BJJ GI CARE GUIDE:

HOW TO WASH, DRY, SHRINK AND GET THE MOST LIFE OUT OF YOUR BJJ GI

RESPECT YOUR GI

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi, also known as kimono, is not just a uniform; it's an essential part of your BJJ journey. To ensure your gi lasts, maintains its performance, and remains hygienic, it's vital to follow proper care guidelines. In this BJJ gi care guide, we'll walk you through the steps to help you get the most out of your BJJ gi.

HOGA x AP

For our first Academy Uniform we teamed up with California based company Albino&Preto, the best in the business when it comes to mix quality, aesthetics and building bridges between the World of Jiu jitsu and contemporary cultures.

Consisting of a durable 450gsm cotton pearl weave jacket and a 10oz cotton twill Novo pants featuring embroideries and patches inspired by HOGA's colorways and its coaches training philosophy.

Find and order now our Academy Gi at HOGA's Concept Store! 

1. WASHING

SEPARATE YOUR GI

Always wash your gi separately from other laundry items. This prevents color bleeding and cross-contamination.

 
USE COLD WATER

Use cold water (30-40 degrees) for washing to preserve colors and prevent shrinkage. Cold water is gentle on the fabric.

mild detergent

Choose a mild detergent without strong fragrances or additives. This prevents unwanted odors and maintains the integrity of the fabric.

inside out

Turn your gi inside out before washing. This minimizes wear on the outside and prevents patches or embroidery from getting damaged.

no bleach

Opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Harsh chemicals can affect your gi's durability.

Gentle cycle

Use the gentle cycle setting on your washing machine to prevent excessive wear and tear.

2. DRYING

 
AIR DRY

The best way to dry your gi is by hanging it on a clothesline. This prevents shrinkage and keeps the fabric in good condition.

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

While hanging your gi in the sun can help eliminate bacteria and odors, prolonged exposure may cause the fabric to weaken.

NO HIGH HEAT

If you must use a dryer, use low heat settings to prevent shrinking. It’s also worth keeping your wet gi away from radiators, heaters, and any other artificial heat source.

3. SHRINKING

 
WASH IN WARM WATER
Start by washing your gi in warm water, or hot water if significant shrinkage is needed. Use a gentle detergent.
LOW HEAT DRYER

Place your washed gi in the dryer on the lowest possible setting. Opt for a delicate or low heat cycle.

CHECK FIT

After the first dryer cycle, try on your gi to check if it's still too big.

REPEAT AS NEEDED

If your gi is still too large, repeat the drying process for 5-minute intervals using medium or high dryer settings.

MONITOR CAREFULLY

Be cautious not to over-shrink; it's better to have a slightly larger gi than one that's too small.

HANG DRY TO FINISH

To ensure a proper fit, finish drying your gi by hanging it. This step helps minimize further shrinkage.

4. ELIMINATING ODORS

 
AIR OUT

After training, let your gi air out to reduce odors before washing.

VINEGAR SOAK

Soaking your gi in a vinegar-water solution before washing can help neutralize odors.

BAKING SODA

Add a small amount of baking soda to your laundry to further combat odors.

CONCLUSION

By following this BJJ gi care guide, you'll not only maintain the hygiene of your gi but also extend its lifespan, saving you money in the long run. A well-cared-for gi ensures you're always ready to step on the mat and continue your BJJ journey in comfort and style.