An appropriate gi is undeniably crucial to your performance as a Judo player.
Whether this is your first time buying a Judo gi or if you’re just upgrading your current one, this review is for you.
We’ll take a look at the best Judo gis currently available and evaluate them, to help find the perfect one for you!
Our Top Picks
Judo is a contact sport, that entails some gripping and grabbing. So, you need a gi that’s sturdy and won’t rip easily.
Accordingly, there are 3 aspects to take into consideration; durability, material, and weave.
Contents
Winner – FUJI Double Weave Judo Gi
Made entirely of cotton, with double weaving and high-quality stitching, this double weave Judo Gi from FUJI tops our best list. It’s available in 2 color options, white and blue.
The double weave makes it durable and allows your gi to withstand a strong impact. This is useful if you practice regularly, or you’re a judo teacher.
Moreover, since it’s made of cotton, and has a thick collar, making it highly absorbent. This is a nice perk as it takes care of all the sweat.
This is a great judo gi, perhaps one of its few drawbacks is the price, as it’s relatively expensive.
It’s no small feat that this one made it as the best judo gi on our list. It’s comfortable, yet durable, fit makes it a perfect option for both training and competitions.
This gi is true to size and doesn’t shrink when washed, unlike some of its counterparts. So, no need to get a bigger size, just go for yours!
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- 100% Cotton
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specifications
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | 1-9 |
| Weave | Double |
Elite Sports Adult Judo GI
The adult Judo gi from Elite Sports is available in two colors white and blue. Made from a double weave cotton blend, it’s available in 2 sizes.
This International Judo Federation (IJF) and United States Judo Federation (USJF) approved gi is sturdy and has a thick lapel. This is advantageous in combat as it makes it harder for your opponent to get a hold of you.
Another advantage is the side slits, which makes it super easy and comfortable to move in.
One of the drawbacks of this otherwise excellent gi is the fact that it’s available in only 2 sizes. You may not easily find your size.
This gi has an antibacterial lining feature, which helps keep it fresh and clean for a longer period of time. This is wonderful, as it can also wick moisture and reduce odors and sweat stains.
Given the limited available size options, you may find that the proportions of this gi are a bit off.
Pros
- Antibacterial lining
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Limited Sizes
Product Specifications
| Material | Cotton blend |
| Sizes | 1-2 |
| Weave | Double |
Pro Force Gladiator Judo Gi
The Gladiator gi comes in 4 colors; black, blue, natural white, and bleached white, which is more than what most other brands offer. Pro Force makes this gi in a single weave and entirely out of cotton.
This is a basic gi, that’s great if you’re a beginner. Even though it’s a single weave, it’s durable enough to withstand regular practice and sometimes even competitions.
It lacks in quality of both the material and stitching. It sometimes frays and rips easily, so beware of that.
Even though this is a single weave gi, it’s been reported to be as good as some of the double weave ones in terms of durability and ability to withstand impact.
Some users reported this gi being delivered without a belt, so always try to ensure that it’s included. You can order it separately if it isn’t.
Moreover, the sizes run big so we recommend getting half a size smaller. Or just make sure that you’re covered for exchange if needed!
Pros
- Super affordable
- Color variety
- Light
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Subpar quality
Product Specifications
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | 000-7 |
| Weave | Single |
FUJI Single Weave Judo Gi
This is another excellent gi from FUJI. This model is a single weave and comes in one color; blue, with a white belt.
Sizing is standard and it’s one of the few that has a 0000 size, which means you can find sizes for both children and adults.
The fact that its single weave makes it light, and compact. This is fantastic since it allows you to move more freely.
Moreover, you can easily fit it in your bag as it doesn’t take up much space.
There are also some reports of it shrinking when washed, so it’s best to follow the care instructions to try to avoid this. It also comes in only one color, which can be constricting for some.
This is the ideal gi for serious beginners, as it’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to move in.
Do note that for sizes 0 and under the pants come with a waistband, while sizes above 0 pants have a drawstring.
There have also been some reports of the sizes running big, so it’s best to check the size chart.
Pros
- Durable
- Light
- Affordable
Cons
- Only one color
- May shrink if not properly washed and dried
Product Specifications
| Material | Premium Cotton Blend |
| Sizes | 0000-8 |
| Weave | Single |
Athllete Judo GI
This Athllete gi is suitable for performing many martial arts; not just Judo. It comes in 7 standard sizes and 4 color options.
This one is great for practicing beginners as it’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to practice in.
It’s not something that can be improved really, but the fact that it’s made of synthetic fiber makes it less sweat-absorbent than it’s cotton counterparts.
A wonderful perk that you have with this one is the ability to customize both the size and the color of your gi!
That way you can make sure that it’ll fit you just the way you like.
These are advertised as true to size, and they actually are. But do note that they shrink if you put them in the dryer, so take that into consideration.
Pros
- Customizable
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Made of synthetic material
Product Specifications
| Material | Synthetic |
| Sizes | A0-A6 |
| Weave | Pearl |
Mizuno Yusho Japan Judo Gi
The Mizuno Yusho comes in 2 colors and is IJF approved. It comes in 11 sizes and is made in Japan.
The cotton-polyester blend makes it both absorbent and comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.
The major disadvantage of this gi is the price. It’s considerably more expensive than its counterparts.
The reinforced chest, shoulders, and back, make this gi uniquely sturdy in the face of rough contact with opponents and surfaces.
This set includes only the gi jacket and pants, so make sure to purchase the belt separately if needed.
Also, note that this gi comes with a 5% shrinkage rate warning.
Pros
- Made in Japan
- Reinforced shoulders, chest, and back
Cons
- Belt not included
- Expensive
Product Specifications
| Material | 80% cotton, 20% polyester blend |
| Sizes | 1-6 |
| Weave | N/A |
FUJI Judo Uniform
This Judo gi comes in 2 color variations, white and white/red. It’s available in 8 sizes and has the sturdy stitching and quality of the FUJI products.
This is a no-fuss gi, that is both durable and comfortable, and comes at a very competitive price.
There are some reports of this gi not being 100% cotton, contrary to the product description. It’s reported to actually be 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Accordingly, this product is not as breathable as the other FUJI uniforms that are actually 100% cotton. Moreover, sizes are reported to run big.
The price is the main attracting factor here. You get the famous quality of FUJI products at a very affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good quality
Cons
- Not as breathable as other FUJI products
Product Specifications
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | 0-7 |
| Weave | N/A |
Judo Gi FAQs
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by customers to give you some more insight when buying your Judo gi.
Single vs double weave: Which is better?
This depends on your level and usage. A single weave gi is lighter, while a double weave gi is generally thicker and more durable.
If you’ll be using your gi extensively then we recommend you go for a double weave. However, if you’re still dabbling in martial arts, then a single weave should be better. It’s lighter, so easier to move in.
What are the best Judo gi brands?
There are many fantastic brands on the market. If we had to choose a couple to highlight though it’ll be FUJI and Elite.
FUJI is a sports brand well-known in the market for its quality martial arts equipment, uniforms, and apparel. This comes as no surprise, having 50 plus years in the market. Moreover, FUJI is founded by Frank Hatashita who was the Vice President of the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Another leading brand is Elite Sports, also focusing on martial arts gear and apparel. Founded with that specific need in mind, they’re adamant about providing quality products.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality gi can save you a lot of time and discomfort. Our winner in this review, the FUJI double weave gi is one of the best in the market. And worth the extra few bucks!
It’s double weave so it’s extremely durable and at the same time FUJI has also managed to make it lightweight.
It’s also one of the few that has half-size options available, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit!
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can always go for the Elite Sports Ultra-Light Preshrunk Judo Gi.
