IBJJF Gi Rules: Complete Uniform Requirements and Patch Placement Guide
Everything you need to know about IBJJF Gi requirements including legal colors, size specifications, patch placement rules, and what to check before competition.
Understanding IBJJF Gi Rules
Your Gi is your uniform in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has strict requirements for competition uniforms to ensure fair and safe matches. Failing a Gi check can mean disqualification before you even compete.
This complete guide covers all IBJJF Gi rules including legal colors, size requirements, patch placement specifications, and common mistakes to avoid. For a broader overview of all competition regulations, see our complete IBJJF rules guide.
Legal Gi Colors
The IBJJF permits only three colors for competition Gis:
- White
- Royal Blue
- Black
Color Requirements
Jacket and Pants: Must be the same color. You cannot mix a white jacket with blue pants.
Belt: Must match your rank. No colored tips or stripes of different colors (tape stripes for degree are permitted).
Stitching: Stitching color is not restricted and can differ from the Gi color.
What's NOT Allowed
- Gray Gis
- Navy blue (must be royal blue)
- Colored Gis (red, green, etc.)
- Camouflage patterns
- Faded Gis that appear a different color
- Mixed color combinations (different jacket/pants)
Warning: Navy blue is not the same as royal blue, and this is one of the most common Gi check failures. If your "blue" Gi looks dark or could be mistaken for navy, it may be rejected. When in doubt, bring a white Gi as your backup -- white is never questioned.
Gi Size Requirements
The IBJJF has specific measurements your Gi must meet. Your Gi weight also affects which IBJJF weight class you fall into, so choose wisely:
Jacket Requirements
| Measurement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sleeve length | Must be no more than 2 cm from the wrist when arms extended |
| Sleeve width | Minimum 7 cm opening at end of sleeve |
| Lapel thickness | Maximum 1.3 cm thick when folded |
| Collar width | Maximum 5 cm from inner seam |
Pants Requirements
| Measurement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pants length | Must be no more than 2 cm above the ankle |
| Pants width | Minimum 7 cm opening at bottom |
| Waistband | Must be tied and secure |
The Shrink Test
Many competitors buy Gis specifically for competition. Be aware that:
- New Gis shrink when washed and dried
- Competition Gis should be washed multiple times before the event
- Pre-shrunk Gis still need verification
- Bring a backup Gi in case your primary fails inspection
Pro Tip: Buy your competition Gi at least 2-3 months before the event and wash it 5+ times. Measure the sleeve and pants length after each wash to track shrinkage. Once it stabilizes, you will know exactly whether it meets IBJJF specifications.
Gi Inspection Process
At IBJJF events, your Gi will be inspected before you compete:
What Inspectors Check
- Color compliance - Legal colors only
- Sleeve length - Using a measurement tool
- Pants length - Measured when standing
- Opening width - Sleeves and pants legs
- Lapel thickness - Folded measurement
- Overall condition - No tears, clean
- Patches - Proper placement and size
When Inspection Happens
- At check-in/weigh-in area
- Before your first match
- Can happen again between matches if opponent protests
- Referees can check during a match
Failing Gi Inspection
If your Gi fails inspection:
- You'll have time to change (usually 5 minutes)
- Must have backup Gi ready
- If no compliant Gi available, you may be disqualified
- Belt must match your rank regardless of Gi change
Warning: You typically get only 5 minutes to change a non-compliant Gi. Have your backup Gi easily accessible -- not buried at the bottom of a bag in the car. Some competitors keep their backup Gi folded in a separate bag near the competition area.
Patch Rules and Placement
Patches are allowed on IBJJF competition Gis but have strict placement requirements:
Mandatory Patches
Federation Patch: IBJJF events may require federation/event patches in specific locations.
Optional Patches
Academy logos, sponsor patches, and other patches are permitted within these guidelines:
Patch Placement Zones
Jacket Front:
- Academy/school patches allowed on chest area
- Maximum size restrictions apply
- Cannot cover lapel gripping areas
Jacket Back:
- Large back patches permitted
- Academy or sponsor logos allowed
- Must not interfere with back collar
Jacket Sleeves:
- Patches allowed on upper arm area
- Cannot extend to forearm gripping area
- Must not have abrasive surfaces
Pants:
- Patches allowed on thighs
- Side of legs permitted
- Cannot be on lower leg gripping areas
Patch Size Limits
| Location | Maximum Size |
|---|---|
| Upper back | 35 cm x 40 cm |
| Shoulder | 10 cm x 10 cm |
| Chest | 15 cm x 15 cm |
| Side of pants | 10 cm x 10 cm |
Prohibited Patch Locations
- Lapel area (interferes with grips)
- Lower sleeve (wrist to elbow)
- Lower pants leg (knee to ankle)
- Belt
- Inside the Gi
Belt Requirements
Your belt is part of your uniform and has specific rules:
Belt Color
Must match your official rank:
- White, Blue, Purple, Brown, or Black
- Kids belts (gray, yellow, orange, green) for juvenile divisions -- learn more about the full BJJ belt progression system
- Degrees shown with tape stripes (black belt)
Belt Construction
- Minimum 4 cm width
- Maximum 5 cm width
- Must wrap around waist twice with 20-30 cm hanging ends
- Must have rank bar/stripe area at one end
Belt Condition
- Must be tied securely
- Cannot be wet or slippery
- Must stay tied during match (retying allowed by referee)
- No excessive wear that affects function
Rash Guards Under the Gi
Wearing a rash guard or compression shirt under your Gi jacket:
Female Competitors
- Required to wear a rash guard or shirt under the Gi jacket
- Must be same color as Gi or black
- Short sleeve or long sleeve permitted
Male Competitors
- Prohibited from wearing anything under the Gi jacket
- No rash guards, t-shirts, or compression shirts
- Bare chest under jacket only
Did You Know: The rash guard rule differs by gender. Female competitors are required to wear a rash guard under the Gi jacket, while male competitors are prohibited from wearing anything underneath. Male competitors who show up wearing a rash guard under their Gi will be asked to remove it before competing.
Why This Rule Exists
The rules ensure:
- Equal conditions for grip fighting
- No material advantage from underlayers
- Traditional competition appearance
- Fair competition standards
Common Gi Check Failures
Avoid these common mistakes that lead to failed inspections:
Sleeves Too Short
Problem: Arms extend past sleeve by more than 2 cm Solution: Buy longer Gi, don't dry on high heat
Sleeves Too Tight
Problem: Less than 7 cm opening at wrist Solution: Stretch sleeves, buy looser fit
Pants Too Short
Problem: Pants more than 2 cm above ankle Solution: Buy longer pants, wash in cold water
Lapel Too Thick
Problem: Folded lapel exceeds 1.3 cm Solution: Buy lighter weight Gi or single-weave
Wrong Color
Problem: Gi faded or non-standard color Solution: Use competition Gi only for competition, store properly
Missing Academy Patch
Problem: Some events require academy identification Solution: Check event requirements, have patches sewn on
Gi Maintenance for Competition
Keep your competition Gi compliant:
Washing Guidelines
- Wash in cold water to minimize shrinking
- Don't use bleach (even on white Gis)
- Air dry when possible
- If machine drying, use low heat
- Wash separately from colored items
Storage Tips
- Store clean and dry
- Don't leave in gym bag
- Hang to prevent wrinkles
- Keep separate from training Gis
- Protect patches from damage
Pre-Competition Prep
- Wash and dry multiple times before first competition
- Measure at home after washing
- Have backup Gi washed and ready
- Check for any tears or damage
- Ensure belt matches rank
Gi Shopping for IBJJF Competition
If this is your first time buying a competition Gi, our first IBJJF tournament guide covers the full checklist of what to prepare. When buying a Gi specifically for IBJJF competition:
Key Features to Look For
- Pre-shrunk fabric
- Competition cut (longer, fitted)
- Legal color (white, royal blue, black)
- Single or pearl weave (thinner lapels)
- Reinforced stress points
What to Avoid
- Ultra-thick competition Gis (may fail lapel check)
- Non-standard colors
- Gis with built-in patches in prohibited areas
- Unknown brands without size guides
Recommended Timing
- Buy at least 2-3 months before competition
- Wash 5+ times to fully shrink
- Test at local tournament if possible
- Have backup ready
Gi Rules During the Match
During competition, additional rules apply:
Keeping Gi Tied
- Gi jacket must stay tied with belt
- Referee will stop action to fix untied jacket
- Repeatedly coming undone may result in penalty
- Cannot intentionally untie to stop action
Gi Manipulation
- Cannot intentionally hide hands inside sleeves
- Cannot grab inside opponent's sleeves or pants
- Cannot grab own Gi to prevent grips
- Cannot put fingers inside opponent's Gi openings (except collar)
Gi Damage During Match
- Referee may stop match for Gi damage
- Time allowed to repair or change
- Cannot continue with damaged Gi
- Opponent cannot intentionally damage your Gi
Questions About IBJJF Gi Rules
Can I Compete with a Gi That Has Some Fading?
It depends on how faded. If it's clearly still white, blue, or black, it's likely fine. If questionable, bring a backup.
My Academy Logo is on the Lower Sleeve - Is That OK?
No, patches on the lower sleeve (forearm/wrist area) are not permitted as they interfere with grip fighting.
Can I Wear a Mouthguard Under My Gi?
Mouthguards are worn in your mouth, not under your Gi. They are recommended but not required by IBJJF.
What If My Belt Comes Untied Constantly?
Ask a training partner to show you a secure belt tie. Some knots hold better than others. Repeatedly stopping to tie may result in a stalling penalty.
Can I Use Tape on My Fingers During Gi Competition?
Yes, tape on fingers is permitted and common for joint protection. Just ensure it doesn't give gripping advantages.
Key Takeaway
Gi compliance comes down to three things: correct color (white, royal blue, or black only), correct fit (sleeves and pants within 2 cm of wrists and ankles), and correct patches (nothing on the lower sleeves or pants legs). Always bring a backup Gi to every competition -- a failed Gi check without a spare means disqualification.
Official Sources
- IBJJF Books & Videos - Official uniform requirements and Gi specifications
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