You show up to your first no-gi class. Half the room has long spats. The other half is in MMA-style shorts. Nobody told you there was a choice to make. You grabbed whatever athletic shorts were clean in your drawer — and hoped for the best.
Here’s what actually matters. And what doesn’t.
The Quick Answer
Shorts are the simpler start. They’re lighter, cheaper, and get you rolling without overcomplicating your first few weeks. Spats are the right upgrade when you’re training daily, heading to competition, or rolling in a cold gym. You don’t need both to begin. Most grapplers start with shorts and add spats after the first month.
What You’re Actually Deciding
No-gi BJJ strips away the gi jacket and pants. What’s left is a question of what goes on your legs. Two real options:
No-gi shorts — board-short-length, 4-way stretch fabric, usually with a built-in liner. Lightweight. Breathable. Your legs move freely through open guard and De La Riva without fabric bunching. If you’ve watched MMA, that’s the shorts.
BJJ spats — full-length compression tights, polyester-spandex blend, worn on their own or under board shorts. Cover waist to ankle. They reduce how much leg your training partner can grab. They protect your skin on rough mats. They keep your knees warm on cold mornings.
The choice isn’t really one vs. the other. It’s when does the upgrade make sense for where you are right now.
When Shorts Work Fine
If you’re new to no-gi, shorts are enough. Lighter and cooler, simpler setup, easier to find at any price point. Most beginners start here and stay here for months without any problems.
One thing to check before you buy: some schools require spats (or spats under shorts) for mat hygiene. Ask your coach’s preference before showing up to your first class.
Also — don’t train in cotton. Regular gym shorts and cotton boxers absorb sweat, stay wet, and pick up mat bacteria fast. The switch to synthetic BJJ shorts is worth making immediately.
When Spats Earn Their Spot
Here’s the part most beginners don’t get told: spats aren’t just about covering up.
Grip reduction. In no-gi, your training partner grabs your legs constantly — ankle picks, single legs, body triangles on your thighs. Compression fabric cuts how much friction they get. Subtle, but real at competition level.
Skin protection. Mat burns on your shins and knees are a real cost of rolling. Spats take that hit instead of your skin. They also reduce the chance of picking up mat rash or skin infections — worth thinking about in a high-volume gym.
Cold gyms. Morning roll in a basement gym in October? Spats hold heat, warm your joints faster, and shave 5 minutes off your warm-up. Cold legs = stiff hips = slow guard. This is a real training issue.
Longevity. Training 4+ days a week, your legs take a beating. Most regular no-gi grapplers end up in spats within their first few months. You’re not being extra — you’re being practical.
The Wrestling Lesson (Grip and Compression Are Connected)
Wrestlers worked this out long before no-gi BJJ was popular.
In wrestling, the switch from everyday shorts to singlets and compression wasn’t just a uniform decision — it was a grip decision. A wrestling singlet removes every fabric handle your opponent can grab. Compression shorts serve the same purpose in the clinch, on the mat, and in leg-entanglement scrambles.
Here’s the drill version: next time you’re drilling single-leg takedowns, try it once with loose shorts and once with spats. Notice how much harder it is to ride your partner’s thigh when there’s no fabric to grip. That’s the effect in live rolling too — not dramatic, but consistent.
Judo players who cross-train no-gi catch this immediately. Gi training gives your partner the entire jacket and sleeve to work with. No-gi with loose shorts hands back some of that grip through fabric friction. Spats take it away.
Teach first, buy second: try a single-leg takedown in loose shorts vs. compression. You’ll feel the difference in one rep.
Spats + Shorts: The Competition Setup
Some grapplers wear both. Spats underneath, board shorts over the top. This is the most common competition setup because:
- Full skin coverage — no mat burns, no skin contact with the mat
- Better movement on top — the shorts move over the compression, adding snap through leg kicks and guard sweeps
- Clean look — most competition footage you see is this exact setup
You don’t need both for gym training unless you want them. But heading into your first tournament, this is the standard. Check the event rules — most competitions require some form of shorts over spats, especially for women’s divisions.
No-Gi Gear Comparison
| Setup | Best For | Leg Grip | Skin Cover | Temp | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shorts Only | Beginners, warm gyms | Normal | Minimal | Coolest | Shop on Amazon |
| Spats | Daily training, cold gyms | Reduced | Full legs | Warmer | Shop on Amazon |
| Spats + Shorts | Competition, heavy rolling | Reduced | Max cover | Warmest | Shop on Amazon |
Sizing Guide — No-Gi Shorts and Spats
| Size | Waist (in) | Hip (in) | Approx Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 28–30 | 33–35 | 120–150 |
| M | 31–33 | 36–38 | 150–175 |
| L | 34–36 | 39–41 | 175–210 |
| XL | 37–40 | 42–45 | 210–250 |
| XXL | 41+ | 46+ | 250+ |
Fit tip: size both to your true waist. No-gi shorts should be snug at the waistband — roll to a sprawl and nothing should shift. Spats should compress without cutting circulation. If they feel loose in the first week, go a size down.
Always check the specific brand’s size chart before buying. Generic athletic sizing is a good starting point but varies.
Free: No-Gi BJJ Gear Checklist
What to start with, when to upgrade, and how to wash it — one printable page.
Key Takeaways
- Start with shorts — they’re simpler and enough for most gym training
- Add spats when you’re rolling daily, training in a cold gym, or heading to competition
- Both together is the standard competition setup — coverage plus movement
- Never train in cotton — synthetic fabric only; cotton absorbs sweat and picks up bacteria
- Check your gym’s rules — some require spats, some require shorts over spats; know before you show up
For more on the no-gi gear picture, see our best BJJ spats guide and our best no-gi shorts guide. If you’re still figuring out whether to train gi or no-gi first, our gi vs no-gi breakdown covers that. And if you need a rashguard recommendation, start with our best rashguard for BJJ guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need spats for no-gi BJJ?
No — shorts alone are fine for most gym training. Spats become useful when you’re rolling frequently, competing, or training on rough mats that cause shin burns.
Can I wear regular gym shorts for no-gi BJJ?
Regular gym shorts work in a pinch, but dedicated BJJ no-gi shorts are better — secure waistbands, built-in liners, and they don’t chafe during guard work. The switch is worth it.
What do most competitors wear for no-gi?
Spats plus board shorts is the most common competition setup. It gives full skin coverage, a clean look, and the compression slightly reduces leg grip on ankle-pick and single-leg attacks.
Are spats warmer than shorts?
Yes — spats hold body heat. Great for cold morning sessions. In a warm gym during summer, you might prefer shorts for the airflow.
Can I wear spats alone without shorts over them?
Check your gym’s rules first. Some gyms and most competitions require shorts over spats. For open mat training, spats alone is usually fine — ask your coach if unsure.
Do spats slow you down in no-gi?
No. Quality BJJ spats use 4-way stretch compression fabric and move with your body. They add joint support and slightly reduce limb-grab surface area — most grapplers find them faster, not slower.
Stylso — BJJ gis and combat-sports apparel. About us.
