Sunday, October 1, 2023

The Best Gis For Short, Stocky, Or Muscular BJJ Athletes

The Best Gis For Short, Stocky, Or Muscular BJJ Athletes

The Best Gis For Short, Stocky, Or Muscular BJJ Athletes

Finding a gi that fits seems like it should be easy based on the measurements listed on many BJJ and MMA retailer websites, but short and stocky jiu-jitsu athletes know that this is often easier said than done. 

Jiu-jitsu athletes that are wider or more muscular often find that their gis are tight around areas like the shoulders, chest, thighs, and glutes. This can restrict movement, cause discomfort, and even cause the gi to rip. While some BJJ students and coaches are able to simply order a size up and see their problem fixed, many others then end up with a gi that’s way too long… and still too tight. 

The best solution for thicker BJJ practitioners is to purchase a jiu-jitsu gi that accommodates their stocky stature, and we’re here to help. Here are five of the best gi brands for grapplers who need a little more room to grow. And of course, if you have the opposite problem when searching for gis, make sure you check out our recommendations for the best gis for skinnier and leaner athletes

  1. 93 Brand

 93-Brand Gi

With a wide variety of fits (including “classic,” “long,” “husky,” and “fitted”), 93 Brand gis offer a sigh of relief to anyone who’s been hoping for a gi that accommodates their wider size. There aren’t quite as many selections in the “husky” sizes as there are in their traditional gi sizes, but they still have wider fits from athletes ranging from 5’2” to 6’1”. They also have gis that are specifically sized for women, helping jiu-jitsu practitioners who struggle to find gi pants that fit over wider hips. There are slight sizing variations between their standard and premium gis, so make sure you check which one you’re ordering before you choose your size.

Standard Issue “Husky” Sizing:
A0H: 5'2″-5'7″ 155-180 lbs
A2H: 5'6″-5'11” 210-240 lbs
A3H: 5'10”-6'1″ 215-245 lbs

Premium Gi “Husky” Sizing:

A0H: 5'3″-5'7″ 160-185 lbs

A2H: 5'8″-6'1″ 215-250 lbs

A3H: 5'10”-6'2″ 220-255 lbs

You can order your own 93 Brand gi here.

  1. Hyperfly

Hyperfly Gi

Hyperfly has a reputation for making gis that look as good as they feel. Thankfully, you can still wear their gis even if you’re on the short side, too. Hyperfly’s sizing chart includes “short” options that offer the same width as their equivalent-size counterparts, but with a bit of length taken off the pant legs and jacket sleeves. Specific measurements guidelines will also help ensure that you’re buying a size that’s well-tailored to your body type.

Hyperfly kimono size chart

Hyperfly size chart

Purchase your own Hyperfly gi here.

  1. Shoyoroll

Shoyoroll Gi

Shoyoroll is known for being a more high-end gi brand, but a large number of happy customers have proven that you do get what you pay for. These gis are known for their great fit, long-lasting durability, and comfort. With their diverse sizing, you can also enjoy your own Shoyoroll gi even if you have a bit more width to work with. As with 93 Brand, this company also features “husky” sizes that accommodate grapplers who need a bit more room to roll, as well as longer and “fitted” sizes.

Shoyoroll size chart

Buy your own Shoyoroll gi here. 

  1. Fenom

Fenom gi brand

Fenom is perhaps one of the most celebrated brands that makes gis specifically for women, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are the gis very aesthetically pleasing and fitted to the female form, but they also sell “curvy” sizes. And, if you need some extra room in the pants, but not in the jacket, you can order a standard-sized jacket with “curvy” pants. Whether you’re tall, short, slim, or curvy, Fenom has you covered.

A0 4'10” – 5'1” 85-115 lbs
A1 5'2” – 5'5” 115-130 lbs
A1 Curvy 5'3” – 5'5” up to 155 lbs
A1 Tall 5'6”- 5'9” 115-130 lbs
A2 5'6” – 5'9” 130-165 lbs
A2 Tall 5'9” – 5'11” 140-160 lbs
A2 Curvy 5'6” – 5'9” up to 180 lbs
A4 5'6″ – 5'9″ 190-220 lbs
A5 6'1″ – 6'3” up to 255 lbs

Buy your own Fenom gi here.

  1. Inverted Gear

Inverted Gear

Although Inverted Gear only has one “husky” size available (designed for A2 athletes), their large size range means that anyone between 4’8” and 6’6” can probably find a gi that suits their build. This family-owned brand is also known for having great customer service, and any issues or inquiries you have about which gi would best suit you will likely be taken care of quickly and efficiently. Inverted Gear has one of the most loyal customer bases of all the gi companies out there, so you can rest assured that your needs as a shorter or stockier grappler will be taken care of. 

Inverted Gear size chart

You can buy an Inverted Gear gi for yourself here.

  1. Gorilla Fight Gear

Gorilla Fight Gear

If you’re in an upper weight class and struggle to find a gi that’s big enough for you, Gorilla is the right brand for you. While this company does carry standard gi sizes, they have a clear focus on larger jiu-jitsu athletes, with sizes that fit people up to 6’6” and 420lbs. Their stitching is also well-reinforced, so you don’t have to worry about ripping your gi as you squat or flex.

Gorilla Fight Gear size chart

Buy your own Gorilla gi here.

In short…

Being on the thicker side in a world where gis are made for taller, slimmer athletes is tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a gi that works for you. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you have a favorite gi brand, check their size charts to see if they offer alternative sizing for people who are built like you. If not, shoot them an email and express your interest! The higher the demand, the more likely it is that your favorite brand will begin offering gis that are more suited to athletes with a wider build. 

Looking for a specific gi review?  Check out our reviews here.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2011.  Updated October 2020

21 COMMENTS

  1. Good list. I would add one more:

    Kingz. I tend to suffer from the “gi always coming open around the midsection because there isn’t enough material for my belly” syndrome in all of my A2 gis. The Kingz A2H solves that problem perfectly! I use the Ripstop version — very light and breathable too.

  2. Hey Brendon,

    Just wanted to let you know we’ve gone even bigger with the Rick Ross gis LOL. So we have a new labling system with our new sizes. Our old A5XX is the same as our current B-3XL. So now our sizing for big dudes runs from B-2XL up to B-5XL. We did forget the little guys on the last batch and plan to bring in a B-XL in the next few months.

    here is a quick little video comparing the 2XL (formally labeled as A5) to our new B-5XL which should cover most people up to 460lbs. 🙂

    http://youtu.be/PZdQ5pvTsl4

    take care buddy

      • We are constantly in and out of stock, however we now expanded our big sizes to all our models and 3 out of 5 models are currently stocked up. We will soon have B3XL up to B5XL in rashguards and mma shorts. i’m starting to really lean my business model to this smaller market.

  3. Ladies face other issues finding a good fitting gi. Personally, the fit of the pants is usually all wrong. The people designing women gi’s doesn’t seem to consider the average female body type. Many of us have short legs (compared to men) and fuller thighs and bottoms. This means that if the pants fit over the thighs, they’re to long and way to big at the waist. And I’ve heard many women saying that they need to use tights underneath since there’s not enough material to cover the bottom in many grappling situations (myself included). Flashing people isn’t always a good thing. Best gi so far is, no surprise, Fenom. They have a curvy option that is the best fitting I’ve found so far and I’ve tried several brands.

    • Thanks for mentioning this! I too have had the same exact problem. There needs to be about 2 more inches of height in the back to cover everything. I’l check out Fenom.

    • Same issue with pants being to tight in the thigh and not enough coverage in the rear. Also I have a bigger chest up top… yet to find a gi top that closes properly with my breasts. I weight 148 (try to lose weight) and 5’1… so far Da Firmas the only brand for my size but still doesn’t fit quiet right

  4. What’s happen to the short people who are short and stocky like an A0h. Only gi company I know who carry these are shoyoroll, And any one who affiliates with them like AP, illest, and cukui. Another great company who makes that size for a lot cheaper is 93brand.

      • I’m 5’4″ and weigh 165. I’m stocky. Tried a bunch of A1 and they fit tight in the armpit area. I only have one gi that is a A1 that fits me perfect and it’s the keiko Japan. All the other ones are tight.

        • Hey I’m 5’3″ and 160. I have a ronin brand Gi they are from NY. That fits me pretty good. Also have a war tribe. But these are between or around $150. Also try hayabusa sizes as well. Good luck

  5. I’ve just ordered a Tatami Nova + Plus in A5 as my very first BJJ gi. I’m 6’1″ and just shy of 130kg. I received great feedback from the crew at Tatami, I’m hoping the A5 will be big enough on e to survive the expected shrinkage (me AND the gi!). I can’t really afford the Estelle, but If I have to I will upgrade using their -reportedly excellent- returns and exchange policy.

  6. ok, I have been looking and looking, the charts are real confusing as to when I convert my size from what I wear into metric, there are no sizes that even come close. so maybe and Hopefully someone can give me better insight to understand whats going on. My statistics are: 6’3″ 52″ chest, 46-48″ waist, Im both muscular and with a belly, my reach is approximately 72″…. in which size would I find at least a fit where the pants will fit and i can close the top properly. I appreciate the reply and this useful website

  7. Does anyone know of anyone in California who makes Gi’s or can alter them. I have tried Killer Bee Gi. But the Gi was more of like an A3 than an A5 (so it was way way too tight, I could not get the lapel over chest.) I do fit in Vulkan A5, (a little roomy in Shoulders and Arms and I have to get the arms shortened. I do need to get the skirt fixed (cut off about 3-4 inches, my normal tailer is not well versed in doing it so he does not want to touch it.)Any how I am willing to pay for a the work. Maybe the person can size me once and I can order Bespoke Gis regularly. 🙂

  8. Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much
    the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

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