Finding the right BJJ gi size starts with your height and weight. Use the size chart below as your starting point, then adjust for body type and preferred fit. Most adult male practitioners fall between A2 and A3. Women should reference the F-scale sizing from their specific brand.
BJJ Gi Size Chart — Adult Male
| Size | Height | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″–5’4″ (152–163 cm) | 100–140 lbs (45–64 kg) | Smaller or lighter men |
| A1 | 5’4″–5’7″ (163–170 cm) | 130–160 lbs (59–73 kg) | Lean builds, shorter frames |
| A2 | 5’7″–5’11” (170–180 cm) | 155–185 lbs (70–84 kg) | Most common adult male size |
| A2L | 5’9″–6’1″ (175–185 cm) | 155–185 lbs (70–84 kg) | Tall but not heavy |
| A3 | 5’10″–6’2″ (178–188 cm) | 180–220 lbs (82–100 kg) | Larger or heavier builds |
| A3L | 6’0″–6’4″ (183–193 cm) | 180–220 lbs (82–100 kg) | Tall and heavy builds |
| A4 | 6’1″–6’4″ (185–193 cm) | 215–255 lbs (98–116 kg) | Big and tall builds |
| A5 | 6’2″+ (188+ cm) | 250+ lbs (113+ kg) | Very large builds |
BJJ Gi Size Chart — Adult Female
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| F0 | 4’10″–5’1″ (147–155 cm) | 95–120 lbs (43–54 kg) |
| F1 | 5’1″–5’4″ (155–163 cm) | 115–145 lbs (52–66 kg) |
| F2 | 5’3″–5’7″ (160–170 cm) | 140–170 lbs (64–77 kg) |
| F3 | 5’6″–5’10” (168–178 cm) | 165–195 lbs (75–88 kg) |
| F4 | 5’9″+ (175+ cm) | 190+ lbs (86+ kg) |
How to Measure Yourself for a BJJ Gi
- Height — barefoot against a wall.
- Weight — current competition or morning weight.
- Chest — around the fullest part, tape horizontal.
- Sleeve length — from center of upper back, over shoulder, to wrist.
- Inseam — crotch to ankle bone for pants fit.
Always compare these to the specific brand’s size chart — sizing varies meaningfully between brands.
How Sizing Differs Between Brands
- Fuji — runs slightly large. Between sizes? Size down.
- Tatami — true to size for most builds. A reliable first purchase.
- Scramble — athletic cut. Broad shoulders or chest? Size up.
- Kingz — slightly slim in the jacket. Broader practitioners often go up one.
- Shoyoroll — generally true to size but varies by collection. Check product notes.
Gi vs No-Gi Sizing
No-gi gear (rash guards, shorts, spats) uses standard clothing sizing — S, M, L, XL. The A-scale and F-scale are specific to gi jackets and pants. If you wear a medium in athletic clothing, you will wear a medium in no-gi gear.
What to Do If You Are Between Sizes
- Prioritize jacket fit — short sleeves are a bigger functional problem than slightly long pants. IBJJF has sleeve length rules.
- Use long sizes (A2L, A3L) — tall but not heavy? Long sizes give you sleeve and jacket length without excess torso bulk.
- Factor in shrinkage — if the gi is not pre-shrunk, buy the larger size.
Pre-Shrunk vs Standard Gi
Pearl weave cotton gis can shrink 1–2 inches in sleeve and pant length after the first wash. Always wash non-pre-shrunk gis in cold water and air dry. Once washed two or three times, shrinkage stabilises. Pre-shrunk gis (Tatami and others offer these) can be bought at your true size. For more on managing gi shrinkage, see our guide on how to shrink a BJJ gi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size gi should a beginner get?
Use the chart above, factor in shrinkage if not pre-shrunk, and ask your coach. For most adult males in the 5’8″–5’11” range at average weight, A2 is the right starting point. Coaches have hands-on experience with specific brands and are usually happy to advise.
Do BJJ gis shrink in the wash?
Yes — particularly cotton gis in warm or hot water. Cold wash and air dry for the first few washes to control shrinkage. After two or three washes the gi stabilises and will not shrink further.
Is A2 the most common BJJ gi size?
Yes — A2 is the most ordered size across brands. Most brands stock deepest inventory at A2 and A3. If you fall into A0 or A5, check stock availability before committing to a specific gi model.
