If you want to train, go for a loose fit, as it will help you train for hours at a time. But if you are going to compete, then try wearing a taiorloed fit.
Table of Contents
30 Second Summary – Tailored Fit vs Loose Fit in a Gi
1. Why Your Gi Must Fit You Properly in Jiu-Jitsu?
2. Choosing Between a Tailored Fit vs Loose Fit BJJ Gi
2.1 Why Can You Choose a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi?
2.1.1 What Should You Look For in a Tailored BJJ Gi (slim fit Gi)?
2.1.2 Pros of Wearing a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi
2.1.3 Cons of Wearing a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi
2.1.4 When is a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi Ideal?
2.2 Why Can You Choose a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi?
2.2.1 What Should You Look For in a Loose BJJ Gi?
2.2.2 Pros of Wearing a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi
2.2.3 Cons of Wearing a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi
2.2.4 When is a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi Ideal?
3. Key Factors for Proper Fit BJJ Gi For All Styles
30 Second Summary – Tailored Fit vs Loose Fit in a Gi
Choosing between a tailored and a loose fit for a Elite Sports BJJ Gi is a common question among Jiu-Jitsu grapplers. But it depends on your goals. If you want to focus solely on training, choose a loose fit, as it will help you train for hours at a time. But if you are going to compete, try wearing a tailored fit because it will improve your movement during grappling and reduce the chances of your opponent grabbing you.
1. Why Your Gi Must Fit You Properly in Jiu-Jitsu?
Your Gi fit decides your performance in grappling, your moves, and everything you do in your match or training. Some of the reasons why Gi fitting is crucial are given below:
- If your Gi is too loose, it will give your opponent plenty of room to grab you.
- A Gi being too tight will limit your moves during grappling.
- To comply with IBJJF rules, you need to wear a fit Gi.
- Too tight or too loose, Gi will expose you to several injuries during grappling.
- You can defend against chokes while wearing a tight Gi rather than a loose one.
- With a proper Gi fitting, you ensure long term use with less risk of wear and tear.
2. Choosing Between a Tailored Fit vs Loose Fit BJJ Gi
2.1 Why Can You Choose a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi?
Ideally, you should choose a tailored fit BJJ Gi only for competitions. The reason is that you find it easier to move, giving your opponent less fabric to grab you.
2.1.1 What Should You Look For in a Tailored BJJ Gi (slim fit Gi)?
You should look for the following things when choosing a tailored BJJ Gi (slim fit Gi) for your competition:
- Slim pants.
- Narrow sleeves.
- A tapered jacket.
- The jacket must be closer to your torso.
2.1.2 Pros of Wearing a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi
- Difficult for opponents to secure grips.
- Reduces the chances that your opponents will use your gi against you.
- Lighter weight.
- Looks more athletic than a loose Gi, which doesn’t even look good.
2.1.3 Cons of Wearing a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi
- Can feel restrictive.
- Less comfortable.
- Cannot be used during long and intense training sessions.
2.1.4 When is a Tailored Fit BJJ Gi Ideal?
- When you want to grapple in contests.
- If you have a slender body.
2.2 Why Can You Choose a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi?
Grapplers prefer loose-fit BJJ Gis because they do not limit the movements during grappling. They offer much better mobility and comfort, which you need for your Gi during long, intense Jiu-Jitsu training sessions.
2.2.1 What Should You Look For in a Loose BJJ Gi?
You should look for the following things when choosing a loose BJJ Gi (slim fit Gi) for your competition:
- Ample room in the thighs, armpits, and shoulders.
- Comfort during grappling.
- Good range of movement for training.
- Not too loose (baggy).
2.2.2 Pros of Wearing a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi
- More comfort during grappling.
- Freedom of movement.
- You can have a full range of motion.
- You must prefer it for long training sessions.
2.2.3 Cons of Wearing a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi
- Easier for opponents to grab you
- They can control you easily.
- Excess fabric can get tangled while you are making your moves during grappling.
2.2.4 When is a Loose-Fit BJJ Gi Ideal?
- Beginners.
- Those who prefer comfort
- Grapplers who need a heavy build.
- Grapplers who want to do long training sessions.
3. Key Factors for Proper Fit BJJ Gi For All Styles
Besides your goal, you must keep the factors given below in your mind to ensure buying a good fit BJJ Gi:
- You should comply with all the rules and policies of a competition, such as IBJJF matches or the gym, while choosing a Jiu-Jitsu Gi.
- Your pants must reach just below the ankle.
- The jackets should be long enough to reach your thighs and cover your hips, but not so long that they limit your grappling moves.
- After wearing the Gi, its lapels must overlap by only a few inches.
- Your Gi sleeve hem must reach to your wrist when your arms are straight. They should be roughly two inches from the wrist.
- Buy a size slightly larger than your usual size, or a preshrunk one to reduce the risk of shrinkage after washing.
- You can check if your Gi fits you correctly by the amount of room it provides for your moves and grips by your opponent. Good fit Gi means more room for movement but less for grips.