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Best BJJ Spats 2026: Men's & Women's Picks for No-Gi
Quick answer: The best BJJ spats are full-length polyester–spandex compression tights with a high, secure waistband, flat seams and a fabric that stays opaque when stretched. Our pick for men is the Kingz Kore Grappling Spats ($49.95) and for women the Kingz Kore Women's Grappling Spats ($54). In IBJJF no-gi, men wear spats under shorts; women may wear spats on their own.
Spats are the full-length compression tights most Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioners wear for no-gi, either on their own or under grappling shorts. They protect your legs from mat burn and skin infections, keep you from sliding in a sweaty scramble, and make it harder for a training partner to grip your legs. If you're new to them, start with our explainer, what are spats in BJJ and do you need them. This guide is about choosing a pair.
What to look for in BJJ spats
Polyester–spandex fabric. Polyester handles sweat and abrasion; spandex gives stretch and compression and snaps back into shape. Cotton leggings soak up sweat and stretch out.
Squat-proof opacity. Good spats stay opaque in a deep squat, inverted guard and under north–south pressure. Thin gym leggings go sheer.
Flat seams. Flat seams sit against the skin, so they don't chafe on long rounds and don't split when someone grips them.
A secure, high waistband. Spats that roll down or slide during hip movement are a constant distraction. A wide, high waistband stays put.
No hardware. No pockets, zippers, mesh cut-outs or decorative trims. They catch fingers and toes and are banned in competition.
The right length. Full-length spats cover the shins and knees, where most mat burn happens. Shorter "vale tudo" or compression shorts are cooler but leave the knees exposed.
Kingz spats compared
| Spats | For | Fabric | Fit | Sizes | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kore Grappling Spats | Men | Polyester/spandex | Full-length compression, high waist | XS–XXL | $49.95 |
| Kore Women's Grappling Spats | Women | Polyester/spandex | Full-length compression, high wide waistband | XS–XL | $54 |
*Prices on kingz.com as of November 10, 2026, full-price items only.
Best men's BJJ spats: Kore Grappling Spats
The Kore Grappling Spats are durable polyester/spandex with a full-length compression fit that moves with you through guard passes, triangles and scrambles. All black with a small white crown and KINGZ on the calf, so they work under any pair of shorts and in IBJJF no-gi, where men wear spats under board shorts. Pair them with the Kore V2 Shorts for a full competition-ready set.
Best women's BJJ spats: Kore Women's Grappling Spats
The Kore Women's Grappling Spats use the same polyester/spandex build with a high, wide waistband and a women's cut, in black with white branding. Women may compete in IBJJF no-gi in spats on their own, so this one pair covers training and competition. Many women add shorts over the top for training; see the Kore 2.0 Women's Shorts.
Spats vs compression shorts vs leggings
| BJJ spats | Compression / vale tudo shorts | Gym leggings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Waist to ankle | Waist to mid-thigh | Waist to ankle |
| Mat-burn protection | Knees and shins covered | Knees exposed | Varies, wears through |
| Built for grip and friction | Yes | Yes | No |
| Opacity under stretch | High | High | Often goes sheer |
| Hardware / pockets | None | None | Often has pockets |
| Best for | Most no-gi training, hygiene | Hot gyms, wrestlers | Not recommended for rolling |
Are spats IBJJF legal?
For adult IBJJF no-gi divisions, men may wear compression shorts or spats only underneath approved board shorts. Women may wear shorts, compression shorts and/or skin-tight spats. Everything must be black, white, black-and-white and/or your rank color, with no pockets, zippers or metal. Both Kore spats are black with white branding. Other organisations set their own rules, so check the event page before you compete.
How should BJJ spats fit?
Like a second layer: snug from waist to ankle with no loose fabric at the knee, but not so tight that the fabric thins out in a squat. If you're between sizes, size up. Over-stretched fabric wears faster and can go sheer. The waistband should sit high and stay put when you invert. Check the Kingz size guide.
How to wash spats so they last
Wash after every session, cold, inside out, with no fabric softener (it clogs the fibres and holds odour). Never tumble dry: heat is what destroys spandex. Hang them to dry. Read more in how to remove sweat odor from gis and rash guards.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best spats for no-gi grappling?
Full-length polyester–spandex spats with flat seams, a high secure waistband and fabric that stays opaque under stretch. At Kingz, the Kore Grappling Spats ($49.95) for men and the Kore Women's Grappling Spats ($54) for women.
Do you wear shorts over spats in BJJ?
For men in IBJJF competition, yes: spats or compression shorts must be worn under approved board shorts. Women may wear spats on their own. In the academy it depends on the gym; if you're unsure, wear shorts over the top.
Are spats necessary for BJJ?
Not strictly, but most no-gi practitioners wear them. They protect your knees and shins from mat burn, give a barrier against skin infections like ringworm and staph, and stop sweat making you slide.
Can you wear spats under a gi?
Yes. Many practitioners wear spats under gi pants for extra hygiene and to stop the pants chafing. In IBJJF gi divisions, check the current uniform rules for what's allowed under the gi.
What's the difference between spats and leggings?
BJJ spats are built for grip and friction: thicker, squat-proof fabric, flat seams and no pockets or zippers. Gym leggings often go sheer when stretched, have pockets that catch fingers, and wear through on the mat.
How tight should BJJ spats be?
Snug from waist to ankle with no loose fabric at the knee, but not so tight the fabric thins in a squat. If you're between sizes, size up.
How do you wash BJJ spats?
After every session, cold, inside out, with no fabric softener, and hang them to dry. Never tumble dry: heat breaks down spandex.
Build the full no-gi kit
Spats are one piece. Add a pair of grappling shorts and a rash guard, or browse Kingz spats and the full no-gi collection.
New to the terminology? See spats and 180+ more terms in our Jiu-Jitsu Dictionary.