Starting a new hobby is always fun, but especially active ones like jiu jitsu. And while the learning curve may be steep for some, it’s so rewarding to master the skills and make a community out of it.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want people knowing you’re a total newbie (even if you are one). So I'm always trying to look the part when I start a new sport. Like what should I wear to jiu jitsu? What’s a gi? And what to wear under gi?
I already have my favorite workout underwear—high waisted underwear, of course. But what if that doesn’t work with jiu jitsu gear? And I’m known to perspire, so what to wear under gi that prevent a sweaty vagina? Lucky for you, I’ve put in the work and found exactly what to wear under a gi, so you don’t have to ask yourself, “what should I wear to jiu jitsu under a gi?,” anymore!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO JUI JITSU?
A gi! But what is a gi?? A gi is like a kimono, but specifically used for practicing martial arts like judo or jiu jitsu. A gi is usually made from heavier duty cotton, but you can find a hemp gi for ultimate sustainability and comfort.
A gi allows for full movement and creates friction between you and your sparring partner, so neither of you can slip out of a hold because of sweat. Importantly, wearing jiu jitsu gear like a gi shows you respect both the integrity, history, and culture of the sport.
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The coat: typically unpadded and loose fitting
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The drawstring pants: a bit shorter than full ankle length with a lot of room in the leg
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The belt: signifies your rank and skill in jiu jitsu and judo. Beginners wear white, while experts wear black. And as you climb in rank, you’ll earn new colors of belts until you reach black belt status.
However, if you don’t have a gi for your first class, that’s okay too. You can totally wear exercise clothing like what to wear to yoga. You may want to choose fuller length clothing like long-sleeve shirts and leggings to create that same friction. However, some jiu jitsu instructors want people in looser clothing, so definitely check with your academy beforehand if you’re concerned.
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Now that you know what proper jiu jitsu gear is, it’s time to talk about what to wear under a gi. So let’s get into it! Here are some things to consider when choosing the best undies (and bras) for jiu jitsu.
NATURAL FABRICS
Jiu jitsu is intense, so you’re going to be working up a sweat. You’re literally pushing your body to its limits, so swamp crotch is going to happen. It’s just inevitable. And while you may not mind your own stank, your grappling partner might! Plus, it’s just not hygienic to sit in your sweat for hours.
So it’s important that your undergarments are made from natural fabrics that are:
- Antibacterial: choosing antibacterial underwear means choosing a healthy, non-smelly, and infection-free downstairs!
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Anti-smell: synthetic materials like spandex can be extremely smelly because the microorganisms actually causing the smell stay in them for longer than sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or hemp.
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Breathable: breathable underwear will not only make you more comfortable, but it’ll let some airflow carry your smells away in the breeze.
COMFORT
Speaking of comfort, it should be one of your priorities when considering what to wear under gi. You don’t need to be dealing with wedgies, waistbands digging into your sides, or scratchy fabrics. Instead, look for soft, stretchy fabrics that move with you.
FLEXIBILITY
When you practice jiu jitsu, you’ll be moving your body in new ways. And you’ll need to have a full range of motion to be able to keep up with your grappling partner. Find underwear that lets you move without restricting you or digging into you.
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: UNDERSHIRT?
Before we jump into what to wear under a gi in terms of underwear, let’s quickly talk about whether or not to wear an undershirt.
Pros of wearing an undershirt:
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Protects your skin from rough gi
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More hygienic than shirtless because puts a barrier between bare skin and sweaty gi
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You can find very breathable options made of organic fabrics
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Prevents sweat from dripping onto your partner
Cons of wearing an undershirt:
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Not as breathable as shirtless
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Adds more clothing to your laundry routine
Ultimately, it’s up to you. But for the sake of your skin (and your sparring partner), I’d recommend an undershirt.
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: MEN'S UNDERWEAR
You have a picture of what you’re looking for in jiu jitsu-appropriate undergarments. Now, you need to figure out exactly what kind of undies to wear under your gi! Let’s discuss the pros and cons of specific men’s underwear types.
Pros:
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Very breathable
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Allows full range of motion
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Long enough to protect your skin from a rough gi
Cons:
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Does not offer as much support as more form-fitting styles
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May get bunched up under gi pants
Pros:
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Offers a lot of support
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Breathable when made out of materials like hemp
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Form-fitting style fits well under drawstring pants
Cons:
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May restrict your movement a bit more, especially if too tight
Pros:
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Shorter length is more breathable than boxers or boxer briefs
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Allows for fuller range of motion
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Still very supportive
Cons:
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May not protect sensitive all inner thigh skin from a rough gi
Pros:
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Very supportive and protective of your most sensitive bits
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Minimalist style allows for ultimate breathability
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Seamless fit under drawstring pants
Cons:
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Can lead to more wedgies if ill-fitting
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Doesn’t protect soft skin from a rough gi
COMMANDO
Pros:
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The most breathable
Cons:
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Men going commando means literally no support
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May lead to injury to your family jewels because unrestrained movement during intense holds
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Talk about butt sweat…yikes!
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: WOMEN'S UNDERWEAR
Ladies, it’s your time to figure out the best womens underwear styles for under jiu jitsu gear that protects your bits safely and comfortably.
Pros:
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Fit seamlessly under the gi pants
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Very flexible and lets you have a full range of motion
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Super breathable
Cons:
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Won’t guard sensitive thigh or tummy skin from a rough gi
Pros:
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No visible panty lines here!
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Very breathable
Cons:
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Who wants a wedgie when exercising?
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If made out of non-antibacterial fabrics, it could be a direct channel of sweaty butt bacteria into your vulva.
Pros:
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Protects your soft tummy skin
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SUPER supportive
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Still very breathable, especially if made of natural fabrics
Cons:
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You’ll have to wear your gi pants high waisted (or show off the waistband of your undies)
Pros:
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Most protective of sensitive thigh skin
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Very high support
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Prevents chub rub
Cons:
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Not as breathable
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Will show more under pants
COMMANDO
Pros:
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Allows your vulva to fully air out
Cons:
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Not hygienic for your vulva or gi
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I’d rather have an undie-induced wedgie than a gi-induced wedgie (another yikes)
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: BRAS
I haven’t forgotten you boob owners! Any one with breasts will also have to consider how they’ll support and protect them during jiu jitsu. Here are your options:
TRADITIONAL BRA
Pros:
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Literally none
Cons:
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Not high enough support for all of the movement
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A lot of activity can ruin the bra
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Your underwire may become a weapon of mass destruction on a jiu jitsu mat (although I suppose that could be a pro depending on your POV…)
Pros:
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Softer and more flexible than a traditional wired bra
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Very breathable (aka minimal boob sweat)
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Adjustable straps and band for the perfect fit
Cons:
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Best for small breasts that don’t need a lot of support
SPORT BRAS
Pros:
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Racerback bralette styles are super supportive
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Prevents boob spillage
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Keeps your tatas constrained and out of the fight
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Projects sensitive breast tissue from rough gi fabrics
Cons:
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Super compressive ones can be uncomfortable and make it hard to breathe (not exactly ideal when exercising)
NOTHING
Pros:
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Very breathable
Cons:
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Two words: nipple. Chafe. (NO THANK YOU).
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No support
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Potential for a breast injury
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER GI: IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
Every jiu jitsu master has their own ideal underwear for their practice. Maybe for you, flexibility and breathability is more important than finding anti-chafing underwear. Or maybe a full coverage style is perfect for you, while a minimalist type works better for others.
With these pros and cons, you can identify what you value in underwear for jiu jitsu and then choose the style of underwear accordingly.
Personally, I want support in my undies and bra. AKA you’ll catch me in high-waisted undies with a racerback bralette. So what underwear are you going to wear to jiu jitsu?? Let me know in the comments below!
