A Guide to BJJ Kimono Fabrics, from Pearl to Gold
In jiu-jitsu, the weave of your gi is the foundation of how it performs. It affects weight, feel, breathability, and how easy you are to grip. Some weaves are built for comp-day edge, others for daily grind durability. No single type is “the best” — it depends on what you value most.
Pearl Weave
Pearl weave is the modern go-to. It strikes a balance between weight, strength, and feel. The surface texture is tight and slightly bumpy — enough friction to grip, but slick enough to move. It’s also less prone to stretching or sagging over time.
Most of our gis use a custom-engineered pearl weave — dialed for durability without bulk, and cut to feel lived-in from day one.
Gold Weave
A nod to the old school. Gold weave is heavier, looser in texture, and traditionally used in premium or comp-grade gis. It drapes beautifully and softens over time, but it also shrinks more and holds onto moisture longer. Think heavyweight robe with fight IQ.
We use gold weave selectively — usually in heritage drops or special collections where nostalgia meets performance.
Single Weave
Lightweight and affordable — but not built for the long haul. Single weave gis are thinner and less durable, often used in entry-level kimonos. Easy to wash, fast to dry, but prone to wear and tear under pressure.
We don’t use it. It doesn’t meet the mark.
Double Weave
Heavy. Tough. Built like a tank. Double weave gis were once the competition standard — dense fabric, hard to grip, nearly bulletproof. But they’re also hot, stiff, and can feel restrictive unless tailored perfectly.
Useful in winter or grip-heavy training cycles, but not our daily driver.
Ripstop (Pants Only)
Not a jacket weave, but worth noting. Ripstop is commonly used for gi pants — ultra-light, reinforced, and resistant to tearing. Woven with a crosshatch pattern that prevents small holes from spreading. It’s techwear for the ground game.
Most of our gi pants are ripstop or cotton drill — lightweight, mobile, and strong where it counts.
What We Choose (And Why)
We build with intent. Each weave is chosen for purpose — movement, durability, and how it performs across hundreds of rolls. That’s why our pearl weave feels cleaner. That’s why our pants hold up round after round. And that’s why people still wear our drops years later.
Form follows function — but we don’t mind if it looks good doing it.
