At Jiu Jitsu, we’ve seen a surge in creative expression through gear and apparel. From bold Jiu Jitsu tattoos to custom gi designs, practitioners are embracing unique ways to showcase their passion for the art.
In this post, we’ll explore the hottest trends in BJJ-inspired designs, customization options, and stylish apparel choices that are making waves in the community.
What’s Hot in BJJ Design?
At Souza Grappling Co., we’ve observed a creative explosion in BJJ-inspired designs. These trends reflect the art’s rich heritage and modern appeal, allowing practitioners to express their passion and individuality through their gear.
Japanese-Inspired Artistry
Traditional Japanese artwork continues to dominate BJJ design. Gis now feature intricate dragons, koi fish, and cherry blossoms. These elements honor the martial art’s roots while adding elegance to training gear. The “Sakura Storm” gi (a popular choice among our customers) combines delicate pink cherry blossoms with fierce samurai imagery, creating a striking contrast.
Geometric Precision
Geometric patterns have taken BJJ apparel by storm. Clean lines, triangles, and hexagons create visually striking rashguards and shorts. These designs often incorporate optical illusions that appear to shift as the wearer moves, adding a dynamic element to the gear. The “Hypno-Guard” rashguard, with its mesmerizing concentric circles, has become a favorite among competitors who want to stand out on the mat.
Minimalist Techniques
The trend of minimalist designs featuring BJJ techniques has gained traction. Simple, line-drawn illustrations of key moves and positions now appear on t-shirts, hoodies, and custom gi patches. These understated designs appeal to practitioners who prefer a subtle nod to their passion. Our “Armbar Essentials” t-shirt, which features a clean, single-line drawing of the technique, has become a bestseller among our more reserved customers.
Eco-Friendly Options
As sustainability becomes a priority, eco-friendly BJJ gear has emerged as a significant trend. Brands now offer gis and rashguards made from recycled materials or organic cotton. These options allow environmentally conscious practitioners to align their values with their training gear. The “Green Grappler” line (made from 100% recycled plastic bottles) has received positive feedback for its durability and reduced environmental impact.
Custom Color Combinations
Personalization has reached new heights with custom color combinations. Many brands (including Souza Grappling Co.) now offer the option to design your own gi or rashguard by selecting colors for different components. This trend allows practitioners to create unique gear that reflects their personal style or represents their academy’s colors.
As we move into the realm of customization, the possibilities for personal expression in BJJ gear become even more exciting. Let’s explore how practitioners are taking design into their own hands with personalized touches and unique modifications.
How to Personalize Your BJJ Gear
At Souza Grappling Co., we’ve noticed a surge in BJJ practitioners who personalize their gear. This trend allows athletes to express their individuality while commemorating their journey in the sport. Let’s explore some popular ways to make your BJJ gear stand out.
Custom Gi Patches and Embroidery
Gi patches and embroidery transform into a canvas for personal expression in BJJ. Many practitioners now choose custom patches that display their academy logo, personal mantra, or even inside jokes shared among training partners. The best BJJ patches are characterized by high quality, robust durability, pleasing designs, and ease of application to enhance their functional appeal.
To add custom patches to your gi, work with a local embroidery shop or an online service that specializes in martial arts patches. Check your academy’s rules and competition regulations before adding patches to ensure compliance.
Personalized Rashguards and Fight Shorts
Sublimation printing has revolutionized custom rashguards and fight shorts. This technique allows for intricate, full-color designs that won’t fade or peel over time. Many BJJ practitioners now design their own rashguards featuring everything from favorite techniques to personal artwork.
To create a custom rashguard, you’ll need to collaborate with a manufacturer that offers sublimation printing services. Most manufacturers require a minimum order quantity, usually around 5-10 pieces.
Unique Belt Designs
While belt colors follow a standard in BJJ, room for personalization exists within these constraints. Some practitioners opt for custom-embroidered belts that feature their name, academy, or significant dates in their BJJ journey. Others explore belts made from unique materials or with subtle design variations.
When considering a custom belt, ensure it meets IBJJF standards if you plan to compete. Popular options include adding your name in Japanese characters or incorporating small symbols that represent personal milestones.
As we move forward, let’s explore the latest trends in BJJ apparel that combine style with functionality, allowing practitioners to showcase their passion both on and off the mat.
What’s Trending in BJJ Apparel?
At Souza Grappling Co., we notice a significant shift in BJJ apparel trends. Today’s practitioners want gear that performs well on the mat and reflects their personal style and values. Let’s explore the latest trends that reshape the BJJ fashion landscape.
Retro Revival
Nostalgia makes a comeback in BJJ apparel. We see a surge in demand for vintage-inspired designs that pay homage to the sport’s roots. Bold, 80s-style graphics and color schemes reminiscent of early UFC events dominate this trend. The “Old School Grappler” collection (featuring retro logos and classic cut rashguards) proves popular among enthusiasts.
To achieve this look, choose rashguards with oversized prints of iconic BJJ techniques or gis with throwback patches. Brands like Scramble and Tatami lead this trend with their heritage-inspired lines.
Athleisure Fusion
The line between training gear and everyday wear blurs. Modern BJJ practitioners want apparel that transitions seamlessly from the gym to the street. This demand leads to a boom in BJJ-inspired athleisure wear.
Sleek, minimalist designs in performance fabrics that don’t scream “martial arts” but still nod to BJJ culture characterize this trend. The “Urban Grappler” line (featuring subtle BJJ motifs on high-quality hoodies and joggers) appeals to customers who want to represent their passion off the mat.
Eco-Conscious Choices
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in BJJ apparel. More practitioners seek out eco-friendly options that align with their values. This trend extends beyond using organic cotton; it rethinks the entire production process.
Brands like Origin push the envelope with biodegradable gis made from sustainably sourced hemp. While these options often come with a higher price tag, many practitioners find the environmental benefits worth the investment.
To embrace this trend, look for certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or bluesign® when shopping for BJJ gear. These ensure the products meet strict environmental and social standards.
Customization and Personalization
The trend of customization continues to grow in BJJ apparel. Practitioners now have more options to personalize their gear, from custom patches and embroidery to fully sublimated rashguards with unique designs.
This trend allows athletes to express their individuality and commemorate their journey in the sport. Many brands now offer services to create bespoke gis, rashguards, and accessories that reflect personal style or represent academy colors.
Performance-Driven Innovation
As BJJ evolves, so does the technology behind its apparel. The latest trend focuses on performance-enhancing features in BJJ gear. These innovations combine safety with performance enhancement, featuring targeted support systems and antimicrobial properties.
These advancements result in lighter gis that dry faster, rashguards with enhanced compression, and shorts designed for maximum mobility. While these high-tech options often come at a premium, serious practitioners appreciate the performance benefits they offer.
Final Thoughts
The world of BJJ design evolves rapidly, reflecting the sport’s dynamic nature. Practitioners now express their passion through various styles, from traditional Japanese-inspired artwork to cutting-edge geometric patterns. Personalization stands as a cornerstone of BJJ fashion, with custom gi patches, embroidery, and unique belt designs allowing athletes to tell their stories through gear.
BJJ apparel shifts towards versatile and sustainable options. Retro-inspired looks honor the sport’s history, while modern athleisure designs blur lines between training gear and everyday wear. Personal style in BJJ fashion transcends aesthetics, showcasing practitioners’ journeys, values, and individuality (including through Jiu Jitsu tattoos).
We at Souza Grappling Co. encourage you to embrace creativity and let your gear reflect your unique approach to BJJ. Our facility offers a supportive environment to explore your passion for Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and more. Your gear represents more than clothing – it embodies your dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
