What to Wear to BJJ Training: A Complete Gear Checklist

Rocking up to your first BJJ class and not knowing what to wear is a rite of passage — most of us did it. Save yourself the awkwardness with this checklist of what you actually need.

BJJ Gi — the jacket and pants. Non-negotiable for gi classes. Make sure it’s washed and doesn’t smell.

Belt — beginners start on white belt. Your gym may provide one, or you’ll need to buy one separately.

Rash guard — worn under the gi jacket. Reduces mat burn and keeps the gi cleaner. Optional but recommended.

Compression shorts — worn under gi pants for comfort and hygiene. Optional.

Thongs to and from the mat — never wear shoes on the mats, but don’t walk barefoot off them either.

Mouth guard — not always mandatory but smart to have for sparring.

Trimmed nails — keep fingernails and toenails short. This is mat safety, not aesthetics.

Rash guard — fitted long or short sleeve. Loose shirts are a submission hazard and generally not allowed.

BJJ shorts or compression spats — board shorts with deep pockets or Velcro that can catch fingers are usually banned. Dedicated BJJ shorts are the right call.

Jewellery of any kind — rings, necklaces, earrings are a serious injury risk. Shoes on the mat. A gi with holes or rips. Anything with exposed metal. Baggy t-shirts in no-gi.

Most gyms let you attend a trial class in sports clothes — a fitted t-shirt and board shorts is fine for one session. But if you’re going to keep training, get a gi within the first week or two. Training without one limits what you can learn and drill with partners.

Training 2–3 times a week: one gi works — wash and hang dry after each session. Training four or more times a week: two gis makes life much easier. One dries while you train in the other.

Roll BJJ ships Australia-wide for $10 flat (free over $250). We make gis, rash guards, shorts, and belts — all designed for people who actually train.

See what’s in stock →