Quick answer: The best BJJ gi for beginners in the UK is The ONE V2 (£90): a 400 GSM pearl weave jacket, 10 oz cotton trousers and IBJJF approval under the 2024 rules. On a tighter budget, the Kore V2 (£75) is our most affordable gi and still 100% IBJJF 2024 legal. Want something lighter? The AIRlite (£100) is our lightest gi jacket, 100% pre-shrunk, with a free gi bag. All ship from our UK warehouse with free delivery over £100.

Your first Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) gi doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to survive being grabbed, pulled and washed several times a week. The difference between a good first gi and a bad one isn't the logo. It's the weave, the reinforcement at the stress points, the trousers and the fit.

This guide covers what to look for in a first gi, compares the Kingz gis we recommend to beginners with UK prices, and answers the questions people ask before their first class.

What to look for in your first gi

A pearl weave jacket. Pearl weave is the modern standard: strong for its weight, breathable and quick to dry. Around 380–420 GSM is the sweet spot for a first gi.

Reinforced stress points. Look for a jacket cut from one piece of fabric, triple-reinforced stitching at the armpits and skirt, and reinforced knees on the trousers. That's where cheap gis fail first.

A durable collar. The collar takes more grips than anything else. A heat-resistant rubber lapel insert keeps it firm, light and quick to dry.

White. Accepted at every academy and legal at every IBJJF event. Check with your coach before buying blue or black.

IBJJF legal. It costs no more, and it means the gi you train in is the gi you can compete in.

The right size. A gi that's too big gets grabbed; too small and it fails the sleeve check. Use the Kingz size guide before ordering.

Best beginner gis compared

*Prices for white gis on kingz.co.uk as of 11 November 2026. Other colours may be priced differently.

Best overall for beginners: The ONE V2 (£90)

We built The ONE on a simple idea: jiu-jitsu is for every ONE, regardless of wallet size. The jacket is 400 GSM high-tech pearl weave cut from a single piece of fabric, with reinforcements at all the major stress points and a heat-resistant vulcanised rubber lapel that keeps the collar light and quick to dry. The trousers are 100% 10 oz cotton with double-reinforced knees, and the interior seams, the ones most likely to fray, are covered with soft cotton taping. It's IBJJF approved under the 2024 rules. For £15 more than the Kore V2 you get a heavier, more substantial jacket, which is why it's the gi we point most first-time buyers to. It also qualifies for free UK delivery over £100 if you add a belt or rash guard.

Best budget gi: Kore V2 (£75)

The Kore V2 is our most wallet-friendly gi, and it doesn't cut corners where it counts: a 380 GSM micro pearl weave jacket from one piece of fabric, triple-reinforced stitching across all stress points, double-reinforced knees, a rubber lapel insert, soft cotton seam taping and a 6-loop cord drawstring. It's 100% IBJJF 2024 legal. If you're not sure you'll stick with jiu-jitsu, this is the low-risk way to start without buying something you'll replace in three months.

Best lightweight gi for beginners: AIRlite (£100)

The AIRlite is the lightest gi jacket we've made: 380 GSM pearl weave, 100% pre-shrunk, with 220 GSM cotton/polyester ripstop trousers and a stretchy drawstring. It's cooler in a packed academy, dries fast between sessions, and comes with a free Kingz gi bag. It's 100% IBJJF legal. The Nano 3.0 (£100) is the other light option, with 270 GSM ripstop trousers.

Best beginner gi for women

Every gi above comes in a women's cut (F0–F5), which isn't simply a smaller men's gi. Start with the Kore V2 Women's (£75) or The ONE V2 Women's (£80). The Empowered (£100) has a 400 GSM jacket, 10 oz cotton trousers and a free gi bag. See all women's gis.

Buying for a child?

The Kore V2 Youth (£60) uses the same 380 GSM jacket and reinforced construction as the adult gi, with an elastic waistband on sizes M2 and smaller. The Nano 3.0 Youth (£85) is lighter and comes with a free gi bag. Children grow fast, so if they're between sizes, go up one. Browse all kids' gis.

How to pick your size

Size by weight first, then height. With your arms extended, the sleeves should reach close to the wrist; the trousers should sit just above the ankle bone. Kingz sizes come in standard, L (long: same width, longer sleeves and legs, for tall and slim builds) and H (husky: more room through the chest and shoulders). Check the size guide before ordering, and remember exchanges are free within 60 days.

Shipping and returns in the UK

Orders placed by 12 noon (UK time), Monday to Friday, usually dispatch the same day with Royal Mail or DPD, and most UK orders arrive within 1–2 business days after dispatch. Delivery is free on orders over £100. If the size isn't right, our 60-day Perfect Fit Guarantee covers free exchanges with a prepaid UK return label. See shipping information for details.

Looking after your first gi

Wash it after every session, cold, and hang it to dry. Hot washes and tumble dryers are what shrink cotton gis and wear them out early. Most Kingz gis under £100 are 95% pre-shrunk, so expect 3–5% shrinkage if you do wash warm or tumble dry; the AIRlite is 100% pre-shrunk. Our gi weight guide compares the fabric of every Kingz gi.

Frequently asked questions

Shop beginner gis

Browse all men's gis, women's gis and kids' gis at Kingz UK.