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Single, Double, or Pearl? Choose the Best BJJ Gi Weave

 

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The pearl Gi weave is the one that combines the most benefits of both other types. It is like a perfect blend, and most grapplers prefer this type.

 

Table of Contents

 

30 Second Summary - Which BJJ Gi Weave Should You Choose For Grappling?

1. What Exactly is the Jiu Jitsu Gi Weave?

1.1 Key Factors Influenced by the Jiu Jitsu Gi Weave?

2. Most Common Types of BJJ Gi Weaves and Their Pros and Cons

2.1 BJJ Gi Single Weave

2.1.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Single Weave

2.1.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Single Weave

2.1.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Single Weave

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu Jitsu Gi Single Weave?

2.2 Jiu Jitsu Gi Double Weave

2.2.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Double Weave

2.2.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Double Weave

2.2.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Double Weave

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu Jitsu Gi Double Weave?

2.3 Jiu Jitsu Gi Pearl Weave

2.3.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

2.3.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

2.2.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu Jitsu Gi Pearl Weave?

30 Second Summary - Which BJJ Gi Weave Should You Choose For Grappling?

 

There are three common types of Gi weaves used worldwide: pearl, single, and double weaves. All have their own pros and cons. But the pearl Gi weave is the one that combines the most benefits of both other types. It is like a perfect blend, which is why it is most common worldwide and why most grapplers prefer this type. So if you are just starting in Jiu Jitsu or are an expert black belt, you should prefer the high quality pearl weave Gi.

 

But this is not enough for better grappling. You should also consider the brand, as not all brands offer the same quality. One good example of premium quality pearl weave Gi is the Elite Sports Jiu Jitsu Gis, which is a perfect blend of all the features you need to optimize your grappling.

 

1. What Exactly is the Jiu Jitsu Gi Weave?

 

A Jiu Jitsu Gi weave decides the durability, breathability, feel, and weight on the mat. It means the way a jacket or pair of pants is constructed. It affects the resistance to stretching and tearing, mobility, and comfort during grappling.

 

1.1 Key Factors Influenced by the Jiu Jitsu Gi Weave?

 

The Jiu Jitsu Gi weave influences the following key factors:

 

• Grams per Square Meter (GSM).

• Durability and Weight.

• Shrinkage.

• Mobility.

• Higher interlacing means lower elongation but more tensile strength.

• Longer weave floats mean higher tear resistance.

• Plain weaves provide more abrasion resistance.

• Interlacing tightness affects the seam slippage.

• Higher interlacing results in a stable fabric with a lower risk of shrinkage.

• Complex weaves create air pockets, making the fabric thicker.

• More dense interlacing means a more porous fabric.

• Dense weaves mean higher air inflow and vice versa.

• Longer float fabrics improve moisture wicking.

• The weave determines how flexible a Gi is.

• The tactile and visual fabric texture.

2. Most Common Types of BJJ Gi Weaves and Their Pros and Cons

 

The common Jiu Jitsu Gi weave types include:

 

• Pearl Weave.

• Single Weave.

• Double Weave.

• Gold Weave.

• Ripstop.

• Honeycomb Weave.

• Summer or Bamboo Weaves.

• Platinum Weaves.

 

2.1 BJJ Gi Single Weave

 

It is the oldest, basic, and lightest fabric for the BJJ Gi in the market. In the single Jiu Jitsu Gi weave, a weft threat crosses under and over the two different warp threads. It is a single-layer cotton fabric that is the most durable, flat, lightweight, and smooth. It is widely known as the light weave because it is the lightest.

 

 

2.1.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Single Weave

 

The main features of the BJJ Gi single weave are as follows:

 

• The weight ranges from 300 to 450 grams per square meter (GSM).

• Soft, light, smooth, supple, and flat.

• No raised or textured look.

2.1.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Single Weave

 

The main benefits of the BJJ Gi single weave are as follows:

 

• It offers better moves with a great range.

• It is ideal for training if you do it more than 3 to 5 times a week or daily.

• It is considered perfect for training in hot climates. They wick away sweat and keep you cooler, helping you avoid the intense heat. They are also known as the summer Gis.

• As they are single weaves, they are also the most affordable options among the Gi weave types. This is best for beginners who cannot afford expensive Gis or who do not want to spend a lot of money on them.

• They do not need a lot of time to break in. So they are almost ready for you to wear for grappling straight out of the bag.

• They feel very soft and supple.

• Because they are not as thick as the double weaves, they dry very quickly after washing.

• It reduces the drag and friction to a great extent.

2.1.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Single Weave

 

The main downsides of the BJJ Gi single weave are as follows:

 

• Because they are very thin, the single weaves do not last long. So you need to buy again frequently.

• They are easier to stretch and wear out, and the risk is even higher during long, intense grappling sessions.
  They are much easier to grab by your opponents. This means you are at a higher risk of choking. Your opponents can easily grab your sleeves, collar, lapel, and any other part of your Gi.

• They are at higher risk of shrinking because they are very thin. The risk increases even more if you wash them in hot water and then use a dryer.

• The single weaves become baggy due to stretching during long, intense grappling sessions when you start sweating out. This creates significant discomfort for the grapplers.

 

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu-Jitsu Gi Single Weave?

 

Choose the single Jiu Jitsu Gi weave if you:

 

• Are just starting or a few weeks or months old white belt in Jiu Jitsu, to avoid buying costly Gis.

• Are training in hot climates to avoid stretching, a baggy feeling, and overheating.

• Want to pass the IBJJF weigh-in to compete in the contest.

 

2.2 Jiu Jitsu Gi Double Weave

 

A double weave in the context of Jiu-Jitsu Gi is the heavyweight Gi. It is used to produce a dense, thick, and rigid fabric. Unlike the single weave, the double weave involves two sets of cotton warp threads, resulting in a heavyweight fabric. It is commonly known as the tank or heavyweight in Jiu-Jitsu. The main purpose of using or designing this Gi is to withstand the pulling, tension, and twisting during the long, intense grappling sessions.

 

2.2.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Double Weave

 

The main features of the BJJ Gi Double weave are as follows:

 

• It is a blend of two single weaves. So it is twice as thick as the single Gi weave.

• It is heavier than the standard Gis, weighing more than 600 GSM.

• They feature the stiff, thick, and coarse fabric.

• It is mostly used for long-term Jiu-Jitsu training or Judo.

 

2.2.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Double Weave

 

The main benefits of the BJJ Gi double weave are as follows:

 

• It is known as the fabric that can last the longest without wearing out.

• It is the most durable fabric in the market.

• It is ideal for daily, intense, long grappling sessions without worrying about strains or tears.

• They can last for years.

• They are very dense and of high quality.

• They are known as ideal for the takedowns because of their strong structure.

• They are ideal for heavy grappling.

• They provide the most resistance to opponents during grips. They feature a strong collar, sleeves, and other parts of the Gi that are not easy to grip. So you are safe from the chokes or other such submissions.

 

2.2.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Double Weave

 

The main downsides of the BJJ Gi double weave are as follows:

 

• The double-weave Jiu-Jitsu Gi is very heavy, so anyone who is just starting out should stay away from such Gis. Because they feel like they are carrying a lot of burden during grappling.

• They lack breathabilty which creates discomfort during grappling specially during long, intense sessions.

• They are not suitable for training in hot or humid climates.

• Most experts advise against wearing them without a rashguard under them. This is because they feel like sandpaper on the skin and create irritation and discomfort if you are not wearing anything under them.

• Because they are heavy, they restrict mobility during grappling. So you must be strong enough to make moves as you would in a single-weave BJJ Gi. That’s why it is not recommended for the white belts.

• Due to more material needed to make the double-weave Jiu Jitsu Gis, they are more costly than the single-weave BJJ Gis.

• They are very rigid, which most grapplers do not like, affecting their grappling performance.

• These Gis, because they are very thick, take a long time to dry after washing.

• If you are finding it difficult to pass IBJJF weigh-ins, or if you are at the borderline of the maximum weight of your weight class, then you should not wear this Gi. Because you would not be allowed to take part in the contest.

 

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu Jitsu Gi Double Weave?

 

Choose the double Jiu Jitsu Gi weave if you:

 

• Want the most durable BJJ Gi that can last for a long time.

• Want to train in long and intense grappling sessions.

• Train in a colder climate.

• Defend yourself against your opponent grabbing your collar, sleeves, or other parts of the Gi.

 

2.3 Jiu Jitsu Gi Pearl Weave

 

The pearl BJJ Gi weave is the most common type used by most grapplers and brands. The main reason for that is that it is a blend of light weight and durability. The name “pearl” is given due to the pearl-like bumps in the texture. It uses two sets of wefts: one wider and looser, the other tighter and thinner.

 

 

2.3.1 Key Features of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

 

The main features of the BJJ Gi Pearl weave are as follows:

 

• The pearl weave features a textured pattern with raised, small bumps or aligned grains of rice.

• These are not very light like the single weaves, but they are not heavyweight either. They come in between both of them and range from 350 GSM (grams per square meter) to 550 GSM.

• They provide more comfort and are softer than the double or gold weaves, but not as soft as the single weaves.

• Grapplers use them for all-purpose grappling.

2.3.2 Key Benefits of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

 

The main benefits of the BJJ Gi pearl weave are as follows:

 

• It is a perfect blend of light weight and durability. The Gi weave is light, but you will not find it easier to stretch or wear out. They can resist the intense grappling sessions.

• It can hold its shape for a long time.

• Compared to gold weaves, the pearl weave shrinks less after washing or drying.

• You can find the soft touch and feel in the pearl weaves, unlike the double weaves, which are tougher and stiffer.

• It provides more comfort than double weaves.

• It does not create any problem for the grapplers to pass their IBJJF weigh-in checks before the contests.

• They are IBJJF approved and meet the high standard despite not being as thick or durable as the double weaves.

• It improves your grappling moves and range of motion. You find it easier to grapple.

• The pearl weave is best suited to hot climates because it is breathable and allows good airflow. So if you are sweating out due to intense heat during grappling, it can wick away the sweat.

2.2.3 Key Downsides of BJJ Gi Pearl Weave

 

The main downsides of the BJJ Gi pearl weave are as follows:

 

• Not all brands make good quality pearl weave BJJ Gis. So it does not only depend on the weave type but also on the brand. So choose the best pearl-weave Jiu Jitsu Gis, which are high-quality yet affordable, such as Elite Sports.

• Although it is not a downside, it can be for some grapplers. As we know, it has little shrinkage risk, so if you cannot find your perfect fit, then you won't be able to reduce its size during washing or drying. So choose the right size according to the brand specific size chart and then make a purchase.

• It is easier for opponents to grab your collar or sleeves than it is with double weaves. But it offers more resistance than the single weaves.

2.1.4 When Should You Choose Jiu Jitsu Gi Pearl Weave?

 

Choose the pearl Jiu Jitsu Gi weave if you:

 

• The Pearl Jiu Jitsu Gi weave is a all purpose weave type. Many experts believe that you can wear it for almost any grappling purpose.

• The Gi weave is ideal for finding a balance between lightness and durability.

• You can do it in any climate, but preferably in hot, humid gyms.

• It is a comfortable Gi that gives a soft, nice feeling on your skin.

3. Comparison Chart Between Single, Double, and Pearl Jiu Jitsu Gi Weaves

 

Feature

Pearl Weave

Single Weave

Double Weave

Weight

Lightweight

Lightest

Heavy

Thickness

Moderate

Thin

Thick

Durability

High

Low

Extreme

Breathability

High

Highest

Low

Grip Defense

Balanced

Weak

Strong

Texture

Textured

Smooth

Coarse

Price

Standard

Cheapest

Expensive

Shrinkage

Low

High

Moderate