In the gi you obviously wear a gi and gi pants.

In no gi you wear a rash guard, shorts, and spats.

The difference in gear changes the way the sport is practiced, which I'll expand on below.

But outside of the mats, many grapplers prefer no-gi because it simply makes doing laundry easier. You can throw your rash guard in with your other laundry, wash it as if you would other clothes, and you're good to go.

You can't say the same about BJJ gis. It's best to wash them cold and hang dry them, which takes more time.

Rash guards are also much cheaper than BJJ gis. You can get good-quality rash guards for $30-$50. Good-quality BJJ gis will run you at least $100.

Many no-gi players find it easier to prepare for class wearing athletic gear instead of an entire uniform and belt.

Variety of gripping options makes gi BJJ far more grip dominant. Grips are easier to get and harder to break. As a result, yes-gi is slower-paced.

No-gi, on the other hand, is less grip centric. You aren't allowed to grab your opponent's uniform. As a result, grips are weaker and easier to break.

Gi grapplers tend to prefer gi because it's more technical and you can use gi grips in creative ways.

No-gi grapplers tend to prefer no-gi because grip fighting is easier, making it more athletic and dynamic.

Some examples of this are spider guard, lapel guard, collar-sleeve guard, and other guards based on gi grips.

These types of guards are either impossible or far weaker in no-gi because you don't have the same grips and leverage.

In the gi, you have many ways to submit your opponent using their gi or your own. The cross-collar choke, paper-cutter choke, and loop choke are examples of strangles you can only do in the gi.

In no-gi, leglocks (submissions involving your opponent's legs) are more prevalent and effective. You don't have the same level of control over your opponent's head and upper body. So, no-gi players tend to spend much more time on leglocks. Leglocks are also harder to escape in no-gi because you have fewer grips on the attacking player.

No-gi submissions are also more relevant to MMA. If you're training no-gi, then most of what you learn can be applied to an MMA fight.

BJJ hobbyists who are into the self-defense aspect of the sport also find that no gi jiu jitsu is more useful for self-defense. However, gi players argue that you can use gi-like grips on attackers who are wearing clothes.

Standing gi, you tend to use more judo. You and your training partners are wearing the same uniform as judokas. Thus, you're able to use judo throws and t takedowns.

Standing in no gi, you tend to use more wrestling. You don't have a gi to grip to initiate throws and takedowns. So instead, you rely on freestyle and folkstyle wrestling moves.

Most grapplers find that no gi jiu jitsu tends to be easier on the body, especially your hands and fingers.

However, others argue that there are more injuries in no-gi because it's faster and has more scrambles.

Personally, I feel a bit more roughed up after training in the gi. But pain and injury can be mitigated with strength training, stretching, proper recovery protocols, and supplementation.

When it comes to competition, there tend to be more rules about what moves you can and cannot do.

Gyms like Gracie Barra often have certain customs like bowing, gi patch requirements, etc.

No-gi tends to have a more relaxed culture with fewer rules and traditions.

However, culture ultimately depends on the specific BJJ gym that you go to.