BJJ Gi Weight & GSM Guide
Not all gis are built the same. The weight of the jacket fabric — measured in GSM (grams per square metre) — decides how a gi feels, how long it lasts, how hot it runs and how hard it is to grip. This guide compares every gi in the current Kingz Europe range side by side, so you can pick the right one for training, competing or rolling in a hot gym.
BJJ gi weight comparison: every Kingz Europe gi
Sorted from lightest to heaviest jacket. Tap a link to shop the men's, women's or kids' version.
| Gi | Jacket | Weave | Pants | Feel | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kore V2 | 380 GSM | Micro pearl weave | 275 GSM cotton | Light | Best-value gi — beginners and budget competitors | Men's Women's Kids |
| Nano 3.0 | 380 GSM | Pearl weave | 270 GSM ripstop | Light | Lightweight competition gi with ripstop pants | Men's Women's Kids |
| Sport | 400 GSM | Micro pearl weave | 7.5 oz cotton/poly ripstop | Light–mid | Cutting weight and lightest-possible competition gi | Men's |
| The ONE V2 | 400 GSM | High-tech pearl weave | 10 oz cotton | Light–mid | First gi and everyday training | Men's Women's Kids |
| Empowered (women's) | 400 GSM | High-tech pearl weave | 10 oz cotton | Light–mid | Women's cut built for everyday training | Women's |
| MI-K Roots | 400 GSM | Micro pearl weave | 290 GSM ripstop | Light–mid | Light, breathable signature gi | Men's |
| Ultralight 2.0 | 420 GSM | Pearl weave, one-piece | 8 oz cotton/poly ripstop | Mid | Hot gyms, travel and high-volume training | Men's Women's |
| Legends Never Die | 420 GSM | Pearl weave | 8 oz cotton/poly ripstop | Mid | Limited-edition training and competition gi | Men's Women's Kids |
| Classic 3.0 | 450 GSM | Pearl weave Plus | 10 oz cotton drill | Standard | Durable everyday training gi | Men's Women's |
| Comp 450 V6 | 450 GSM | High-tech pearl weave | 10 oz cotton drill | Standard | Competition and hard training | Men's Women's Kids |
| Players Special | 450 GSM | Micro pearl weave Plus | 290 GSM ripstop | Standard | Limited-edition premium gi | Men's Kids |
| Balistico 4.0 | 480 GSM | Pearl weave | 8 oz polyester ripstop | Heavy | Maximum durability; hardest jacket to grip | Men's Women's |
What GSM means on a gi jacket
GSM is the weight of one square metre of the jacket fabric. More grams means a denser weave: tougher, stiffer and harder for an opponent to grip, but also hotter and slower to dry. Fewer grams means a cooler, lighter gi that is easier to pack and quicker to make weight in.
The IBJJF minimum. Our lightest legal gis — ideal for competition day, cutting weight and warm gyms.
A touch more body than 380 for daily training, while staying light and breathable.
Balanced weight with lightweight ripstop pants. The Ultralight 2.0 sits here.
The classic weight for everyday training and competing. Durable and grippy in the hand.
Maximum durability and the hardest jacket to grip. The Balistico 4.0.
Weave matters too. Pearl weave is the competition standard: strong for its weight and smooth against the skin. "Micro" pearl weave uses a finer pattern for a lighter, softer jacket; "Pearl Weave Plus" and "high-tech" pearl weave are tighter versions built for extra durability.
Gi pants: ounces vs GSM
Pants are often listed in ounces per square yard (oz) instead of GSM. To compare: 1 oz ≈ 34 GSM, so 8 oz ripstop ≈ 270 GSM and 10 oz cotton ≈ 340 GSM.
Light, quick-drying and tear-resistant. Found on the Ultralight 2.0, Balistico 4.0, Nano 3.0, MI-K Roots and Players Special. Great for guard players and hot climates.
Soft and comfortable with a natural feel. Found on the Kore V2, Born to Rule and Comp 450 V7.
The heaviest, most traditional pants — the most resistant to wear at the knees. Found on the Classic 3.0, The ONE V2 and Comp 450 V6.
IBJJF gi rules: what weight is legal?
Since the IBJJF updated its uniform rules in 2024, a competition gi jacket must weigh between 380 and 650 GSM. That ruled out the ultra-light gis of 350–375 GSM that were popular for making weight. Every gi in our current range is 380 GSM or heavier.
- Colour: white, royal blue or black only — jacket, pants and collar all the same colour.
- Fit: sleeves no more than 2 cm from the wrist with the arm extended; pants no more than 2 cm above the ankle bone; jacket reaching the thigh.
- Patches: cotton, sewn on, and only in the permitted areas.
- Condition: clean, dry and without tears.
Rules can change between seasons and some events publish their own requirements, so check the official IBJJF uniform rules or your event organiser before competition day. A gi that fits right out of the bag can fail the sleeve check after a hot wash — see our size guide before you buy.
Which gi is right for you?
Gi weight FAQ
What does GSM mean on a BJJ gi?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures how dense the jacket fabric is. A higher number means a thicker, heavier, more durable weave; a lower number means a lighter, cooler gi that dries faster.
Is a 380 GSM gi IBJJF legal?
Yes. Under the IBJJF's uniform rules, updated in 2024, the jacket fabric must weigh between 380 and 650 GSM. A 380 GSM jacket is right at the minimum and legal. Anything below 380 GSM (older 'ultralight' gis of 350–375 GSM) is no longer accepted at IBJJF events.
What is the lightest Kingz gi?
Our lightest current gis use a 380 GSM jacket — the Kore V2, Nano 3.0. They are the lowest weight that is still legal for IBJJF competition.
What is the heaviest Kingz gi?
The Balistico 4.0, with a 480 GSM pearl weave jacket. It is our most durable gi and the hardest for training partners to grip, which is why many competitors and heavy-volume trainers choose it.
Is a heavier gi better?
Not automatically. Heavier gis last longer and are harder to grip, but they are hotter, take longer to dry and add weight at weigh-ins. Lighter gis are cooler and quicker to dry but wear faster. Choose by how often you train, how hot your gym is, and whether you compete.
Why is the Ultralight 2.0 heavier than the Kore V2?
The name refers to the Ultralight's one-piece construction and lightweight ripstop pants, which keep the whole gi light and breathable. Its 420 GSM jacket is mid-weight; the Kore V2 jacket is lighter at 380 GSM.
Does gi weight affect shrinkage?
Weave and fabric treatment matter more than weight. All cotton gis can shrink in hot water or a hot dryer. Wash cold and hang dry to keep your gi at its original size.
Keep reading: Gi size guide · Men's gis · Women's gis · Kids' gis
Fabric weights are taken from each product's specifications. IBJJF rules referenced as of October 2026. Kingz Europe cannot guarantee approval by any federation, event or gi inspector — always check the current rules for your event before competing.