If you’re about to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time, one of the very first questions is a practical one: what do I actually wear? It’s a great question — and the good news is that getting started is simple and inexpensive. This guide covers exactly what to wear to your first class, the difference between gi and no-gi, what to wear underneath, what to leave at home, and what to bring with you.
What to wear to your first class (or free trial)
For your very first class, keep it simple. You do not need to buy a uniform to try Jiu-Jitsu. Comfortable, fitted athletic clothing is perfect:
- A fitted t-shirt or rash guard — something that won’t ride up or come untucked when you move.
- Athletic shorts or leggings — ideally with no pockets, zippers, buttons, or drawstring toggles (fingers and toes catch on these).
- Nothing on your feet — Jiu-Jitsu is trained barefoot on the mats. Bring flip-flops or sandals for walking to and from the bathroom.
- A water bottle — you’ll work harder than you expect.
That’s genuinely all you need to walk in and train. At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Warwick, our free 10-day trial lets you start in normal workout clothes — no uniform required. (For a full walkthrough of the class itself, see what to expect in your first class.)
Gi vs. no-gi: what’s the difference?
As you continue, you’ll hear about two styles of training — gi and no-gi. Both are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; the difference is what you wear and what you’re allowed to grip.
| Gi (Kimono) | No-Gi | |
|---|---|---|
| What you wear | Traditional jacket, pants & belt | Rash guard + shorts or spats |
| Gripping | Grip the fabric — collars & sleeves | Grip the body — underhooks & control |
| Pace | Slower, more methodical | Faster and more slippery |
| Great for beginners? | Yes — teaches control & patience | Yes — fewer grips to learn |
| Starter cost | ~$80–$150 for a quality gi | ~$40–$80 rash guard + shorts |
Most beginners start in the gi, since gripping the fabric slows things down and makes technique easier to learn. You don’t need either to begin — trial first, then buy once you’re hooked.
What to wear under your gi
Once you have a gi, a little goes underneath it for comfort and hygiene:
- Under the jacket: a fitted rash guard or a plain t-shirt — it protects your skin from mat burn and keeps your gi cleaner.
- Under the pants: compression shorts or spats (leggings made for grappling).
- For women: a supportive sports bra plus a fitted rash guard or compression top works best.
What NOT to wear (for safety)
A few things get left in the locker for everyone’s safety:
- No jewelry — rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches can catch, scratch, or get lost.
- No pockets, zippers, or buttons — fingers and toes get caught in them during grappling.
- No baggy or loose clothing — it bunches up, comes untucked, and gets in the way.
- No shoes on the mat — ever. Mats are kept clean and shoes are trained barefoot.
Hygiene & mat etiquette
Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, so good hygiene is part of being a great training partner — and it’s something every reputable academy takes seriously:
- Come to class clean, and wash your gi and rash guard after every session.
- Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short to avoid scratching partners.
- Cover any cuts or scrapes, and stay home if you have a contagious skin condition.
- Wear flip-flops off the mat (especially in the bathroom) and step onto clean mats with clean, bare feet.
Do you need to buy a gi to start?
No — and you shouldn’t rush it. Start in athletic clothes, take a few classes, and make sure you love it first. When you’re ready to enroll, your instructor can point you to a good, affordable beginner gi and tell you which color and size to get. Our Gracie Combatives® beginner program is built for exactly this — walk in with zero gear and zero experience, and we’ll take care of the rest. Kids in our Bullyproof® program follow the same simple approach.
Ready to try it? Just bring yourself
The best part of getting started in Jiu-Jitsu is how little you need: comfortable clothes, a water bottle, and a willingness to learn. Everything else can wait until you know you love it. Claim your free 10-day trial at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Warwick, or explore all of our Warwick programs to find the right fit — no gi, no experience, and no commitment required.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to my first jiu-jitsu class?
For your first class or free trial, wear comfortable athletic clothing — a fitted t-shirt or rash guard and athletic shorts or leggings with no pockets, zippers, or buttons. Bring a water bottle and flip-flops for walking off the mat, and train barefoot on the mats. You do not need to buy a gi to get started.
Do I need to buy a gi to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
No. You don't need a gi (the traditional uniform) for a trial or your first classes — athletic clothes are fine. Most academies, including Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Warwick, let you train in normal workout gear at first and only recommend buying a gi once you decide to enroll.
What do you wear under a jiu-jitsu gi?
Under the gi jacket, wear a fitted rash guard or a plain t-shirt; under the pants you can wear compression shorts or spats. This protects your skin from mat burn and keeps things hygienic. Women typically wear a sports bra plus a rash guard.
Can I wear a t-shirt and shorts to jiu-jitsu?
Yes — for no-gi training and for beginner/trial classes, a fitted t-shirt or rash guard with athletic shorts (ideally without pockets or zippers) is perfect. Avoid loose, baggy clothing that can bunch up or catch fingers and toes.
What should women wear to jiu-jitsu?
Women usually wear a sports bra with a fitted rash guard or athletic top, plus leggings, spats, or shorts. It's practical and keeps everything secure during training. No prior experience or special gear is needed to start with a free trial.
