What to Wear for No-Gi BJJ (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
The Complete Gear Breakdown From the Team at Moments Armoury
Training no-gi BJJ is simple in theory—no gi, no jacket, no belt—but what you wear still makes a massive difference in how you move, how comfortable you feel, and how safely you can roll. If you’re stepping into your first no-gi session or just want to upgrade your kit, here’s what most grapplers actually wear and why it matters.
Rashguards
A rashguard is the core of every no-gi outfit. It keeps sweat off your training partners, prevents mat burn, and gives you a tighter, more controlled feel during rolls. The best ones use moisture-wicking fabric, strong stitching, and stay tight without feeling restrictive.
Many gyms also prefer or require ranked rashguards, which follow BJJ belt colours: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black Wearing your rank lets coaches spot you easily during rolls and helps maintain the culture and progression of the sport.
Avoid cotton tees—they stretch, tear, trap sweat, and can even cause finger injuries when someone accidentally grips the fabric.
No-Gi Shorts
Grappling shorts are built specifically for rolling. They don’t have pockets, zippers, or velcro that can catch fingers or skin, and the stretch panels make guard work and scrambles feel way smoother. Regular gym shorts or boardshorts aren’t designed for the constant pulling and friction of BJJ, so they usually ride up, restrict your hips, or rip.
Look for shorts with a secure waistband, tough stitching, and full range of motion.
Spats / Compression Pants
Spats are optional, but most grapplers swear by them. They protect your legs from mat burn, help prevent skin irritation, and add a layer of hygiene when rolling closely with others. They also stay tight to your body and never get in the way during movement.
Mouthguard
Not everyone wears one, but anyone who has copped a wild knee, forehead, or accidental clash during a scramble understands why it’s worth it. A simple boil-and-bite mouthguard is enough to save your teeth from a bad session.
What Not to Wear
Skip anything with pockets, metal, loose fabric, jewellery, or anything made from cotton. These can cause injuries, tear easily, or get in the way of movement. No-gi is all about clean, tight, athletic gear made for contact.
Gear That Lasts
Good no-gi gear isn’t just for looks—it genuinely affects how well you can train. Better grip, better movement, less irritation, more confidence. If you want gear built specifically for grapplers, Moments Armoury designs rashguards in ranked colours, durable fight shorts, and compression gear made to handle real roll intensity.
Explore the range and build a clean, functional no-gi setup that keeps you comfortable on the mats.