Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi

The only colors allowed for international championships are white, black or blue. In some jurisdictions this is relaxed to allow any single solid color.

According to article 8 of IBJJF rules,[2] a competition gi must conform to these specifications:

• The gi must be constructed of cotton or similar material and be in good condition. The material may not be excessively thick or hard to the point where it will obstruct the opponent.
• Colors may be black, white or blue, no combined colors (white kimono with blue pants, etc.)
• The jacket is to be of sufficient length down to the thighs, sleeves must reach the wrist with arms extended in front of the body. The sleeve should follow the official measurements according to IBJJF (this is measured from the shoulder to the wrist).
• Belt width must be 4–5 cm, with belt color corresponding to the practitioner's rank. The belt must be tied around the waist with a double knot, tight enough to secure the kimono closed. An extremely worn/discoloured belt may need to be replaced before competing.
• Athletes are not permitted to compete with torn kimonos, sleeves or pants that are not of proper length, or with T-shirts underneath the kimono (except for females).
• A BJJ practitioner is not allowed to paint his/her gi. Exceptions can be made for teams competition.

In addition to the above requirements, pockets of any kind are not allowed in a gi used at tournaments.[2]

A special gi checking tool is sometimes used to determine acceptable measurements and fit of the gi. This tool resembles a block of wood 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 15 cm with a slit cut in the middle and is used to measure the following:[2]

• The jacket lapel must be 5 cm wide.
• There must be at least 7 cm of room from the bottom of the competitor's wrist to the bottom of the sleeve.
• The jacket lapel must not be thicker than 1.3 cm.

Due to the nature of wrestling/grappling and the diseases that can come from close contact between people, the gi is typically washed after each class. As with most cotton products, a cotton gi must be laundered in cold water and line dried to avoid shrinkage.[9][10] This is important to most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners as even pre-shrunk gi material has a tendency to shrink further in hot water and a hot dryer cycle. To preserve the life of the gi, bleaching is highly discouraged, as this can weaken the fibers of the material and cause them to tear more easily. Line drying in bright sunlight is commonly suggested to help remove smells from the gi, due to the bacterial killing properties of UV light. Hanging the gi in direct sunlight can damage the integrity of the fabric and reduce its durability, and can also stiffen up fibres in a gi.[10]

While most gis sold today are made of a colorfast material, some manufacturers recommend that a darker coloured gi (blue, black, red, etc.) be washed with 2-3 cups of white vinegar the first time that the outfit is laundered. This helps to set the dye in the gi and will minimize fading.[10]

It is advised to leave a gi to dry in indirect sunlight, and avoid drying in drying machines, as this can cause shrinkage.[11]

Judogi as worn at the 1951 All-Japan Judo Championships

The Jiu-Jitsu gi is similar to the judogi with a few differences. Jiu jitsu regulations allow for tighter cuffs on the pants and jacket, and the skirt (section of the gi beneath the belt) is shorter. This allows the practitioner to benefit from a closer fit, providing less material for an opponent to manipulate. Team, sponsor, and manufacturer's patches are often more prominently displayed on a Jiu-Jitsu gi than would be allowed in judo. The kimono of a judo gi is generally thicker than that of a Jiu-Jitsu gi, to make it less prone of ripping in competition or training.

• Judogi
• Jujutsugi
• Keikogi