First, super-huge thanks to five super awesome women reminded me that it's really hard to find decent ladies (women's) Fenom Storm Kimonos BJJ gi on the internet.
Special thanks to Ayanthi who has done our first women's gi review.
So I did some homework. And below I present to you a fairly comprehensive list of how to do your women's gi shopping as well as my top recommendations from different brands and also a comprehensive overview on Fenom Storm Kimonos Gis. I've tried to organized them by price list as well.
If I've forgotten any, please post them in the comments below!
Check the prices on the best women's gis available at MMA Overload!
What to Consider When Buying Women's Gis
Pricing
If you are really serious about your jiu jitsu training, you should know that a kimono is a huge investment to make. So, if you want to get your very own kimono — and a well-made one at that — then you need to prepare to shell out somewhere between $150 and $250.
Does pricing really matter when it comes to gis? It all depends. If you can afford a premium gi then the better! What sets this well-made gis apart from the cheap, flimsy ones is that they are quite slick compared to the cheaper products that are easier to grab. Not convinced? Just check out the difference when you start rolling with an opponent who is wearing an expensive gi.
Fit: Women's Gi or Men's Gi?
It really isn't necessary to choose a women's gi over a men's gi. In fact, a lot of women who train jiu jitsu wear the latter exclusively because of the fit.
Although women with smaller frames will find women's gis to fit them well but taller and larger ladies might encounter the opposite. This is because aside from the standard sizes, men's gis are also created in longer and more broader fits.
Color and Embellishments
Just like buying any other personal item, choosing a gi is all about personal preferences. Some women love wearing gis that scream femininity but others simply choose to go subtle.
While I do love both extremes, it is important for women to take note (especially those who are just starting out at jiu jitsu) that bold colors such as pink and lilac tend to draw more attention which you certainly do not want if you are still learning the ropes. You certainly do not want to be bullied by the experts and the more experienced, right?
Some people also love to keep their gis plain and simple but there are also those who love to put all sorts of patches in them. It's all a matter of preference.
Weave Type
Generally, jiu jitsu practitioners prefer single weave gis because they are very light and easy to roll in. Plus, it's super comfortable to wear even during the summer! The only disadvantage is that these types of gis are easier to grip – it's great for training but you definitely want that when you start competing.
On the other hand, double weave gis are the opposite. They are made from thicker material (some can even stand up on their own!) which make it slightly more difficult to grab. These types of gis are best worn during competitions.
Our Top Women's Gis Picks for 2018
Women's BJJ Gis Under $140
Habrok Tatica Leve Women
Read our full review here
War Tribe Hydrogen Ultralight Women's Gi
Read our full review here
Fuji All – Around (Pink/White)
Click here to get your Fuji All-Around Ronda Rousey Inspired Pink Women's BJJ Gi
Fuji Pink Blossom
Click here to get the Fuji Women's Blossom BJJ Gi
Tatami Comp SRS Lightweight Women's Gi
Click here to get the Tatami Comp Women's Gi
Tatami Women's Nova MK4 BJJ Gi
Click here to get the Tatami Women's Nova MK4 BJJ Gi
Tatami Zero G V4 BJJ Women's Gi
Click here to get the Tatami Zero G V4 BJJ Women's Gi
Venum Challenger 2.0 Women's Gi
Click here to get the Venum Women's Challenger 2.0 BJJ Gi
Women's BJJ Gis $140-$170
Deus Fight Co. Blind Samurai Women's Gi
Read our full review here
Fuji Sports Sekai Women's BJJ Gi
Click here to get the Fuji Sports Sekai Women's Gi
Tatami Fightwear Women's Estilo 5 (White/Blue/Black/Purple)
Click here to get the Tatami Women's Estilo 5.0 Premier BJJ Gi
Tatami Fightwear Women's Estilo 6.0
Click here to get the Tatami Women's Estilo 6.0 BJJ Gi
Tatami Ladies Thinker Monkey Gi
Click here to get the Tatami Ladies Thinker Monkey Gi
Tatami Lotus Gi (White)
Click here to get the Tatami Lotus Gi
War Tribe Finesse Women's Gi
Click here to get the War Tribe Finesse Women's Gi
Women's Gis $175-$220
Do or Die ProComp Koi Gi (Grey)
Check it out here
Hayabusa Shinju Pearl Weave
Click here for the Hayabusa Shinju 2 Pearl Weave Female Jiu Jitsu Gi
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links (at no extra cost to you). These are all things that I have experience with that I am recommending because they are helpful and are companies that I have personally purchased from, not because of the commissions that I may earn from you using these products. If you have any questions about the links on this page, please email me!
kingz female kimono is pretty good. i recently did a brief review here: https://shakiaharris.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/gi-review-kingz-kimono-female-cut/
Brief? this is a PHENOMENAL review Shakia! Thank you so much for linking it here. Is your Koral Light a girl’s cut as well?
haha thanks. it’s brief compared to the meticulous reviews Georgette Oden does. The koral light is a mens gi & I have the A0, another good deal off of bjj hq. I don’t believe Koral has women’s cuts just yet but I wish they did. The one I have is super light but incredibly durable. I’m glad more affordable women’s gis are available. Some of us just can’t afford the atama, although I hear they fit incredibly well. So far my mens koral is still my go to gi for tournaments.
That’s because Georgette is freaking awesome. Her reviews are fantastic.
Isn’t it crazy that so many of them are $200 for no reason? It seems like all the high profile ones are over 175 for no reason at all.
Thanks for the list. I am always searching for a good gi that fits right. I had the Kyra Gracie signature. It was wonderful. I also have the Gameness. I do not reccommend it unless you are very pear shaped. The top fits great but the pants are 2 sizes too big. My favorite gi right now is a Koral lightweight. It is a men’s gi but fits nice.
That’s 2 votes for the Koral light for women. Very interesting! Why did you get rid of the Kyra signature gi?
The Kyra Atama pants ripped pretty bad but after wearing it almost every day and competing in it several times over 2 years, that will happen. I lucked out and got mine at a NAGA for $100. Shakia is right, the Koral is very lightweight and flexible and also durable. Although I have other gi’s I wear it most days and have had it for over a year. I wash and dry it with no shrinking. Only negative is no knee pads and if I land poorly on the mat on the right knee it is sometimes painful.
thanks for the list! Do you know which of these are actually cut differently? and which are just F sizes put on the regular cut?
you know what Patricia, I’m not sure at all. I know they all have F sizes, but I don’t know if any are relabeled A sizes and how many actually have a unique cut. I would believe that the Kingz, Atamas, and Storms are probably female cut, but I can’t attest to any of the others. Again, this is all perspective as I haven’t ever tried any on =o) I believe Ayanthi said that the Fushida Comp LS is a unique womens cut.
cool, thanks for that bit of info 🙂
i believe that tatami’s are just relabeled. that being said, tatami’s regular fit is a pretty good fit. I don’t know about any of the others either. would be cool if anyone who knew could chime in!
Yes, I can attest to the fact that the Fushida is a unique women’s cut. Christo spent a lot of time getting that gi right. I have the Gameness Feather as well and it feels like a women’s cut to me as well, not just a relabeling thing. Atama women’s gi is definitely a women’s cut too.
Additionally, I currently have a Killer Bee women’s gi, which should be available soon. It’s a unique women’s cut, not relabeled.
Thanks so much for the input Ayanthi! This type of info is invaluable for women looking for a new gi!
Patricia, the gameness is definitely cut differently and I would reccommend it to any woman with more hips and butt. The top is cut narrow across the shoulders and I don’t think it would fit a busty woman very well. The Kyra Gracie Atama is cut with narrow shoulders and only slightly roomier hips. A Gi that is not on here but cut for women with more chest is the Freestyle.
Yo,
I think you would have to include some of the Fenom Gis in that list.
http://fenomkimonos.com/products.html
They only make womens gear.
Ouano looks like they might have a couple as well.
http://ouano.com/
Thanks a lot Emily. Can’t believe that I forgot Fenom and I hadn’t seen Ouano’s before. Any idea how they fit?
Unfortunately I can’t say how they fit. I’m waiting for a review so I can get an idea which one to go for. 😀
I’ve always worn Atama gis. My current go-to is the Leticia Ribeiro. I love how the Atama women’s gis are cut slimmer in both the top and bottom. I’m a tall skinny woman so in order to get a men’s gi to be long enough, I usually end up swimming in it. I’ve been debating what new gi to buy as my Atama is becoming threadbare so this list is extremely helpful.
Does anyone know if the Tatami’s are a different cut, or just resized men’s sizes?
Anyone have any thoughts on Fenom gi’s (i.e. durability, overall quality)?
Fenom gis seem to be really highly regarded from everything I’ve heard. I’m checking with a friend to see if the Estilo is a distinctive women’s cut.
i believe i read on tatami’s website then there ladies gis are just the mens gi’s but smaller sizes.
after reading what you say about atama’s i may invest in one soon, i have a horrible time finding a gi that’s pants are long enough that i don’t swim in.
I talked to a friend of mine (Thanks Julia!) who own’s a women’s tatami and she said she really likes it. It may be a smaller version of the men’s cut, but she really really likes it and said the Jacket fits her really well.
I went back and read the previous posts (sorry, I should have done that in the first place!) and I read similar things about Tatami gis.
I know you can buy just pants from Atama in their women’s sizes, so it may be a good place for you to start if you don’t want to shell out the money for an entire gi.
But wow are they expensive $70-90 plus shipping! I just don’t understand why women’s stuff is so overpriced.
The best women’s selection of gis is definitely Fighters Market: http://gireviews.net/fightersmarket
Great list! I’m looking for a new black gi and was wishing for a list such as this. Thank you!
I have a few of the aforementioned gis, and thought I’d share my 2 cents.
My favorite is my black Atama Mundial 9. Slim cut, great fit, and the pants are unbeatable. So easy to move in yet very durable. Perfect competition gi. They have sales once in a while, and you can get good deals. I got mine for 25% off.
I have the black Break Point and it definitely feels like a men’s gi relabeled. It’s very baggy, especially in the shoulders and hips.
My Fenom Plumeria is a fantastic fit and a great everyday gi. Definitely made by women for women. Fabric is very soft, which feels nice but is also easy for opponents to grip. Their ripstop pants are very tailored and thus a great fit. They also have specific cuts for curvier women.
That’s all, thanks!
It seems like Fenom needs to get a lot more press. I’m amazed that so many women don’t know about them. And I agree that the Mundial 9 is a nice gi. The problem, as with most Atama gis, is the insane price tag.
I’m super late to the party on this one, but the Ouano gi, while beautiful, fit me terribly (for the record, I had the white with pink stitching). First off, Ouano seemed to want to be their own man when it comes to sizing, so an F2 for them is probably an F4 for anyone else. I thought, what the hell, let’s try to shrink this badboy and soaked/washed hot, dried on high, left it in the sun, etc. and managed modest shrinkage in the torso and pants, but almost none at all in the sleeves.
There’s something off about the cut of the sleeves in that they’re wizard sleeves all the way from where they join the body of the gi to the wrist. Reminded me of my judo gis back in the day. Also, all the women that Ouano knows must have gigantic asses, because they trousers seem best suited for smuggling watermelons. Bummer.
I actually just sold this gi today to a teammate of mine with slightly larger proportions than I and she seems happy with it, which is awesome because I’m glad someone is going to get use out of this gorgeous, well-constructed, super ill-fitting (for me) gi. And I have an excuse to pick up a Ctrl or something…
Thanks so much for thinking of us! I’m glad us five ladies convinced you to do it. And yes, I’m forwarding to all my lady bjj friends. Thanks!!
Again, THANK YOU Heather!
The Estilo 3.0 also has women’s sizes. I got the F3 and the F4 and the F3 fits me perfectly even though it’s supposedly for someone about 5-6 lbs lighter than I am. I looked online and I found that it is smaller than the A0. So for me, that’s something different.
I find their pants to be CRAZY small, though! It’s like they’re made for lollipop bodies – for stick legs. I can’t fit the F3 pants comfortably, and the F4 was not much bigger. So the F3 top fits me like a dream, but I wear the Predadora pants with them – because they’ve got SO MUCH FREAKING ROOM. I wish someone came out with pants right in the middle – my Goldilocks zone.
Ones I don’t see on your list:
Gracie Barra pink gi
Dragao Hanna women’s gi in blue and white https://www.fightersmarket.com/
I just saw a pink Ground Star women’s gi at the Isami Seoul store, but I’m not sure that is going to be a regularly made gi or not:
I’d suggest adding a direct link to Fenom’s website, since it’s honestly so much better to get it from the source – they have great customer service there.
I can chime in on the Fuji Pink Blossom. I have a Fuji Summerweight, and prior to that I had their standard gi.
The pants feel similar to the “mens” version, but are slightly shorter. The top fits MUCH better. On my summerweight, if I cinch it tight around the smallest part of my waist, the very bottom of the gi doesn’t sit right. If I make it look/feel right along the bottom, I have a ton of extra fabric on the waist. The women’s version took care of that problem, and makes the gi feel so much more comfortable. The gi top is also slightly shorter in the arm length. I am 5’10” and the W4 is the perfect length. I don’t think I could wear an A3, even after losing more weight, without having the high-water look that I am not a fan of.
The material of the Pink Blossom is the same as their regular gi. The summerweight is lighter, but I don’t care for the sandpaper feel. I know some people like a rough gi, but I like them soft! One concern I have is the row of embroidered flowers makes for a nice grip for chokes. For this reason, I don’t know if I would compete in it.
The gi is awesome looking. I have gotten a ton of compliments on it from guys and girls.
The Vulcan gi is no longer available from http://www.mmaoutlet.com.
Looks like there’s now this available:
Women’s Gi Beija-Flor by Break Point in black/blue/white for $159.95 USD ($149.95 in white)
https://www.budovideos.com/shop
I should somehow make you the moderator of the post so you can edit it 😉 Thanks for the heads up!
Storm have also just released a new black/white/grey version of the Sakura, called Flora.
Thanks so much, Lisa. And thank you for ruining my plans to train this morning while I instead read every single one of the posts on your site 🙂
Check out DaFirma Kimono Company! Great gi’s for women lots of sizes. Custom gi’s available too! I paid $139.00 for mine and LOVE it! Find them on Facebook like the page and get great deals and give always!
Add Da Firma Kimono Co to the list! Great sizing for the ladies and well designed as well. I am on the petite side (5’2, 116lbs) and I love the way their gis fit. They are not overpriced either ranging in the 130s. Not only do they have great gis, they are a family run company who provide excellent customer service. They also do custom gis and my teammates love the ones we’ve ordered!!
You can get any gi from OTM in their women’s sizes so they offer more than just one women’s gi. They don’t advertise that or give that option on their website, but if you call them they’ll do it! I got a OTM 420 gi in a F4 and it fits better than any other gi I’ve had (even the ones I’ve tailored). I will definitely get another one next year!
great tip Caitlin!
I don’t see the Grips Amazona mentioned. My friend is 5″ and weighs 93lbs and the size F1 fit her beautifully.
MOYA Brand is one of my favorite. I’m 5’2 about 115 and honestly I get the kids Gi’s. They fit amazing and kids Gi’s are a tad cheaper.
Looks like you left DFKC off this list. We make a women’s kimono under $140 like all of our kimono we would put them against any kimono on the market. It has been a long time since Nicole’s review and we have made subtile yet significant improvements to all of our kimonos and added in more sizes, we currently have 30 sizes available for a custom fit for everyone. Everyone deserves a kimono that fits for a great price. Our women’s kimonos can be found at http://www.dafirmabjj.com
Hi, thanks for the list. I bought the Break Point Women’s Beija-Flor Gi in white. I love it! It fits great and it is so pretty! It also comes in black and blue. It is normally $149.99 but I bought mine during a Break Point sale. https://www.breakpointfc.com/shop/
There’s also BUDO in Australia that do an excellent women’s cut gi in black and white for AUD$169. I’m not sure if they ship overseas but as shipping from the US to Australia is prohibitively expensive, they’re worth noting for us antipodeans. I have two of their gis and they are very good quality, cut well for the female shape, and the company are excellent to deal with.
http://www.budofightgear.com.au/
I was surprised you didn’t add Fenom to the list even after it popped up in the comments.
Theirs was the 2nd gi I bought (first was a no-name men’s gi in A2 from the dojo) and I love the cut, the material and the embroidery.
I got an A1 Curvy which fit me really great (149 pounds, 5´3″). It shrunk a bit in the wash, so I’d get a regular A2 from them next.
What I also like is their idea that you can order pants and top separately.
I’m not affiliated with them, I’m just surprised that whenever I tell a woman where my gi is from, they go: “What? You mean Venum, right?” “No, Fenom.” “Never heard of them.”
I stumbled across this website today and I am so glad I clicked through! I’ve been in search of a new gi for a few weeks and I’ve had a hard time trying to figure out where to start. This list and these comments are so helpful in pointing me in the right direction! Thank you!
What about the Fushida? This seems to be a great review: http://sallyarsenault.blogspot.com/2012/05/fushida-compls-womens-gi.html?m=1
But when I don’t see the company mentioned on most list like this it makes me wonder why.
Hi there
I’m so glad that I stumbled upon this review!
I’m a white belt and so I don’t understand all the intricacies of gis (just yet)
I live in China where Jiu Jitsu gis are limited. I’m lucky enough in that I was able to purchase a Storm Women’s F2 which is so pretty (this was crazy exciting after swimming in shapeless men’s gis)
My problem is that I have really long legs and I can’t find pants that fit me. There is not tons of variety here and I find it a problem. I look like a dork. The Storm GI has def improved my Jiu Jitsu purely because it actually fits, the pants are a bit tricky though …
Any tips from more experienced ladies (or men!) Out there?
Thanks x
Hey Tammy, glad to hear you are new and getting into BJJ! You can by pants separately at http://www.justgipants.com/ in order to get ones that suit you longer legs. Hope that helps 🙂