Walking into a martial arts gym for the first time is intimidating enough without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions. You’re about to learn a complex new skill, meet new people, and get physically close to strangers. The last thing you want is to be the person who wore the wrong thing and accidentally scratched a training partner or ripped the mats.
Knowing what to wear to BJJ class isn’t just about looking the part or following fashion trends; it’s about safety, hygiene, and respect for your training partners. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for a trial session or gearing up for your first month of training, having the right attire ensures you can focus on learning the technique rather than adjusting your clothes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about BJJ attire for beginners. We’ll break down the difference between Gi and No Gi, what to wear if you don’t have specialised gear yet, and essential hygiene tips that will help you make a great first impression.
Do You Need a Gi for Your First Class?
Before you raid your closet for athletic wear, it’s important to understand the two main styles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Gi and No Gi.
- Gi Jiu Jitsu: This style is practiced in a traditional kimono, similar to what you might see in Judo or Karate. The Gi is made of heavy, durable cotton and consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt. In this style, you can grab the clothing to control your opponent or submit them.
- No Gi Jiu Jitsu: This style is practiced without the traditional kimono, usually in shorts and a tight fitting shirt (rash guard). In No Gi, you cannot grab clothing; you rely on gripping the body (wrists, neck, ankles).
Most academies offer classes in both styles. If your first class experience is designated as a “Gi” class, you might be wondering if you need to buy a uniform immediately. The answer is usually no.
Many academies offer a “loaner” Gi for your trial class. This allows you to experience the training without dropping money on a uniform you might not use if you decide BJJ isn’t for you. However, you should always call ahead or check the gym’s website to confirm.
If the academy requires a Gi but doesn’t provide loaners, ask if you can wear standard activewear for your first few sessions. Most instructors are understanding of beginners and will allow you to train in comfortable workout clothes until you commit to a membership.
What to Wear if You Don’t Have a Gi (No Gi Attire)
If you are attending a No Gi class, or if your instructor allows you to wear activewear for a trial Gi class, you need to choose your outfit carefully. Your normal gym clothes might not be suitable for grappling.
Here is a breakdown of the best BJJ attire for beginners who don’t own specialised gear yet.
Tops: Tight is Right
For your upper body, you want something that fits snugly. A rash guard is the gold standard in No Gi grappling. These are tight, synthetic shirts designed to wick away sweat and protect your skin from mat burn.
If you don’t have a rash guard, a synthetic athletic shirt (like Under Armour or Nike Pro) works well.
What to Avoid:
- Baggy T shirts: Loose fabric is a nightmare in BJJ. Fingers and toes get caught in the excess material, which can lead to twisted digits for you or your partner. Plus, a baggy shirt will inevitably get pulled up over your face during sparring.
- Cotton: Cotton absorbs sweat and becomes heavy, wet, and uncomfortable very quickly. It also stretches out and loses its shape when pulled.
- Pockets and Zippers: Never wear anything with zippers, buttons, or plastic glides. These can scratch your training partners or tear the expensive mats.
Bottoms: Secure and Safe
For your lower body, board shorts or specific grappling shorts are ideal. These are designed to stay in place while you move and usually feature a velcro closure or a drawstring.
Crucial Rule: Absolutely no pockets, zippers, or metal loops. If you wear regular basketball shorts with pockets, fingers/toes can get stuck in them during a scramble, leading to broken bones. If you must wear shorts with pockets, some people sew them shut, but it’s better to find a pair without them.
Many practitioners also wear compression shorts or spats (leggings) underneath their shorts. This provides an extra layer of protection against mat burn and keeps everything secure. If you choose to wear only spats/leggings, ensure they are not see through when stretched.
Accessories and Safety Gear
Beyond the basic clothing, there are a few accessories that can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
Mouthguard
While not always mandatory for the very first class (especially if you are just learning basic movements), a mouthguard is highly recommended. You don’t need a custom dentist molded one for your first day; a simple boil and bite mouthguard from a sporting goods store is sufficient.
Even during light drilling, knees and elbows can slip. A mouthguard protects your teeth, lips, and tongue from accidental bumps.
What NOT to Wear
Safety is paramount in BJJ. Because it is a full contact sport, you need to remove anything that could injure you or your partner.
- Jewelry: You must remove all rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches (including fitness trackers/Apple Watches). A ring can deglove a finger if it gets caught in a Gi, and earrings can be torn out during head pressure.
- Hard Plastic/Metal Hair Clips: If you have long hair, use soft elastic hair ties. Hard clips and bobby pins can scrape the scalp or puncture the skin when pressure is applied.
- Piercings: If you cannot remove a piercing, it must be taped over securely, though removing it is much safer.
Optional Gear
You might see other students wearing kneepads or ear guards (headgear). These are not necessary for day one. As you train more, you will discover if your knees need extra support or if you want to protect your ears from cauliflower ear, but don’t worry about these for now.
The “Invisible” Wardrobe: Hygiene
What to wear to BJJ class extends beyond fabric; your personal hygiene is part of your “uniform.” BJJ is a close contact sport. You will be inches away from people’s faces, so cleanliness is a form of respect.
- Shower Before Class: If you are coming from a manual labor job or have been sweating all day, try to shower before heading to the gym. If that’s not possible, use body wipes to freshen up.
- Trim Your Nails: This is non negotiable. Long fingernails and toenails are dangerous weapons on the mats. They can leave deep scratches on your training partners. Keep them trimmed short and filed smooth.
- Fresh Breath: You will be breathing heavily in close proximity to others. Brushing your teeth or popping a mint before stepping on the mats goes a long way in making you a good training partner.
- Clean Gear: If you attend more than one class, never reuse dirty gear. Bacteria thrives in sweaty clothes (staph and ringworm are real risks in grappling sports). Wash your Gi, rash guard, and shorts after every single session.
What to Bring in Your Gym Bag
Aside from the clothes on your back, there are three essentials you should have in your bag.
- Water Bottle: BJJ is intense cardio. You will sweat more than you expect. Hydration is key to getting through the warm up and drills without cramping.
- Flip Flops or Slides: This is a major hygiene rule in BJJ culture. Never walk barefoot off the mats. If you need to use the restroom, get a drink of water, or walk to the locker room, you must put on footwear. Walking barefoot in the bathroom and then stepping back onto the mats tracks germs (like staph/MRSA) into the training area.
- Towel and Change of Clothes: You will likely be soaked in sweat after class. For your own comfort and the sake of your car seats, bring a towel and a fresh set of dry clothes to change into immediately after training.
Final Thoughts for Your First Class
Stepping onto the mats is the hardest part of the journey. Now that you know exactly what to wear to BJJ class, you can check that worry off your list.
Remember the key takeaways: prioritise safety by avoiding zippers and jewelry, aim for comfort with tight fitting rash guards and board shorts, and respect your partners with impeccable hygiene.
Everyone on those mats started as a white belt. They all had a first day, and they all probably worried about what to wear. The most important thing isn’t your outfit it’s showing up with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Pack your bag, grab your water bottle, and book your trial session. You have no excuses left!