Nouvelles
How to Wash and Shrink Your Gi the Right Way
A gi is exposed to steady wear over time. Sweat, friction, repeated washes. All of it adds up. How you clean your gi and when you choose to shrink it affect hygiene, fit, and how long it stays competition-ready.
Below, we’ll review practical jiu jitsu gi washing instructions and show how to shrink a gi with control, not guesswork.
Understanding Gi Materials and Sizing
Most BJJ gis are cotton, but each weave has its own feel, so they react differently when exposed to washing or heat.
Common GI Materials
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Pearl weave: The standard for modern BJJ, lightweight, breathable, and strong for its thickness
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Gold weave: Heavier and stiffer, often feels rigid early on but breaks in over time
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Cotton blends: May feel softer but shrink less predictably than pure cotton
Pro tip: Cotton tightens when exposed to heat.
Shrinkage Expectations
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Pre-shrunk gis: Typically shrink around 2% - 5%
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Untreated cotton gis: Can shrink up to 10% to 15% (repeated hot washes and drying)
This range matters. A gi bought slightly large can often be adjusted.
Tip: Washing the gi in cold water helps to preserve the fabric and reduces shrinking.
Why Sizing Matters
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Excess fabric slows movement and gets in the way during scrambles
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Over time, gis stretch and soften
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Proper care reduces the need for replacements, lowering long-term gi costs
General BJJ GI Sizing
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Adult sizes run from A00 to A5
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For reference, an A1 often fits athletes around 5'5" - 5'9" (150 - 175 lbs)
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Always treat size ranges as guidelines, not guarantees
Understanding the gi size chart, especially for kids, helps you decide whether to preserve the current fit or adjust it intentionally. The goal is the same: a fit that stays out of your way while you train.
Jiu Jitsu Gi Washing Instructions
A gi may not seem dirty, but sweat can soak in and stink if you don’t wash it. Washing your gi protects the fabric and keeps your training partners safe.
How Often to Wash
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After every training session, no exceptions
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Even light rolls leave moisture and bacteria in the weave
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Delaying washing shortens the gi’s lifespan and locks in odor
Before You Wash
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Turn the gi inside out to reduce surface wear
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Secure the jacket and pants to limit friction during the wash cycle
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Separate from regular laundry to avoid color and odor transfer
Machine Washing
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Cold water
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Gentle cycle
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Mild detergent
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No bleach, no fabric softener
Cold water cleans effectively while keeping shrinkage under control. Use white vinegar to help reduce odor. For white gis, baking soda helps to maintain the color and brightness
Hand Washing (Travel or Delicate Care)
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Soak in cold water
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Lightly agitate high-sweat areas
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Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
Odor & Stain Control
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Pre-soak in cold water with a small amount of white vinegar
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Use sports-specific detergent for heavy buildup
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Avoid scented additives that mask odors instead of removing them
Clean regularly. A gi that’s cared for properly keeps its shape, feels better on the mat, and lasts far longer.
How to Shrink a Gi the Right Way
Shrinking a gi is a way to adjust the fit. It helps if the gi feels loose or if your size has changed. This only works with cotton gis; synthetic blends don’t shrink the same way.
When Shrinking Makes Sense
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The gi feels baggy after breaking in
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Sleeves or pant legs sit past regulation length
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Body weight changes
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Shrinking is appropriate for fine-tuning size, not correcting major fit issues.
Step-by-Step Approach
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Wash the gi in hot water (around 60°C / 140°F)
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Tumble dry on high heat
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Check the fit every 5 to 10 minutes
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Stop early and let the gi cool before deciding on another cycle
Cotton fibers contract gradually under sustained heat. Once excessive shrinkage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Letting the fabric rest matters; fibers relax slightly as they cool, and the final fit often feels different after a few hours.
Targeted & Advanced Options
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Spot shrinking: Dip sleeves or pant legs in hot water, then dry only those areas. This allows small and controlled adjustments.
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Boiling: Effective but aggressive; expect uneven results if you’re not careful
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Sun-drying: Once you’ve used a hot wash or dryer to shrink the gi, leaving it in the sun can help with slow, mild adjustments.
The goal isn’t maximum shrinkage. It’s control, and stopping at the point where the gi moves with you, not against you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid and Additional Maintenance Tips
Most gi damage comes from small habits repeated over time, not from hard training but from careless care.
Common Mistakes
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Over-drying on high heat, which weakens fibers and leads to tearing
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Using hot water for every wash, causing unnecessary shrinkage and wear
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Ignoring care labels and assuming all gis behave the same
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Letting a used gi sit damp in a bag, inviting bacteria and mildew
Smart Maintenance Habits
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Air-dry when possible to reduce stress on the fabric
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Use a monthly vinegar soak to reset odors
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Store gis hung in a ventilated space, not folded while damp
Done right, basic care can double a gi’s usable life. Fewer replacements. More time on the mat.
If you can’t wash it right after training, it's important to hang it open and let it air dry so it doesn’t get smelly.
Bottom Line
A clean gi keeps you and your partners safe. A gi that fits well moves with you, not against you. Wash it regularly, shrink it carefully, and don’t take shortcuts that wear it out. Little care habits make a big difference for your gear and your time on the mat.
FAQs
Should competition rules factor into how you shrink your gi?
Absolutely. Over-shrinking sleeves or pants can push you outside regulation lengths on weigh-in day.
Should you follow standard jiu jitsu gi washing instructions even if you plan to shrink it later?
Yes. Wash cold by default to protect the fabric, then use heat only when you intentionally want to adjust the fit.
How do you know if shrinking is better than buying a new size from the gi size chart?
If the gi is only slightly long or loose, shrinking can fine-tune it; major fit issues usually mean the wrong size.
Does proper washing and sizing really affect long-term gi cost?
Yes. Consistent care and controlled shrinking extend a gi’s lifespan, reducing how often you need to replace it.