Yes, you should wear underwear or compression shorts with spats (leggings) in Brazilian jiu jitsu.
While it is largely a personal choice, it is strongly recommended for modesty, comfort, and hygiene.
Key Takeaways
- Wearing underwear with spats in BJJ is largely a personal choice influenced by comfort and hygiene but is strongly recommended
- Additionally, while you can wear spats without shorts, it may be frowned upon by other practitioners
- Lastly, for IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) events, competitors must use underwear/undergarments.
- The wearing of thong-type undergarments is not allowed; only briefs-type undergarments are permitted
So Is It Okay for Men to Wear Spats with No Shorts in BJJ?
While there are no established rules on wearing spats with no shorts in Brazilian jiu jitsu, many bjj practitioners feel that it is too revealing for men, and it may be frowned upon by certain practitioners.
- Many feel that wearing spats without shorts are too revealing for men
- However, if you are comfortable only wearing spats then you should feel free to do so
- Lastly, if you choose to wear spats without shorts it is strongly recommended wear underwear or compression shorts underneath them
- In terms of competition, IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) does not allow men to wear spats for either gi or no gi – only boardshorts are allowed for no gi events.
Should You Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts?
A common question among BJJ practitioners is whether to wear underwear under compression shorts or let the compression fabric function as the sole layer.
Why Some Prefer Wearing Underwear Under Compression Shorts:
- Extra Support – Some athletes find that an added layer helps with comfort and security during intense training.
- Enhanced Hygiene – Underwear under compression shorts absorbs excess sweat, keeping the compression layer cleaner for longer.
- Personal Comfort – Some individuals prefer extra coverage to feel more secure, especially when wearing grappling spats without fight shorts on top.
Why Others Skip Underwear Under Compression Shorts:
- Less Bulk – Compression shorts are designed to fit snugly and work best when worn alone.
- Designed for Functionality – High-quality shorts with compression liners eliminate the need for additional layers.
- Better Range of Motion – Fewer layers mean less restriction in movement, allowing smoother transitions in grappling exchanges.
Proper Attire for Training
When training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), practitioners must adhere to specific attire guidelines to ensure safety, hygiene, and adherence to the sport’s etiquette, whether they are participating in a Gi or No-Gi class.
BJJ Gi and No-Gi Distinctions
In BJJ, there are two main forms of attire depending on the class: Gi and No-Gi.
Wearing the Gi, which is a traditional martial arts uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, and a belt, is mandatory in Gi classes. Underneath the Gi, practitioners commonly wear a rash guard or spats for upper and lower body protection, respectively.
In contrast, No-Gi classes require a different approach to attire, focusing on tight-fitting clothing that minimizes the risk of snagging and provides muscle support.
Standard No-Gi Apparel Guidelines
Men should consider the following standard apparel for No-Gi classes:
- Rash guard: A form-fitting, moisture-wicking shirt that reduces friction burns.
- Spats or compression pants (optional*): Tight-fitting pants that protect the skin and support muscles, often worn with or without briefs based on personal comfort.
- Jiu-Jitsu shorts: Board-style shorts without zips or pockets.
Women may wear similar attire as men for No-Gi with some variations:
- Rash guard: Specially designed to accommodate the female form.
- Spats or leggings: Provide full coverage worn with undergarments.
- Board shorts or form-fitting athletic shorts: Designed for flexibility and stability.
For both men and women, wearing moisture-wicking underwear or compression shorts beneath spats ensures hygiene and helps keep the practitioner dry. However, this choice largely depends on personal preference and comfort.
Types of Clothing: What to Wear Under and Over Spats in BJJ
When training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, choosing the right types of clothing can enhance comfort, performance, and adherence to gym etiquette.
What to Wear Under Spats:
- Compression shorts – Offer additional support while keeping everything in place.
- Briefs or moisture-wicking underwear – A simple option for those who prefer an extra layer of protection under full-length spats.
- Nothing – Some practitioners opt to wear spats alone, as they are designed to function as compression gear.
What to Wear Over Spats:
- Fight shorts – Wearing spats with fight shorts is common, as it adds an extra layer while maintaining a professional look.
- BJJ-specific spats alone – In some gyms, it’s acceptable to wear regular spats without shorts. However, this depends on gym culture and personal comfort.
- Compression shirt – A compression shirt pairs well with spats, offering full-body coverage, muscle support, and improved hygiene.
Understanding Spats in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Definition and Purpose of Spats
Spats, in the context of BJJ, are tight-fitting compression pants designed to be worn during training and competition. Their main purpose is to protect the skin against friction burns, mat burns, and other minor injuries that can occur during close contact with an opponent and the mat.
Benefits of Wearing Spats in BJJ
The benefits of wearing spats in BJJ are multidimensional:
- Hygiene: Spats help wick away sweat, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
- Muscle Support: The compression offers support to the muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and strain.
- Mobility: A quality pair of spats will allow full range of motion due to their stretchable material, typically a spandex blend.
- Protection: Spats create a barrier between the skin and the mat, limiting direct contact and reducing the likelihood of cuts and rashes.
Shorts with Compression Liners vs. Regular Fight Shorts
When training No-Gi, shorts with compression liners and regular fight shorts are two popular options. Both serve distinct purposes in BJJ, depending on personal preference and training needs.
Shorts with Compression Liners:
- Offer built-in support, eliminating the need for separate compression shorts.
- Made from breathable fabrics to keep moisture away.
- Reduce chafing and irritation during long training sessions.
- Ideal for those who prefer minimal layers but still want compression benefits.
Regular Fight Shorts:
- Provide looser movement and airflow.
- Often worn over spats for modesty and adherence to gym culture.
- May lack gentle compression, which some practitioners prefer for muscle support.
When to Choose Full-Length Spats Over Regular Spats
Both full-length spats and regular spats have their uses in BJJ, but choosing the right type depends on training conditions and personal preference.
Full-Length Spats:
✔ Provide maximum skin protection from scratches, burns, and infections (especially from abrasive gym mats)
✔ Offer gentle compression for improved blood flow and reduced muscle fatigue.
✔ Keep legs warm during chilly training sessions.
Regular Spats (3/4 Length or Capri Style):
✔ Allow for better airflow, making them ideal for hot weather training.
✔ Provide compression benefits without full leg coverage.
✔ Offer less friction for smoother guard transitions.
If hygiene and protection are priorities, full-length spats are the better choice. However, for warm climates and chilly training sessions, regular spats might be more comfortable.
Hygiene Considerations
When practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial. This includes managing sweat and bacteria as well as preventing skin infections.
Managing Sweat and Bacteria
To combat sweat and bacteria build-up, wearing underwear with spats is advisable. Spats, typically made of moisture-wicking materials, prevent excessive sweat from accumulating.
Underwear adds an additional layer, absorbing sweat and reducing the proliferation of bacteria close to the skin. This is essential because spats alone can’t absorb all the sweat produced during intense BJJ sessions, and this sweat can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Preventing Skin Infections
Underwear beneath spats acts as a barrier against mat-borne pathogens. Skin infections, such as ringworm and staph, are common in contact sports and can be curtailed by wearing a clean layer under spats.
Ensuring that this protective layer is made of antibacterial and fast-drying fabric helps minimize the risk of these infections spreading. Moreover, it’s courteous to provide an additional layer between oneself and the training partner, maintaining personal and communal hygiene standards.
Cultural and Gym Etiquette
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, adherence to cultural norms and gym etiquette regarding undergarments is paramount for ensuring a respectful and hygienic training environment.
Gym Policies on Undergarments
Most BJJ gyms have explicit policies requiring practitioners to wear proper undergarments under their spats. The guidelines cater to different aspects, including:
- Hygiene: To maintain a clean and safe training area, it’s crucial that all practitioners wear clean and appropriate undergarments below their spats.
- Comfort and Functionality: Underwear should provide support without restricting movement. Compression shorts or athletic undergarments are commonly recommended.
- Visibility and Appearance: Undergarments should not be visible through the spats, and light-colored or thin materials might require darker or thicker underwear to maintain modesty.
Respecting Training Partners
The choice of undergarments is not solely a personal preference; it also reflects respect towards one’s training partners. They should consider:
- Odor Control: Fresh, clean undergarments help prevent unpleasant odors, a common courtesy for close-contact sports like BJJ.
- Physical Protection: Proper undergarments act as a barrier, reducing the risk of skin infections and the transfer of bodily fluids.
It is essential for practitioners to understand the cultural and gym etiquette around wearing underwear with spats to foster a respectful BJJ community.
One of the controversies surrounding spats and compression gear is their appearance. Some practitioners feel comfortable wearing only compression shorts or grappling spats, while others prefer adding a layer of protection with fight shorts.
Further Gym Etiquette Considerations:
- Check Gym Culture – Some academies have unwritten rules regarding attire. Wearing shorts over spats may be the norm.
- Consider Your Training Partners – Some people may find spats worn alone too revealing, leading to discomfort during drills.
- Focus on Functionality Over Fashion – Whether wearing BJJ-specific spats, compression shorts, or full-length spats, the goal is performance, not fashion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appropriate attire under BJJ Gi pants?
Under BJJ Gi pants, men can choose to wear underwear, compression shorts, or spats with underwear.
Should men wear spats with no shorts for no gi training?
While this will come down to personal preference, some practitioners may feel that wearing spats without shorts can be too revealing for men during no gi training.
Are compression shorts necessary for No-Gi BJJ?
Compression shorts are not mandatory for No-Gi BJJ, but they are highly recommended. They minimize skin-on-skin contact, reducing the risk of infections and enhancing hygiene. In addition, they offer support and can prevent chafing.
What type of undergarments should be worn with Jiu-Jitsu spats?
Under Jiu-Jitsu spats, athletes should wear briefs or compression shorts that offer support and comfort. The choice of undergarments should prioritize function and personal comfort for training.
Is it common to wear anything under BJJ spats when training?
It is common practice to wear undergarments, such as briefs or compression shorts, under BJJ spats for hygienic purposes, support, and additional comfort during training.
Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.
