Trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time can feel unfamiliar enough without worrying about what to wear.
Fortunately, No-Gi BJJ requires very little equipment. Basic athletic clothing is usually enough for your first class, and you can invest in dedicated grappling gear later if you keep training.
What Should You Wear to No-Gi BJJ?
No-Gi BJJ is practiced without the traditional gi. Students usually wear fitted athletic clothing that allows unrestricted movement and minimizes loose fabric.
Tops
A rash guard is the standard choice because it stays close to the body and handles sweat well.
A fitted T-shirt also works, including cotton. Avoid oversized shirts that can twist, ride up, or catch fingers and toes.
Shorts and Leggings
Grappling shorts are designed for BJJ, but regular athletic shorts can work too.
Avoid open pockets, exposed zippers, buttons, buckles, and metal hardware. These can catch fingers or toes, scratch a training partner, and potentially damage the mats.
Spats, or compression leggings, are optional and can be worn under shorts or, depending on gym policy, on their own.
What to Wear Underneath
Compression shorts or fitted athletic underwear are good choices because they stay secure during movement.
Hard athletic cups are generally not recommended and may be prohibited by some gyms.
Women and Kids
Women often wear a sports bra under a rash guard or fitted athletic shirt, with shorts, leggings, or spats.
Kids can wear a fitted athletic shirt with comfortable athletic shorts. The same basic rule applies to everyone: choose clothing that stays secure and has no hard or hazardous hardware.
What Not to Wear for No-Gi BJJ
Avoid anything that can become tangled, scratch someone, or damage the mats.
That includes:
Extremely baggy clothing
Jewelry
Watches and fitness trackers
Open pockets
Exposed zippers, buttons, buckles, or metal hardware
Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed as well.
BJJ is normally practiced barefoot. Wear sandals or slides off the mats and remove them before stepping onto the training surface.
Can You Wear Regular Gym Clothes to No-Gi BJJ?
Yes.
You do not need specialized BJJ gear for your first class. If your gym clothes fit securely, allow free movement, and do not have unsafe hardware, they are usually enough to get started.
Dedicated No-Gi gear becomes more useful once you train regularly because it is made to handle repeated stretching, sweat, and abrasion.
No-Gi BJJ Clothing and Hygiene
Always start class in clean training clothes.
Do not reuse sweaty clothing from an earlier workout, and wash your gear after every training session. Take damp clothes out of your gym bag when you get home rather than leaving them bundled up.
What Else Should You Bring to No-Gi BJJ?
A few items are useful:
Water bottle
Sandals or slides
Optional mouthguard
Change of clothes for after training
A mouthguard is not always required, but many students choose to wear one during live training.
No-Gi BJJ First-Class Checklist and FAQs
For your first class, keep it simple: wear a fitted athletic top, suitable shorts or leggings, and secure athletic underwear. Bring water and sandals or slides. A mouthguard and change of clothes are optional but useful.
Can I Wear a T-Shirt?
Yes. A fitted T-shirt is fine, including cotton.
Can I Wear Regular Gym Shorts?
Yes, as long as they allow free movement and do not have open pockets or exposed hardware.
Can I Wear Leggings?
Yes. Compression leggings, often called spats, are common in No-Gi BJJ.
Do I Need a Rash Guard?
No. A fitted athletic shirt is enough for your first class.
Do I Need a Mouthguard?
Not always, but many students wear one during live training for added protection.
Ready for Your First No-Gi BJJ Class?
You do not need expensive gear or prior experience to start.
If you’re looking for a No-Gi BJJ gym in Miami, come train with us at Ground Game Theory. Whether you’re brand new to jiu-jitsu or looking for a new place to train, our classes are built around practical, live training.
Come try a class at Ground Game Theory and see what No-Gi jiu-jitsu is all about.