What to Wear to BJJ Class (Gi, No-Gi, and Your First Day)

Quick answer: For your first BJJ class, wear clean athletic shorts (no zippers or pockets) and a fitted t-shirt or rashguard — many gyms lend a gi for trials. For gi classes, wear a gi with a rashguard underneath; for no-gi, wear a rashguard with grappling shorts or spats. Always bring flip-flops/slides, water, and trimmed nails.

Walking into your first jiu-jitsu class is nerve-wracking enough without worrying you're dressed wrong. The good news: it's simple. Here's exactly what to wear for every situation, from a trial class to gi and no-gi training.

Your first / trial class

For a first or trial class, you usually don't need to own a gi yet:

• If the gym lends or rents gis: they'll set you up — just wear shorts and a t-shirt underneath.

• If it's no-gi or you have nothing: athletic shorts (ideally without zippers, buttons, or pockets, which scratch and catch fingers) and a fitted t-shirt or rashguard. Avoid loose cotton that rips and bunches.

Two non-negotiables regardless: clean clothes and trimmed finger- and toenails. You'll be in close contact with strangers, and long nails cause most beginner cuts.

What to wear for gi classes

In a gi class you wear the traditional uniform: the jacket, pants, and belt. Underneath the jacket, wear a rashguard or a fitted athletic shirt (many gyms require a rashguard under the gi, and it's required for women at most gyms). The rashguard protects your skin, manages sweat, and adds a hygiene layer. Don't have a gi yet? See our guide to choosing a BJJ gi.

What to wear for no-gi classes

No-gi training ditches the uniform for tighter, grippier athletic wear:

• A rashguard (short or long sleeve) — fitted so it can't be grabbed or bunched.

• Grappling shorts (without pockets or zippers) and/or spats (grappling leggings).

• Many people wear spats under shorts for skin protection and warmth.

The key is fitted, snug clothing. Loose gym clothes get tangled, grabbed, and torn, and they're a safety and hygiene issue.

What to bring (and avoid)

Bring:

• Slides or flip-flops — you wear these any time you step off the mat (especially to the bathroom). Never walk barefoot off the mat.

• Water and a small towel.

• A spare rashguard if you sweat heavily.

Avoid:

• Jewelry — rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches all come off before training.

• Pockets, zippers, and buttons — they catch fingers and scratch.

• Anything you don't mind getting sweaty — and never re-wear unwashed gear.

A note on hygiene

Whatever you wear, wash it after every session. BJJ is close-contact, so clean gear (and clean skin) protects you and your partners from skin infections. For the full routine on the uniform, see how to wash a BJJ gi.

The takeaway

For your first class, clean athletic shorts and a fitted shirt or rashguard will do — many gyms lend a gi for trials. Once you're training regularly, wear a gi with a rashguard for gi classes, and a rashguard with shorts or spats for no-gi. Keep it fitted, keep it clean, trim your nails, and bring slides and water. Dress right and you can stop thinking about it and focus on learning.

A quick word on buying your first gi

Once you've taken a class or two and know you'll stick with it, you'll want your own gi (for gi schools). Don't overthink it: a basic, durable, IBJJF-legal white, blue, or black gi from a reputable brand is perfect for beginners. Check your gym's rules first — some academies require a specific color or carry their own branded gi. Buy one or two so you always have a clean one ready, since you'll wash after every session.

Common beginner mistakes

A few things trip up newcomers: wearing baggy basketball shorts with pockets (fingers catch and tear them), forgetting slides and walking to the bathroom barefoot (a hygiene problem), showing up in a dirty gi or rashguard, and leaving jewelry on. Avoid those and you'll fit right in from day one.

Ready to walk in?

Find a BJJ gym near you on Let's Roll → — many offer free trials and lend gis, so you can show up in shorts and a t-shirt and try it out.

FAQ

What should I wear to my first BJJ class? Clean athletic shorts (no zippers or pockets) and a fitted t-shirt or rashguard. Many gyms lend a gi for trials. Bring slides and water, and trim your nails.

Do I need a gi for my first class? Usually not — most gyms lend or rent gis for trials, or run no-gi classes where you wear a rashguard and shorts. Take a class or two before buying your own.

What do you wear for no-gi BJJ? A fitted rashguard (short or long sleeve) with grappling shorts and/or spats. Snug, grippy clothing without pockets or zippers.

Can I wear regular gym clothes to BJJ? Loose cotton t-shirts and pocketed shorts aren't ideal — they tear, bunch, and catch fingers. A rashguard and pocketless shorts are safer and more hygienic.