For BJJ athletes, a gi that shrinks after the first wash is more than a nuisance; it throws off fit, grip, and movement on the mat. Elite Sports, a Los Angeles-based maker of BJJ gear, has responded to this long-standing issue with the launch of a new line of pre-shrunk Pearl Weave BJJ gis designed to maintain consistent sizing through repeated machine washing.
The BJJ gi jacket is built from a 450gsm Pearl Weave fabric that undergoes a pre-shrunk process during production. This allows the garment to resist size changes that typically occur during standard washing cycles. While most BJJ gi brands advise athletes to hang-dry their gear outdoors, a routine that is often hard to keep up with in daily life, Elite Sports engineered this fabric so the gi can go straight into the machine washer and dryer like regular clothing, without affecting the fit.
The jacket uses a CVC blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, while the pants are made from a 450gsm CVC fabric with 65% cotton and 35% polyester. A rope drawstring on the pants allows for a secure, adjustable fit. A side-slit design on the jacket supports a full range of motion during guard work, transitions, and takedowns. Key seam areas feature reinforced stitching for added strength without adding weight to the overall build.
The gis carry IBJJF approval, making them legal for use at sanctioned events. The line spans options for men, women, and younger athletes, available across the men’s BJJ gi, women’s BJJ gi, and kids’ BJJ gi collections on the Elite Sports website. Each gi in the line ships with a complementary white belt.
