash guard and shorts). Most gyms do both on different days, but your first class could be either. Message the gym before you go and ask what beginners should wear — they'll tell you in one sentence, and you'll walk in looking like you belong. Many gyms also lend a spare gi to first-timers, so ask about that too.
Your First-Class Gear Checklist
- Gi classes: a BJJ gi (jacket, pants, and belt) — or borrow one from the gym for your trial. Wear a t-shirt or rash guard underneath.
- No-gi classes: a fitted rash guard or compression shirt and grappling shorts or leggings. No pockets, no zippers, nothing loose.
- Underneath: compression shorts or spats under gi pants; a sports bra or compression top under your rash guard.
- Feet: flip-flops or slides for walking off the mats. You train barefoot, but you never walk barefoot to the bathroom.
- Water bottle: you'll need it. BJJ cardio surprises everyone.
- Hair ties: long hair must be tied back securely — loose hair gets pulled and it's miserable for your partners. A simple elastic band is all you need.
Hygiene Essentials (Non-Negotiable)
Jiu-jitsu is close-contact, so hygiene is respect. Shower before class if you can, and always train in clean gear — wash your gi or rash guard after every single session, no exceptions. A worn-once-more gi is how skin infections spread through a gym. Trim your fingernails and toenails short (you'll scratch someone otherwise), and skip training if you have any skin infection, cold, or flu. Gyms take mat hygiene seriously, and so should you from day one.
What Not to Wear
- Jewelry of any kind — rings, watches, necklaces, earrings. They injure you and your partners.
- Loose or baggy clothing — fingers and toes get caught in it.
- Anything with pockets, zippers, or buttons — they tear skin and damage other people's gear.
- Strong cologne or perfume — someone's face will be very close to you. Keep it neutral.
What Happens in a Typical First Class?
Knowing what to expect takes the edge off. Most beginner classes follow the same shape: a warmup (jogging, shrimping, breakfalls), technique instruction where the coach demonstrates a few moves and you drill them with a partner, and positional sparring or light rolling at the end. Nobody expects you to know anything — higher belts will guide you through drills, and tapping early is encouraged, not embarrassing. You'll be confused, you'll be tired, and you'll probably be hooked.
Get Geared Up
Ready to commit after your trial? Start with the essentials: a competition-ready BJJ gi for gi days, a fitted rash guard for no-gi, and browse the full no-gi collection for shorts and spats. Buy one quality set first — you'll know exactly what you want more of after a month on the mats. And check our gi size chart guide before ordering, so your first gi fits right out of the bag.
First BJJ Class FAQ
What should a beginner wear to BJJ?
A gi for gi classes (many gyms lend one for trials) or a rash guard and grappling shorts for no-gi. Always ask the gym beforehand.
Do I need to buy a gi before my first class?
No. Most gyms let beginners borrow a gi or train no-gi for trial classes. Buy your own once you decide to stay — there's no rush.
Can I wear a regular t-shirt to no-gi BJJ?
For one trial class, a tight athletic shirt works — but a real rash guard is better. It manages sweat, resists mat burn, and doesn't stretch out when grabbed.
Do you wear shoes on BJJ mats?
Never. You train barefoot. Wear slides to the edge of the mat and leave them there.