[G&E FAQ]

I put this FAQ together to alleviate some oft asked questions and to help people facilitate getting the information they need. I've tried to eliminate as many specific product references as possible to keep the forum sponsors happy, if it's OK, the FAQ can be edited to answer more product specific commonly asked questions.

Please consider this a community document! This was all written very quickly, I'm sure there are mistakes, if you find any, let me know and I'll edit them. If I've forgotten any common questions, again, let me know. I created a new account for this project because I didn't want my signature (which features a link to a site that I make money from) to be plastered all over what should be a neutral document.

So... here we go...

First, read this post and pay particularly close attention to the part about the search function. Now, the search function isn't perfect, it can't search for anything that is three letters or less and it often breaks, but you should always do a search before you post something new.

Second, if you can't find what you are looking for and you can't find an existing topic where you might be able to get the information you want and feel like you need to start a new topic, please do yourself and everyone on the board a favor and be SPECIFIC!

Good subjects for new posts look like this:

What are the most compact 16oz boxing gloves?
How tall are the split seams on <insert brand>?

Bad subjects for new posts look like this:

boxing gloves
question about shorts
hey, help me out!

Now once you've chosen a good subject for you post, make sure you give us all the details we need to help you out. Let's say you want to know what size headgear to get and you've looked everywhere for a size chart, but you can't find one. (By everywhere I mean on the manufacturers site, on the sites of people that sell it, the board's search function, and google) So you've chosen a subject like, “Help me figure out the right size <brand name> <product name>.” Within the post give us the pertinent information, in this case, measure your head. So the post should look something like:

My head is 7391” around. Can anyone help me figure out what size I need?

It shouldn't look like this:

My head is about average I guess.

You should give us all the information we need to answer in your very first post.

If you're asking about the quality of a piece of gear, again, use the search function and see if there are reviews on it. Most items get reviewed at some point. If you can't find a review (and don't just count on Sherdog, use google too) and need to post about it, ask SPECIFIC questions! Again... no posts like “is <insert product> good?” What do you want to know about it? How durable is it? Does it make you the best fighter in the world? How much does it shrink?

Thanks!

The super duper most common n00b questions:

What the hell is up with pink?
Pink is the official color of the Gear and Equipment forum.

I'm thinking about starting to train, what do I need?
Depends on what you mean by train! Most gyms have communal equipment, so, you might not need to buy anything at all at first. If you're training stand-up you probably want to purchase this stuff, in this order: wraps, gloves, shinguards (if you're kicking), cup (if you're sparring) headgear (if you're sparring), mouthpiece (if you're sparring). If you're grappling (obviously getting a gi will be the first step if you're using a gi): rashguard, shorts, cup (yes, a cup, nobody wants to touch your nuts), mouthpiece (you never know). You probably don't want to go with the dirt cheap stuff and you probably don't want to go super high end either.

[G&E FAQ]

What's the best pair of shorts?
Like the best gi question, this question is impossible to answer. Don't get a pair of shorts with an external draw string and don't get a pair of shorts with open pockets. But apart from that, everyone is looking for something different in a pair of shorts. Shorts are made from dozens of different fabrics, with different closure methods, different cuts, with incredibly different looks and styles. Do you want an elastic waist band? Do you want split seams? Do you want a flex panel in the crotch? Do you want a drawstring? How do you want your shorts to be secured? These are hard questions to answer if you don't have any experience with shorts.

Is buying MMA/grappling specific shorts worth it?
Most people think so, and you'll be hard pressed to find somebody that thinks otherwise who actually owns a nice pair of shorts. Unless you are absolutely broke, go for it.

Split seams?
A lot of people think split seams are essential. Others think they are useless. Some people think it's enhances their high kicks, others say it doesn't matter. Some people think split seams cause the shorts to bunch up more while grappling, others say it makes no difference. If you plan on wearing your shorts outside of the gym, split seams will probably make you look like a douche bag.

Is <insert brand> true to size?
If the shorts have an elastic waist band and a drawstring you have more flexibility in terms of sizing. Take away either of these (or both) and the shorts become a lot less adjustable. Tapout and Hitman Fightgear run big. Inspirit and Hayabusa run small. Apart from that most brands run pretty accurately.

What size board shorts should I get?
Find a size chart! Most of the time you should order your pants size or measure where you want your shorts to sit.

Where can I find those tight shorts that fighters used to wear?
These shorts are typically called “vale tudo” shorts or even “fight shorts” (as opposed to board shorts) by some brands. Not as many companies make them as make board shorts, but you should easily be able to find some.

Will I get made fun of for wearing Vale Tudo shorts/Are Vale Tudo shorts gay?
Yes, you will definitely get made fun of. And yes, value tudo shorts are gay. So gay, in fact, that if you put them on they'll permanently turn you gay.

What size vale tudo shorts should I get?
Since vale tudo shorts are made entirely of stretchy fabric there's a good amount of leeway in sizing. Keep in mind if you have big thighs or a big butt you might need to order a size up.

Sponsors on shorts/custom graphics on shorts?

Originally Posted by amphibious

Screen printing:
Each material people print on requires a different kind of ink, unfortunately, most screen printed shorts I've ever seen use standard ink that you'd use for making posters or standard textile ink (which is intended for natural fibers). There are many many kinds of high end inks that are formulated for specific synthetic fibers... unfortunately, these inks are very expensive in comparison (3-4 times as much) and need screens that are not as fine as you'd want for a poster or a tshirt so you need to make sure that the people know what they are doing if you go this route.

Heat transfer is also an option... but heat transfer really is bad. There are, again, special heat transfer sheets for synthetic fabrics, and, again, most people that do heat transfer don't use them, so it'll crack and peel pretty quickly.

That said, if you're going to put sponsors on your shorts, those are probably shorts you're only going to wear once or only going to wear when you're fighting. So... even shitty screen printing and shitty heat transfer will probably be just fine for a dozen fights.

In addition to this, you can find a lot of places that'll do one-off embroidery for relatively cheap as well.

[G&E FAQ]

Why should I get a rashguard?
There are three undeniable benefits to getting a rashguard: less mat burn, less of a chance of getting ring worm and other mat nastiness (if you're wearing a long sleeved rashguard that is), and the moisture wicking benefits of synthetic fiber. Most people experience an increase in stamina and enjoy training more when they aren't wearing a soaking wet, stretched out, cotton tshirt.

What's the difference between Under Armour and a rashguard?
Under Armour makes gear that is intended to be worn under athletic uniforms (under shoulder pads in American football, under jerseys, etc). While the fabrics they use are often similar to the fabrics used in grappling rashguards, they tend to pill up faster and the seams aren't as durable. Also, given the price of Under Armour, you aren't going to be saving any money by getting one of their products instead of a rashguard intended for grappling. If you decide to go with Under Armour, make sure you get their Heat Gear line of products and not their Cold Gear line.

What's the difference between a surfing rashguard and a grappling rashguard?
In general, surfing rashguards are intended to keep your heat in, while grappling rashguards are intended to remove the heat from your body. Surfing rashguards are also made from fabric that feels less synthetic than most rashguards. Keep in mind, though, that a lot of MMA companies are merely slapping their brand name on surfing rashguards.

Short sleeved or long sleeved?
This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Long sleeved rashguards will protect against mat burn and mat nastiness better simply because your arms are covered.

Tight or loose?
Again, this is mostly a matter of personal preference. A lot of people are a little chubby around the mid-section and prefer loose fit. If you're going to loose-fit route, be courteous and wear something that isn't going to get in the way of the grappling.

How should I wash my rashguard?
Check the label/manufacturer's website. At the very least, you should probably hand wash your rashguard with cold water after every use and line dry it. If your rashguard OK to put in a washer and dryer make sure you don't put anything with velcro on it in there at the same time.

[G&E FAQ]

What weight boxing gloves for <sparring/bag work>?
Traditionally, sparring gloves are 16oz and bag/training gloves are 10oz. Most gloves come in a variety of sizes. Some companies make 18oz and 20oz sparring gloves, and bag/training gloves come in 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz flavors as well. The heavier the glove the better your stamina is going to be as far as keeping your hands up is concerned. Also, the heavier the glove the less impact it'll have on your sparring partners and, in general, the heavier the glove the less you have to worry about injury.

Should I get boxing gloves with laces or velcro?
Laced gloves generally fit tighter around the wrist, which is good for preventing injuries, but you also need to find somebody to lace them up for you. Velcro gloves are generally looser around the wrist, but you can put them on without help.

Difference between sparring gloves, training gloves, and bag gloves?
Training/bag gloves have a bar that you make a fist around. Sparring gloves are heavier and don't have that bar.

Difference between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves?
Primarily, Thai gloves allow for better clinch work by having a thumb that isn't attached to the body of the glove. Some Thai gloves place the thumb in a slightly different spot than traditional boxing gloves, some are also more slender.

Difference between Mexican boxing gloves and boxing gloves?
The general consensus is that the padding is distributed more evenly over the entire glove, allowing the weight to remain the same, but to have less padding over the knuckles, allowing punches to have more impact. The downside to this is that since the glove isn't so bulbous around the fist, it's harder to block punches with the glove. Mexican gloves are traditionally made out of goatskin whereas American and Thai gloves are made from cowhide.

How do I measure my hand?
Most gloves that require a measurement in inches want you to measure around your knuckles with your palm flat. Some gloves have different measurement standards, like measuring around your knuckles with a closed fist. Some base the measurement on your height and/or weight. Others just give it a generic size range small, medium, large, etc.

What MMA sparring gloves?
In general, you should probably wear boxing gloves when you're sparring stand-up. If you absolutely must wear MMA gloves, you'll probably want some “Shooto style” gloves. These gloves feature a good inch of padding in front of the knuckles. There are a lot of manufacturers that make this style of glove.

What MMA bag gloves?
A number of companies make MMA bag gloves now. Don't use them. There's no such thing as conditioning your hands, so... just don't do it.

What MMA competition gloves?
Most MMA organizations are pretty specific about what kind of gloves you are allowed to compete it. Check out what they want you to use.

Where can I get UFC gloves?
Ouano makes the official UFC gloves and they are available all over the place. UFC gloves used to be made by Boxergenic.

Where can I get PRIDE gloves?
A long time ago you could get them for about a billion dollars on some import sites. Gloves that claim to be the genuine article pop up now and then on import sites and eBay, but it's pretty much impossible to confirm that if they are legitimate. PRIDE sells replica gloves, but they aren't the real deal. There are lots of imitation gloves made by other manufacturers.

Who makes PRIDE gloves?
Nobody knows. For a while people thought Bodymaker was the manufacturer, but that's since been disproven. Howard Liu says they are custom made by Winnings of Japan.

But I've seen a manufacturer label on the gloves before!
Yes, that's just a sponsor.

Where can I get Cage Rage gloves?
They used to sell them on their website.

Where can I get BoDog gloves?
They aren't for sale.

What are the best wraps?
Like all “best” questions there isn't a single answer. Wraps are cheap, get a bunch and see what works best for you. Wraps come in many different lengths, many different widths, and are made from a couple different materials, everyone is going to have a different preference.

How do I wrap my hands?
Check out this site.
Try all of them and see what works best for you.

What are Mexican hand wraps?
Most traditional wraps are made from cotton and don't stretch very much. Mexican handwraps are slightly elastic allowing the wrap to be tighter and more contoured. This gives your hand added protection.

Are gel wraps good?
No. Wraps aren't for padding, they basically act as a cast for your fist allowing it to become a solid object. Wraps also strengthen your wrist. Gel wraps do none of these
things. They are also expensive and wear out super fast.

[G&E FAQ]

What are the best shin guards?
In general, the hook and loop closure is preferred over the various alternatives. Leather is preferred over synthetic. Shin guards run the gamut between a little cushioning and armor that'll make it so you can't feel anything. To a certain extent, your shins need conditioning to be able to absorb the pain of kicking repeatedly so you probably don't want to use armor-like shin guards all the time. If you're sparring keep in mind how your opponent is going to feel.

What are the best shin guards for grappling?
A good pair of grappling shin guards is going to provide a lot less protection than shin guards that you'd use to train pure stand-up simply because they can't be as bulky. Also, ****l buckles should be avoided. There are several kinds of shin guards that are made specifically for grappling. Go with one of those.

What's the best cup?
A lot of people swear by steel Thai cups. A lot of people also really like Shock Doctor. Steel cups are steel, so they provide a lot of protection, they are also more triangular, less sharp, and have a flatter profile. Detractors of steel cups say they are too heavy and don't have enough padding around the edges. The people that like the Shock Doctor cup enjoy the fact that it's well padded and light weight. The people that don't like the Shock Doctor complain about it's shape (for some people it extends too far down) and how much it sticks out, and also question how well a plastic cup is going to take a full blast shot to the nuts.

What's the best jock strap?
The most secure jock strap you can get isn't a jock strap at all. It's the laces of a thai cup. Now, most people don't want to have a string going up their ass, so they use a more traditional jock strap or compression shorts. Jock straps are jock straps, they are all, more or less, the same. You get what you pay for. A lot of people like Shock Doctor Basix Compression shorts, they come with a plastic cup and a built in pocket for them. Some people have complained that they aren't well designed and the cup “floats” over their stuff, instead of fitting snug. Many people have resorted to wearing the compression shorts inside out and have had better results. A third solution that a lot of people are happy with is wearing two pairs of compression shorts and simply placing the cup in between them.

How do you tie a Thai cup?
There doesn't seem to be an official way to tie a Thai cup, but the way most people do it is to tie top two strings around your waist as tightly as you can. Then pull the bottom string through your legs and up your ass crack, then loop it around the waist string and either tie a standard knot or bowed knot.

Will ankle supports make me Superman/What are ankle supports for?
No, ankle supports won't make you Superman. Ankle supports are intended to keep your ankles warm to prevent injuries. Your foot has about a billion different bones, muscles, and tendons and it's extremely easy to injure it. Ankle supports will provide a moderate amount of protection against rolling and/or spraining your ankle, but that's not what they are intended to do.

What kind of mouthpiece should I get?
In general, stay away from boil-and-bite mouthpieces. They don't offer very good protection, even the expensive ones made by ShockDoctor? Protech Mouthguards have recently released a boil and bite that has gotten some positive reviews. It's a very wise idea to get a custom made mouthpiece. These might seem like they are obscenely expensive compared to the $1.99 boil-and-bite mouthpieces most people use, but they are well worth it. Dental damage is extremely expensive to fix.

Should I train with my mouthpiece?
“Train how you play” is definitely applicable here. Obviously you should wear your mouthpiece when you're sparring or rolling, but some people take it a step further and wear it during cardio sessions and drills. You never know when somebody is going to make a mistake and accidentally hit you in the mouth. Breathing with a mouthpiece in is a lot different than breathing without a mouthpiece, so at the very least, you need to get used to it.

What's the best ear guard/headgear for grappling?
You can't go wrong with either Brute or Cliff Keen. There are a lot of options here, different strap configurations, different ways to cover the ears, etc. Most sporting good stores sell them (especially during wrestling season), it's advisable to go try them on and see what you like best.

What's the best headgear for stand-up training?
There's a lot of variety, full face, big cheek pads, no cheek pads at all. The more padded it is, the less visibility, but the more protection you have. Some things to consider are the way to closes. Is it velcro? Is it a buckle? Will you be able to close it by yourself? With gloves on? How big are the ear holes?

[G&E FAQ]

What's a good punching bag?
Leather is generally preferred over vinyl and synthetic materials, although some companies are saying that modern vinyl is more durable than leather, the jury is still out as far as that's concerned. If you're just training your hands, a traditional heavy bag will be just fine. Want to add kicks to the mix? Try out a Thai bag. If you're focusing on clinch and knee work, try out a tear drop bag.

How should I hang my bag?
Very carefully. Some people hang their bags from pull-up bars... Most sites that sell bags also sell the equipment for mounting them. You're probably going to want a product that typically gets called a “beam hanger” or “beam mount” and a “chain and swivel.” You can come up with your own homebrew concoctions, but these normally sell for a relatively small amount and are definitely worth investing in.

I can't hang my bag, what about free-standing bags?
Free standing bags suck. If you can't hang out bag from the ceiling, check out a weighted bag stand. They are kinda pricey, they are a lot cheaper and safer than blowing money on a useless free standing bag or ripping out your ceiling.

What's the difference between a boxing bag and a Thai bag?
Boxing bags are short and fat, Thai bags are tall and skinny.

Are speed bags good?
Speed bags are great for building timing, accuracy, and endurance. Again, leather is preferable to vinyl. Beginners should start out with bigger bags and then get smaller ones as skill level increases. It's also helpful for beginners to not inflate the bag all the way, as the more air it has in it the faster it moves.

How do I mount my speed bag?
The easiest way to do it is to get a “speed bag platform” or “speed bag drum.” They might seem pricey, but they include all the hardware you need (the mounting apparatus and the swivel) and are worth the investment.

Are double end bags good?
Like speed bags, double end bags are a great way to build timing and accuracy. Again, leather is better than vinyl.

How do you mount a double end bag?
Traditionally, an eyebolt in the ceiling and one in the floor. A cheaper way to attach it to the floor is to hook it to a dumbell.

How do I fill my heavy bag/Thai bag/tear drop bag?
Most pre-filled bags are rag filled with a fancy hydraulic machine. You will never be able to fill a bag by hand like the machine does it. Most people that buy unfilled bags use rags (old sheets, shirts, etc) and sand. Keep in mind that all bags eventually go soft in places and that bags that aren't professionally filled tend to go soft faster.

Are water filled bags any good?
Yes, if you want a couple dozen gallons of water all over your floor.

What are the best focus mitts?
Leather > vinyl and synthetic. There are a lot of different products out there. The smaller the mitt the more accurate the punches need to be, but the downside is that there is less shock absorption and if the punches miss... well, that might not feel so good. Some mitts over a good portion of the arm, if you're going to be holding them for a puncher that isn't very accurate, that might be a good choice. Some mitts have open finger holes in the back, others have them entire covered. The products that have them cover claim this decreases injury. Some mitts are flat, some are curved. The curved mitts are supposed to be more comfortable to wear and absorb punches better. Some mitts have a strap that goes across the wrist, some don't.

What are a good pair of Thai pads?
Once again, leather trumps vinyl and synthetic material. Most people prefer Thai pads that have a “hook and loop” closure although some come with normal velcro closures and some with a buckle. Thai pads come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and weights. Take your arm length into consideration (particularly if your elbow is going to be covered), how hard the people who will be kicking these pads can kick, and how long you'll be able to hold them up for if they are heavy.

What's a good coaching pad/belly pad/chest pad/trainer's vest?
Leather is more durable than vinyl, once more, but there are less options to go with in this market. Most of the ones that are out there made by brands you've heard of are pretty good. Just determine how much you want covered.

What is a banana bag?
It should be a nickname for a jock strap... but it's a nickname for a thai bag.

Where can I get cheap mats?
Used wrestling mats are probably the cheapest mats you can get, but they aren't easy to find... they also likely have all sorts of lovely bonus gifts like ring worm and herpes! A lot of people find the .75” puzzle mats that are sold at Walmart and try using those, which might be OK for stand-up training but it definitely not recommended for grappling. Zebra Mats, Dollamur, Swain, and Greatmats are a couple good companies to look into. Good mats aren't cheap.

What are the best mats?
Depends on what you want. Zebra Mats are thought of to be the cream of the crop. If you have a permanent space for them and some money, they are definitely a good option. If you don't have a permanent space for them, check out Dollamur's rollable mats and Greatmats puzzle mats.

What kind of running shoes/wrestling shoes should I get?
Like ALL shoes try before you buy! All the fancy specs in the world don't matter if they don't feel good.

Are kettlebells good?
Most people that use kettlebells on a regular basis love them. Detractors of kettlebells note their high cost increased risk of injury (kettlebells put the weight further away from your hand, which puts you off balance, the intent of this is to work your stabilizer muscles, but injuries do occur in people who try to lift too much before mastering the various kettlebell motions), and claim that you can do all kettlebell exercises with dumbbells.

Where can I get kettlebells?
Google will give you a ton of different places to buy them. Unfortunately, there aren't many brick and mortar stores or gyms that have them, so it's hard to find a place to try them out. Adjustable kettlebells are also a good, cheap alternative. Kettlestack gets good reviews as well as, the more expensive, Ironhorse from Piedmont Design Associates.

Best jump rope?
Depends on what you're looking for. If you're just using it to warm up, most any jump rope should be fine, vinyl, beaded, leather, or coated wire. If you want to get a workout, check out a plastic tubing Thai rope or one of the various weighted ropes (weighted handles or a jump rope where the rope itself is weighted). If you're looking for speed, a coated wire rope is what you want.

What length should my jump rope be?
If you're just starting out a longer rope is what you're looking for. Measure the rope by standing on the middle of it and pulling the handles up by your sides, the handles should land somewhere between the middle of your rib cage and your armpits. As you get better and more coordinated you should shorten your rope to make the revolutions smaller and faster, forcing you to be more accurate with your timing. World champion speed jumpers have their rope just above their hips.

[G&E FAQ]

What's the best gi?
There really isn't an answer to this question. Obviously, “you get what you pay for” is very true here, but for the top tier of brands there isn't one that's head and shoulders better than the rest. For everyone that loves a brand there's somebody that hates them. The cut, sizing, thickness of lapel, etc. of each gi is different, what works for one person might not work for another.

What's the difference between a BJJ gi and a judo gi?
BJJ gis typically have a slimmer cut. Judo gis are looser to make it easier to grab the label or the sleeve, something that you don't want in BJJ. It's more common for a Judo gi to be two piece than a BJJ gi.

Can I use my Judo gi in BJJ class? Can I use my BJJ gi in Judo class?
This completely depends on your instructor.

Can I use my Judo gi in a BJJ tournament? Can I use my BJJ gi in Judo tournament?
This depends on the tournament. Some tournaments are very strict about what kind of gi you can wear, others aren't. In general, you probably aren't going to have much like trying to get into a Judo tournament with a BJJ gi. Conversely, most BJJ players will gladly take advantage of the cut of your Judo gi in a BJJ tournament.

What's the difference between weaves?
Durability, texture, and weight. A single weave gi will typically last a year or two of regular use, gold/platinum/hybrid weaves last two to three years of regular use, and a double weave gi will last basically forever. Double weaves are known for being very rough, other weaves are softer and smoother. Summer weaves are the lightest and breath the most, as the weave becomes fancier it becomes heavier and breaths less.

Where can I find a <insert color> gi?
White and blue are standard colors for BJJ gis, most gi manufacturers produce gis in both these colors. Red and black are gaining popularity as well. If you are looking for something more exotic like yellow, purple, green, etc you should look into Koral/Vulkan. There are a number of Japanese companies that make non-standard colors but these gis are nearly impossible to purchase outside of Japan at the moment.

What color gi should I get?
Some BJJ schools have rules about what color gis you are allowed to wear, so first, check with your instructor. If your instructor doesn't care, get whatever color you want. A lot of people new to BJJ are concerned that if they come to class wearing a fancy gi they'll be made fun of. If you are concerned about this, then go for a standard color. If you aren't, then who cares? Keep in mind, at tournaments most people sport white and blue, if you don't want to stick out stay with the standard.

Can I dye my gi?
Sure, but you aren't going to get good results. If you're attempting to do this don't use RIT or similarly cheap and crappy grocery store dyes. You need a “fiber reactive” dye. Your best bet is to check out some art stores (even some arts and craft stores have this type of dye) if you want to buy it locally. Dharmatrading.com has a good walkthrough here. The big problem with dying a gi is the fact that the material is so thick. Dying a tshirt is easy because the fabric is completely saturated the second you put it in the tub, but a gi won't saturate nearly as fast and you'll end up with splotchy weirdness that isn't going to be pretty.

How should I wash my gi?
However the manufacturer tells you to! Typically, it's best to wash your gi in cold water (by hand or in a machine) and air dry it. It takes a long time for a gi to dry, so don't be afraid to toss it in a dryer if you need to, just make sure it's on the lowest setting.

What's up with washing my gi in vinegar?
Some dyed gis aren't “mercerized” (the correct term) or “mercinized.” (a term that people use, but isn't actually what it's called) Basically, that means the gis haven't been treated to lock the dye into the fabric. Gis that haven't had the dye fixed typically let you know that you need to do this. If you buy a gi that asks you to do this, please do it.

How do I shrink a gi?
Wash it with hot water and dry it on a setting higher than the lowest setting. All gis, even pre-shrunk ones, will shrink a bit the first time (sometimes the first couple times) you wash them. Some shrink a very small amount, others will shrink a lot.

How do I fix a stained gi?
In general, you should refrain from bleaching your gi, as it weakens the fabric. Oxyclean, Shout, and other such products are pretty good at treating stains.

What size gi should I get?
Find a size chart! There is no industry-wide standard for gi sizing. Every company is different. Sometimes different products made by the same company will be slightly different. Some companies size charts account for shrinkage, some don't. If you're unsure, email or call the manufacturer, but even that isn't a sure thing.

[G&E FAQ]

Where can I get that shirt Dana White/Randy Couture was wearing?
You're probably thinking of Affliction. Dana has also been known to wear Fokai.

Where can I get <insert fighter>'s gear?
The bigger MMA stores are a good place to start. Google is also a good resource. If you're looking for a Japanese fighter, you're pretty much out of luck unless you live in Japan.

How does the sizing of Japanese/Brazilian clothing compare to American sizing?
Both Japanese and Brazilian sizing runs smaller than American.

What's this “baby cut” thing with the Chute Boxe shirts all about?
It just means fitted.

[G&E FAQ]

Some gear comes with antimicrobial treatment, does this work?
The people that make the gear will tell you that it'll prevent all the various things people don't want to get from dirty mats. However, most medical professionals are skeptical about how long the treatment will last. All the ones I've talked to are convinced that it'll wash off immediately.

What's a good gym bag?
Any good duffel will do. Koral makes bags out of gi fabric and Inspirit has a big canvas bag, but, apart from them most bags made by MMA manufacturers are rebranded run-of-the-mill duffel bags. Bags that have a pouch for wet gear are a plus. For people that carry a lot of gear with some, some have found success with hockey bags.

Is it lame to wear MMA gloves while grappling?
Most people won't have a problem with it, but check with your instructor. Just don't throw fake punches... that's super lame.

[G&E FAQ]

Just in case there's a category I missed...