No doubt, the best way to have a Gi that lasts and would serve is to get a good quality Gi. Since the BJJ Gi is specially designed for BJJ purposes, there are often many mistakes made when it comes to taking care of your Gi. This article is to help you avoid those and make your Gi worth your money.

Washing your Gi

Perhaps the first rule about caring for your Gi (kimono) is that you must wash it after every class. Due to how wet and stinky your Gi can be, not washing your Gi after every class can cause skin infections. Although it is better to wash by hand, there is not always time so you can wash in a machine but only at the low setting.

To wash, always use cold water of about 90-100 degrees maximum. The only time you should use above 100 degrees to wash your kimono is when it is too big and you want to shrink it a little. Even then, it shouldn’t be above 110 - 120℉ or else it’d fade.

Make sure to only use an organic or mild detergent without softener and do not use bleach when washing as it weakens the fibers and shortens the life of your Gi. When washing a white Gi, you shouldn’t wash it with other materials as they could easily stain and color your Gi. You don’t want to go about your gym day with a pink or light blue kimono.

Drying your Gi

Immediately after washing, remove the Gi and give it a quick tug. Now to dry, never use a tumble dryer as it will cause your Gi to lose shape as well as cause it to shrink. The collar will also get warped.

So instead, hang it to dry. Take note, hanging dry under the sun without washing is a bad idea as it can cause discoloration and weaken your Gi. The best way to dry it is to hang it on an airer or coat hanger and let it dry at room temperature, away from all direct heat sources like radiators.

When drying, make sure it is free to have air pass around it on all sides and lastly, no drying on flat surfaces.

Ironing your Gi

Although it is not mandatory to iron your Gi, doing so can give it that nice look and help it last longer.

To iron, make sure to do it only at a low iron heat setting. This wouldn’t let the patches or the branded woven tape inside the lapel melt to the bottom of the iron. Also, the right way to do it is to iron it inside and out.

FAQs

How to shrink your Gi

Where the Gi you purchased is larger than you, a simple shrink can solve the problem for you. To do this, wash in warm/hot water or use a tumble dryer. Once you’ve reached the right size, go back to the recommended method of washing and drying stated above.

How to wash shorts, belts, and rashguards

Mostly, the same techniques and principles can be applied. Wash in cold water, wash in and out and do not use a dryer. Also, for rashguards, wash by hand except the product is stated to be machine-washable. Even then, wash at a low setting.