You're probably staring at your dresser right now wondering what to wear to first jiu jitsu class without looking like you've never stepped foot in a gym before. It's a totally normal thing to stress about. You don't want to show up in a full tuxedo, but you also don't want to be the person whose shirt gets ripped in the first five minutes because it wasn't meant for grappling. The good news is that most BJJ gyms are pretty laid back about what newcomers wear, provided you follow a few basic safety and hygiene rules.
Most schools understand that you aren't going to drop $150 on a fancy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uniform (called a "gi") before you even know if you like the sport. So, for your very first day, your goal is to find something that stays put, doesn't scratch your training partners, and can handle a bit of tugging.
The basic "newbie" outfit
If you don't own a gi yet, your best bet is basic athletic wear. Think about what you'd wear to the gym, but then subtract anything with metal or loose pockets. A pair of standard athletic shorts and a t-shirt usually does the trick, but there are some caveats.
First, your shorts should ideally be the kind without pockets. Why? Because during jiu jitsu, people are moving their feet and hands all over the place. A stray toe can easily get caught in a pocket, and that's a one-way ticket to a broken digit or a nasty sprain. If all you have are pocketed shorts, some people turn them inside out or just make sure they're very tight-fitting.
Second, let's talk about the shirt. A regular cotton t-shirt is fine, but be warned: it's going to get stretched out. By the end of class, that neck hole might be twice as big as it was when you started. Cotton also absorbs a ton of sweat, making it heavy and a bit soggy. If you have a compression shirt or a "rash guard," wear that instead. It stays close to the body, doesn't get caught on things, and wicks away the sweat much better.
Understanding Gi vs. No-Gi
Before you pack your bag, it's worth checking the gym's schedule to see if you're attending a "Gi" or "No-Gi" class. This dictates exactly what to wear to first jiu jitsu class in a more specific way.
In a Gi class, everyone wears the traditional heavy cotton uniform that looks a bit like a karate outfit but much thicker. If you're joining a Gi class, the gym might actually have a "loaner gi" for you to borrow. If they do, you'll just need to wear some light athletic clothes underneath it. For guys, that usually means some compression shorts. For women, a sports bra and leggings or compression shorts under the gi pants is the standard.
In a No-Gi class, the uniform is much more modern. Usually, it's a rash guard (that tight, stretchy athletic shirt) and "board shorts" or "spats" (leggings). Since you're just starting, don't worry about buying the official gear yet. Just stick to the tightest athletic gear you have that doesn't have zippers.
Why you should avoid zippers and buttons
This is a big one. Jiu jitsu is a contact sport. You are going to be rolling around on a mat with another human being. Anything hard on your clothing—like a zipper on your shorts, a button on your shirt, or even those plastic toggles on some hoodie strings—can cause real problems.
These hard bits can scratch your training partner or, even worse, get caught in the mat and rip out, taking a chunk of your clothes (or your skin) with it. Check your gear for any metal or hard plastic before you head out. If your favorite gym shorts have a back zipper for your keys, leave them at home. It's just not worth the risk of scratching someone's face or damaging the expensive mats.
The importance of the "under-layer"
Let's get a little personal for a second. Jiu jitsu involves a lot of weird angles. Your legs will be in the air, you'll be pinned on your back, and you'll be twisting in ways you didn't know you could. This is why compression gear is your best friend.
Even if you're wearing loose gym shorts, wear some compression shorts or "sliders" underneath them. This prevents any accidental exposure when your shorts inevitably ride up. The same goes for tops—if you're wearing a loose t-shirt, wearing a tank top or sports bra underneath is pretty much mandatory. You want to feel secure so you can focus on the technique rather than worrying if you're showing too much skin.
Don't forget your feet
You won't be wearing shoes on the mats. Jiu jitsu is practiced barefoot to keep the mats clean and to prevent people from getting kicked with heavy sneakers. However, you absolutely need a pair of flip-flops or sandals.
Most gyms have a strict rule: if you step off the mat (to go to the bathroom or get water), you must put on shoes. Then, when you step back onto the mat, you take them off. This keeps the bacteria from the floor off the place where people put their faces. Having a pair of slip-on shoes makes this transition easy. Don't be the person trying to lace up sneakers every time you need a drink of water.
Hygiene is part of the outfit
Technically, your "wear" includes your body prep. Since you'll be in close quarters with people, there are a few things to check before you leave the house.
- Trim your nails. This is non-negotiable. Long fingernails or toenails are basically tiny daggers. You will accidentally scratch someone if they aren't trimmed short.
- Remove jewelry. Take off your rings, earrings, necklaces, and watches. They can get caught in hair or clothing, causing injuries to you or your partner. Plus, a wedding ring can easily get bent or lost.
- Tie back long hair. Use a soft hair tie (no metal bits if possible). You'll likely have to redo it a few times during class, but it's better than having your hair stepped on.
What to bring in your bag
Besides what you're wearing, there are a couple of "must-haves" for your first day. * A large water bottle: You're going to sweat more than you think. * A small towel: To wipe off the sweat during breaks. * A mouthguard: While not strictly required for your very first "intro" class where you might just be learning movements, it's a good habit to start early. You only get one set of adult teeth! * A change of clothes: You will be drenched afterward. Trust me, you don't want to drive home in the same clothes you trained in.
Relax, nobody is judging you
The most important thing to remember when deciding what to wear to first jiu jitsu class is that everyone there was a beginner once. They remember the confusion of trying to figure out how to tie a belt or wondering if their t-shirt was okay.
If you show up in clean, modest athletic gear with no sharp bits and your nails trimmed, you've already won half the battle. The BJJ community is generally very welcoming, and they'll be happy to guide you on what gear to buy once you decide to stick with it. Just focus on being comfortable, staying safe, and being ready to learn something totally new. See you on the mats!