Guest Post
What’s the Proper Way to Shrink Your BJJ Gi?
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BJJ gis are prone to shrinking after washing. Therefore, you should pick a gi that is slightly oversized at first. Learn how to properly shrink your BJJ gi.
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Table of Contents
1. Know Your BJJ Gi Material Before You Start Shrinking
2. The ‘Incremental Shrink’ Protocol
2.2 Step 2: 15-Minute Dryer Test
2.4 Step 4: Repeat the Process or Air Dry
4. Tips and Precautions to Properly Shrink Your BJJ Gi
If you are just stepping up in the field of BJJ and searching for a perfect fit BJJ gi everywhere, just stop right there! You may find a BJJ gi that fits you perfectly, but it will only seem perfect until you wash it. So, before you decide on which BJJ gi and what size you want, just make sure you know about gi shrinkage.
Almost every BJJ gi of good quality will shrink because it is made of cotton. Therefore, you should get a gi that is slightly oversized to allow for some shrinkage. Now, the main concern will be: ‘What is the proper way to shrink your gi?’
Some mainstream BJJ gis already come pre-shrunk, so there may be no substantial margin to reduce the size further. Properly shrinking your BJJ gi ensures a customized, proper fit. This will have a positive impact on your BJJ performance. Let’s discuss in detail how to properly shrink your BJJ gi.
1. Know Your BJJ Gi Material Before You Start Shrinking
Before anything else, make sure you have all the information about your gi. Knowing the material will help us in the gi shrinking process. You can check the website or the packaging to find out what materials are used in the construction. Below are the materials that you will likely find on the label or in the product description:
- Pearl Weave: Pearl weave is the most common fabric used in the making of BJJ gis, and it shrinks predictably. It often shrinks by around 1-2 inches.
- Gold Weave: With proper heat during the shrinkage process, gold weave can shrink to its maximum. So, make sure to remain cautious during the process.
- Ripstop: Ripstop is a material made using a mix of cotton and polyester. Again! Be cautious when handling this material, as it can warp if subjected to high heat during the shrinkage process. This material resists shrinking.
- Pre-Shrunk Material: Some of the BJJ gi brands offer pre-shrunk gis. However, they can still shrink slightly.
2. The ‘Incremental Shrink’ Protocol
There is hardly any way to return the gi to its original size after it is shrunk by the heat wash and drying process. Don’t make the mistake of putting your brand-new gi through such a harsh 60-minute test. The fiber gets tightened up. Therefore, the best practice is to use incremental shrinkage.
2.1 Step 1: The Warm Wash
It has to be a warm wash, not a hot wash. So, make sure the water you use is warm and not boiling hot. In warm settings, the gi fabric loses tension in its cotton fibers.
Note: Avoid bleach in the gi washing process at all costs, as it can weaken the fabric
2.2 Step 2: 15-Minute Dryer Test
Then comes the 15-minute dryer test. Follow the steps below:
- Turn the BJJ gi inside out to make sure the patches, labels, or embroidery on the gi remain intact.
- Put the washed gi in the dryer on a medium-heat setting for no more than 15 minutes.
2.3 Step 3: Try It on
Don’t wait for the gi to completely dry before you try it on. This is the right time to do it, even if it feels damp. As you try it on, make sure to check the two major areas:
- BJJ Gi Sleeves: Your sleeves should now be the right size and fall right at your wrist bones.
- The Bottom of the Jacket: You must know what a perfectly sized gi looks like. The bottom of the jacket, also known as the skirt of the gi, must cover your butt, but it should be extra long or give you a dress-like feel.
2.4 Step 4: Repeat the Process or Air Dry
If your BJJ gi still doesn’t fit properly and looks baggy, repeat the process for another 10-15 minutes. Make sure to monitor closely after every 2-3 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overshrink. Even if it feels perfect during the shrinking process, stop immediately. Now, let the gi air dry.
3. Targeted Shrinking
If you are satisfied with the outcome of the shrinking process, but the gi still seems bigger in certain areas, like the sleeves, you can opt for targeted shrinking. Only soak the sleeves in warm water and then let them dry. Do not let the whole gi pass through the same shrinking process.
4. Tips and Precautions to Properly Shrink Your BJJ Gi
- Consider the Fabric Type: Choose a BJJ gi fabric that won’t shrink excessively when heated. After identifying the fabric type, follow the procedure suited to it.
- Collar Care: The collar and lapel of the BJJ gis are more sensitive to heat. Therefore, stay conscious during the shrinking process. Excessive heat can cause the collar/lapel to warp and stiffen.
- Warning: Avoid using bleach. Also, high-heat shrinking can damage the fabric and cause color fade.
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