What to Wear to Jiu-Jitsu as a Woman: A Practical Guide

“What do I wear?” is one of the most common questions we hear from women thinking about their first jiu-jitsu class. It is a fair question. Jiu-jitsu involves rolling, gripping, and close contact, so the wrong outfit can be distracting. Here is a practical checklist so you can focus on learning instead of adjusting your clothes.

Under the Gi or for No-Gi: Fitted Layers

• Rash guard or fitted athletic top. Loose T-shirts ride up and catch fingers. A fitted top stays in place.
• Leggings or spats. Full-length, opaque, stretchy leggings work well. Avoid pockets and zippers.
• Supportive sports bra without underwire or metal clasps. Anything hard can press into you or your partner.
• Shorts without pockets (optional). Some women wear them over leggings for extra coverage.

The Gi

Gracie Barra students train in the Gracie Barra uniform, so everyone on the mat looks the same. When you are ready to join, our front desk will help you find the right size and explain what is needed. Uniforms are not included in membership.

Hair, Nails and Jewelry

• Tie long hair back with a soft elastic. Avoid metal clips and bobby pins.
• Trim fingernails and toenails short to protect you and your partners.
• Remove all jewelry, including rings, earrings and piercings you can take out. Tape any you cannot.
• Skip heavy makeup and lotion; they transfer to partners and make grips slippery.

What to Bring in Your Bag

• A water bottle
• Sandals or flip-flops for walking off the mat
• A spare hair tie
• A towel and a change of clothes

Hygiene Is Part of Respect

Wear clean training clothes every class, wash your gear after each session, and do not train with an open cut or anything contagious. Good hygiene keeps everyone healthy and is part of mat etiquette at every Gracie Barra school.

Not Ready to Train Yet? Come Watch First

Our Women’s Only Jiu-Jitsu class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM for women and teen girls ages 14 and up, at 6250 Grandview Pkwy, Davenport, FL 33837. You can see it alongside every other class on our class schedule.

For your free academy tour you do not need any special clothes at all. The tour is watch-only, so wear whatever is comfortable and see how the class runs before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions