What to Wear to Your First BJJ Class

You've booked your first class, and now the nerves are kicking in. Will you look out of place? What should you actually put on? Good news: figuring out what to wear to BJJ is easier than learning your first armbar.

Here's the quick answer, then the full packing list.

Short answer: For a no gi class, wear a fitted rashguard or tight sports shirt and shorts with no pockets, zippers or buttons. For a gi class, ask the gym if they lend a gi, and wear a rashguard underneath. Bring flip-flops, water and a towel, and trim your nails before you go.

One tip before anything else: message the gym and ask. Every academy is a little different, and most are happy to tell you what to wear to BJJ class on your first day.

What to wear to BJJ for a no gi class

No gi is the simpler one. You don't need a uniform, just clothes that fit close to your body and won't hurt anyone.

• Top: a rashguard is ideal. It's tight, stretchy and dries fast. A fitted sports shirt works for a first class too.
• Bottoms: shorts without pockets, zippers or buttons. Grappling or MMA-style shorts are made for this.
• Underneath: compression shorts or spats if you like extra coverage. Plenty of people wear spats under shorts.
• Underwear: athletic underwear or a sports bra. Skip anything you wouldn't want to roll around in.

Why not just a baggy T-shirt? It works in a pinch, but fingers get caught in loose fabric, and it ends up over your head. A rashguard stays put. Our post on rashguard vs compression shirt goes deeper on the difference.

What to wear to BJJ for a gi class

In a gi class, everyone wears the jacket, pants and belt. You don't need to buy one before your first session.

Most gyms either lend a gi to beginners or let you train in regular workout clothes for the trial. Ask when you book, so you don't turn up with the wrong kit.

Under the gi, wear a rashguard or a fitted shirt. It's more comfortable, and it keeps sweat off the jacket. Women usually add a sports bra underneath, and some gyms ask everyone to wear a top under the gi.

If you're borrowing workout clothes for a gi class

If the gym says regular clothes are fine, choose a fitted T-shirt and long sports trousers. Make sure nothing has zippers or buttons. Long sleeves and long trousers help protect your skin while you're new.

What to leave at home

Knowing what to wear to BJJ also means knowing what not to bring onto the mat. Here's the list of things that can hurt you or your partner:

• Jewelry: rings, earrings, necklaces, watches and fitness trackers all come off. If a piercing can't come out, ask the coach, and tape it securely if they allow it.
• Zippers, buttons and pockets: they scratch skin, catch fingers and damage mats.
• Shoes on the mat: never. Shoes stay off the mat, and bare feet stay off the bathroom floor.
• Makeup and strong perfume: makeup can stain partners' gis, and you'll be very close to people.
• Your phone: leave it in the bag. Nobody needs a mid-roll notification.

The hygiene rules nobody tells you

Jiu-jitsu is a contact sport, so hygiene is part of what to wear to BJJ, even if you can't buy it. It's also the fastest way to make a good impression on your new training partners.

• Trim your nails. Fingers and toes, short and smooth, with no sharp edges.
• Arrive clean. Shower, wear deodorant and brush your teeth.
• Wear clean kit, every class. Rashguards and gis go in the wash after each session.
• Bring flip-flops. Wear them everywhere off the mat, especially in bathrooms and changing rooms.
• Cover cuts. Tape any cuts or scrapes before you train.
• Stay home if you're unwell. If you're sick or have a skin rash, skip training and see a doctor if it doesn't clear up.

Tie back long hair too. A hair tie is easy to forget and handy to have.

Your first-class packing list

Here's what to wear to BJJ and what to pack, all in one place. Pack it the night before so you're not hunting for flip-flops five minutes before you leave.

Item	Why you need it
Rashguard or fitted shirt	Stays in place, protects skin, dries fast
Shorts without pockets or zippers	Safe for you and your partner
Compression shorts or spats (optional)	Extra coverage and comfort
Flip-flops	Keep the mat clean and your feet protected
Water bottle	You'll sweat more than you expect
Towel	For after class or the drive home
Hair tie and nail clippers	Small things that save the day
Plastic bag	To keep sweaty kit away from everything else

What to wear to BJJ once you're hooked

After a few weeks, you'll know whether jiu-jitsu has its hooks in you. If it has, your kit needs to keep up with three or four sessions a week.

The first upgrade most people make is a second rashguard, so one can be in the wash while you train in the other. Next comes a pair of proper grappling shorts or spats. Your answer to what to wear to BJJ shifts from "whatever's clean" to kit that's built for the job.

Planning to keep training after the trial? Our guide to BJJ gear for beginners covers what's worth buying first.

First-class etiquette in two minutes

Once you've sorted what to wear to BJJ, the etiquette is next. You don't need every custom on day one, but a few basics help you settle in faster.

1. Arrive 15 minutes early. You'll have time to change, sign forms and meet the coach.
2. Introduce yourself. Tell the coach it's your first class and mention any injuries.
3. Tap early and often. Tap your partner or the mat clearly as soon as something hurts. Nobody's keeping score.
4. Go at your partner's pace. Being new isn't the time to go all-out.
5. Watch what others do. Many gyms line up by rank at the start and end of class, and some bow. Just follow along.

Remember that everyone on that mat had a first class too. Most people will be glad to help you.

Quick answers

Can I wear a regular T-shirt to BJJ?

For a first class, yes. A fitted one works better than a baggy one, since loose fabric gets grabbed and pulled over your head. A rashguard is the better long-term pick.

Do I need to buy a gi before my first class?

Usually not. Many gyms lend beginners a gi or let you train in workout clothes for the trial. Ask the gym when you book.

What should women wear to BJJ?

The same basics: a rashguard or fitted top, a sports bra, and shorts or leggings without zippers or pockets. Spats are a popular choice for no gi.

Can I wear leggings or joggers to BJJ?

Yes, if they're fitted and have no zippers, buttons or pockets. Baggy joggers can snag toes and fingers.

Wrapping up

So, what to wear to BJJ? Keep it simple: a fitted top, safe shorts, clean kit, short nails and a pair of flip-flops. The rest you'll pick up on the mat.

If you want a rashguard that's built for grappling, browse our BJJ and MMA rashguards, made to order in Slovenia. Then go enjoy your first class.