Before we get started, I want to be very clear about something. I consider myself to be a mean, lean, fighting machine. Sure, that may not be the same opinion of my wife nor the guys at the dojo. They may find it a bit on the amusing side, but that doesn’t bother me because I know what I see in the mirror and when I stand in front of one, it’s lean, mean, skinny and built for speed. I thought I’d throw that in there just to help you understand why I can relate to the guys with the same body type as me. Plus, we’re in luck as there is no shortage of gis we can fit into. Here’s a look at the top choices I prefer.
Find your perfect gi at MMA Overload
Scramble Standard Issue Semi-Custom Gi
Yup, the name gives it a professional, almost military feeling, doesn’t it? So, for the lean and lanky guys out there, you really must make this one of your purchases simply because it is an affordable gi and it looks great on our body type. The jacket is made from 450gsm pearl weave cotton and the pants are 230gsm ripstop. It may look a bit on the plain side as it lacks a lot of branding, and I think that’s one of the things I like most about this gi. Well, that and the high quality finish it has.
Get Standard Issue Semi Custom Gi from MMA Overload
Scramble Athlete V3 Gi
Again, another product made by Scramble. I added this one for a few reasons. The lack of branding is attractive to me on many levels as sometimes I feel like I’m a walking, fighting advertisement for a brand that I only own one product of. Second, there is no denying that the quality of this product is much as you would expect from some of the bigger brand names. Speaking of that, Scramble also charges less for their gis. But here’s a big difference…you get all of this in a gi that is designed well and fits exceptionally well. You can’t miss here.
Must read: SCRAMBLE ATHLETE GI REVIEW
Tatami Fightwear Estilo 6 Gi
YouTube: Estilo 6.0 Premium BJJ Gi – Tatami Fightwear
I mention this brand because of something cool they have done to their product line. They now offer what they like to refer to as “specialty sizes.” What that means to you and me is that it will be easier to find the right lean and lanky fit without having to focus on shrinking sleeves or whatever to make it look right. It’s also a nice lightweight style, looks good and comes in at a reasonable price point as well. This could be the dealbreaker you’ve been looking for if you are budget conscious.
Tatami Estilo 6.0 gi from Tatami Fightwear
Great read: Tatami Fightwear Estilo 4.0 Jiu Jitsu Gi Review
Hypnotik Base Gi
Classic and classy are words that come to mind when I try to describe the look of the gis made by this company. The jacket is a 450gsm hybrid weave with heavy cotton reinforcements where they are needed the most. Add to that 10-ounce twill pants and you have a solid performer. But there’s more! The design goes above and beyond what I have seen with many other gis. The Hypnotik Base provides an exceptional fit and is tapered where it should be tapered. In other words, it’s a nice looking combo that will turn heads. Although, it should be your performance that turns the heads if you know what I mean.
Hypnotik Base gi from MMA Overload
Lanky Fight Gear Pro Gi
You either had to see this one coming or were wondering if I was going to include them on this list. Well, any brand with the word “lanky” in it deserves some ink in an article about gis for lean and lanky guys. It just makes sense. As for the product, the product line has a few to choose from and I have found more than one that fits me well. The gi is strikingly attractive with plenty of details that set it apart from most other contenders. See, I even slipped in a fighting term!
Read our review on Lanky Fight Gear's top gi
Tatami Nova MK4 Gi
YouTube: Tatami Nova MK4 Gi Preview
I know, I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but this gi is one of the better fitting ones out there that would be considered “basic” in design. Here’s where the terminology gets a bit strange – it is called a basic gi but has some pretty nifty tapered areas that make it a little more than basic in my mind. The jacket is a 450gsm hybrid weave and has heavy cotton reinforcements in many of the key locations where such a feature will be most valuable. The pants are 9 ounces and are a poly-cotton blend which makes them a bit heavier than you may have expected but that increases the durability factor a great deal.
Tatami Nova from Tatami Fightwear
In Conclusion
I’m a lean, mean, fighting machine regardless of what anyone else may think. That includes my wife unless she’s reading this and in that case, she’s right about whatever it is she just said. For the lean and lanky guys out there, there happens to be plenty of good quality gis in the marketplace that are not only designed for your unique body shape, but look pretty awesome as well. The lean and lanky body style has also inspired many gi manufacturers to create products aimed just at these guys.
They call them “specialty sizes” but in reality, they are the same gi as the next guy would wear, just sized a bit differently. What I like the most about these types of gis is that they do not lack the features or design elements that you would expect in other sizes. Oh, and for some reason, the “specialty sizes” are often several dollars cheaper than the regular fitting gis. Hopefully, I didn’t just reveal a quirk in the inventory that could end up getting changed once you finish this article.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
The Tatami Fightwear Estilo gi is also very nice for skinny guys:
http://tatamifightwear.com/
For me the biggest problem is usually sleeve length. After a couple months, most gi sleeves are usually halfway up my forearm…
That happens to me too! But only with my Fuji. And they’re notorious for that. But I really appreciate the suggestion and you taking the time to post. Do you have any other suggestions for gis for skinny guys and gals?
If I may make a few suggestions:
(Just for reference, I’m 6’2 and 162 pounds)
1) Redstar
2) Killer Bee
3) Keiko Raca (already mentioned)
4) Shoyoroll (already mentioned)
5) Fushida
6) CTRL Industries
7) Origin
8) Omegamaniac
9) Gorilla Fight Gear (already mentioned)
All of the brands I’ve listed have a size for those mentioned in this article. I have a Redstar A2L, a Killer Bee in A3, a Keiko A3 (arms are a tad short, but still comp-legal), and a Shoyoroll in A3S. These gis that I own are in order of my preference. I have long, lanky arms, I’m skinny, and I’m tall, so it was not easy looking for a gi. At one point, I even considered having a gi custom made! After shopping around for a year now, trying out a lot of different brands, I’ve compiled that list. I still plan to buy the others, so stay tuned and I’ll let you know how they fit!
Abi. Your comment was so informative, I hope you don’t mind that I added it to the article!!! THANK YOU!
Hey! I actually wanted to give you a small update on some of those brands I listed (which I didn’t own at the time). I managed to get a hold of a few more on that list:
CTRL Industries- Supreme Standard in A2T
Fushida- CompGS in A2x
Gorilla Fight Gear- Slim Cut Silverback in A4SS
I just wanted to reiterate that I’m about 6’2″ and 165 pounds, and I have long gangly arms (longer than even my friend who is 6’5 and 188 pounds).
The Gorilla Fight Gear gi is really for those super-skinny, super-tall guys. I would say it’s for guys that are tall and “really” skinny. It’s built like a tank and I highly recommend it. It is a heavy weight gold-weave, so I would think twice about training in the summer with it. I’m curious to see how an A4S will fit, so if I do get a hold of that I will update here once again.
I had to take the dive and grab a Fushida. Everyone was raving about it. It received the number 1 spot in this year’s Aesopian list, and it was only a matter of time before I bit the bullet and ordered one. I’m glad I did. Whoever is at the top of that list of companies has some serious competition. The fit is amazing! A true competition cut and feel. The pants are a little heavy, but that’s just the way I like them for training.
I’m really surprised that I hear so little about CTRL Industries. The Supreme Standard is fast becoming my favorite gi to roll in. I’d say it’s a bit wider than the GFG, but definitely one to keep in mind for the skinny folks and, of the three I listed in this update, is definitely my favorite. The other two, however, are certainly not far behind.
I hope this helps for all of those BJJ enthusiasts who are “in-between” sizes. Good luck!
We’re HUGE fans of CTRL (as you can probably tell from our Rook review haha). I’m putting together the ebook and will make sure this gets in there!
I have a Bad boy pro series gi – size A2G. Fits me great I am 6,0 180p, like it was made for me. Usually i find A2 too short, a3 too bagy, this is perfect. I’d recommend it highly. There’s one problem though- it says lightweight pro, but it’s 2 kilos. A LOT! Not great if yu cut weight for comps…
Great point Miha. That’s really heavy for a lightweight gi. I’ve tried to stay away from the Bad Boy gis. When they first came out, they had a huge body and short arms. Just an awful cut for most people. I see they’re working on more sizes though so that may have changed.
Just to complete the list. Tatami will be offering inbetween sizes by mid-summer 2012. They told me like a A2x and A2L amongst others. Basically replacing their mix and match pant options with proper mid range sizes.
Also, and this might not work on all of theirs but I’m 6ft1 175 or so and wear an A2 Bull Terrier and it fits great…but I do have shorter legs at like 32-32 in jeans.
I battle this problem and have owned 6 different gi’s. I’m 6-1″ and my weight is anywhere from 155-165 on any given day. My first gi wasn’t purchased by me or even for me. It was purchased for someone that was 5-8 120 lbs. It was an Adidas special addition jiu jitsu gi. Their sizing chart is by cm and they got the 180 cm gi for the really small gi (5-5″ – 5-8″ they don’t list weight). This today is probably the best fitting gi I own. It’s pretty old and beat up so I don’t wear it too often but it’s a great fit, plus it was only $70 in 2009. From there I bought my first gi and it was an Atama new gold weave. It was only 150 when I got it, but in the last year their prices have sky rocketed. It was a little big in the chest and the arms were too short for me but still the softest and most comfortable gi I own. My third gi was the Keiko Raca special gi. Got a A3 and it fits great. Good length in the arms and nice fit around my waist but it’s a double weave gi and mine is black so it’s pretty hot to train in so I don’t wear it here in Oklahoma too often. My 4th gi was the Shoyoroll Americana size A3s. I liked the idea of having a gi that the world wouldn’t have plus a size that would fit me better. The sleeves were LONG. After washing and drying several times, just wasn’t going to fit me in the arms. The jacket was fine through the mid section but the sleeves were to my fingertips. My 4th and 5th were the same gi, Jiu jitsu progear rip stop gi’s. I bought two because from the size chart, I would wear a A2. I was wrong. fit until I washed it (didn’t dry it either) and then the arms were to mid forearm. I loved how light it was though for the money so I purchased a second one in a3. It fits good in length, but a little baggy on me. But for $100, not a bad training gi. I got a little ripstop happy after that gi, I loved how light it was, but the collar was so thin it was like having a belt around my neck getting choked. I was looking into buying a koral light weight but saw a Hakai ripstop gi for $100 in a A3 so I decided to purchase it. Great fit through the arms but again too baggy. So by this time, I was just thinking the Keiko was just going to be my best bet at a good fit for my body (but I don’t want a bunch of the same gi’s because I’m weird like that). A smaller guy in our gym was selling a shoyoroll A2 and I just wanted to try it on to see the fit of the A2 knowing the A3 was huge and the A3s was too long. Low and behold it was a perfect fit. Sleeves went to palm, chest and belly area were perfect. I now know that the shoyoroll A2 is going to fit me perfect so I will just wear those and the Keiko Raca A3 for now on. I just recently sold my americana and purchased (for a lot of money I may add) the shoyoroll uniblue. It is one awesome gi and better yet, I won’t see anyone wearing it in Oklahoma or Texas where I usually do tournaments which is a huge plus. Believe me, 350 for a rare gi, that fits perfectly, and will be pretty much a one of a kind is worth every penny for me. It just sold me on next years GUMA by shoyoroll if they have it. I’ll buy every gi they have.
Glad you’ve found one of the perfect gis for you, Ryan! I was going to say that you likely need a long version of an a2, much like the one Ronin makes in their samurai model, but if the syr a2 fits, great! Check out all of our recent SYR articles to make sure you get one of the upcoming Rio Koi gis =o)
Hi all,
Just to add to those already mentioned, you can pick up the Ronin Samurai in inbetween sizes, I recently purchased an A2L. Also Tatami are producing the Estilo in other sizes including A2L and A2XL.
Red Star should be near the top of this list, not just a brand worth considering. there regular gi is a leaner fit then most companies, and the have a1L and a2L sizes which are even lankier. and as a bonus, they are a super high quality gi.
I think the Howard gi should get special mention. They have like ten sizes and they’re almost guaranteed to have one that will fit. Not just one that “runs a little slim” like they say about the Keiko Raca. I’m 6’3 and around 175 pounds, HCK’s 5.75 fits perfectly.
Da Firma Kimono Company! http://www.dafirmabjj.com has an A2L that fit me perfect and is still my favorite, I am 6’1” 190, also it doesn’t shrink at all, some other gi’s i have had even washing them as prescribed and air drying as read in directions, the sleeves start creeping up! but my DFKC is great! Also Competidor A3 top fits more snug than most A3’s so its not so baggy, not bad for out of the bag, my second favorite! No i am not sponsored just my personal favorites….
haha, no worries! When the gis are restocked, definitely check out the A2T from Ok Kimonos as well!
As you can tell by our name, Lanky Fight Gear, we cater specifically to this demographic. We would love to be included in your list of gis for Tall and Skinny people. Thanks!
I have an Inverted Gear A1 slim, Its fine despite the fact the colors faded in the top after one wash (cold, hang dry), the sleeves are a bit wide on my frame (135lbs 5’11). the waist and shoulders fit well though. Its very disappointing to have the color fade like it did, has light blue streaks in it now 🙁 will still roll in it.
Nice! Check out the a1T in ok kimonos at some point. it should fit you well!
I am biased since I own the company KillerBeeGi. But in most cases we can have a custom gi fitted to your body type, in your hands in about 60 days or less than 30 if you Rush Order it. It does take some work from the customer though but I have made a guide for how to size a custom gi to your body. You read more about it from my website. http://www.killerbeegi.com. Thanks.
As mentioned below, the Tatami site has some great fits for tall and slim… like the A2XL.
Cheers
Im still looking for a GI that comes in my size, im 6.5 almost 6.6 and I weigh 227 pounds.
couldnt find anything except for xguardbrand A3 tall size seems ok but they only have a grey GI that I cant wear in competition 🙁
any advice?