How to Shrink Your Jiu Jitsu Gi

Gi is the official name of Jiu Jitsu outfits used as martial arts. This outfit is important to the close combat techniques preformed. Fitted correctly, your combat opponent has less of a chance of grabbing the gi to throw or toss you. 

Jiu Jitsu gi’s design allows for easier movement during a training session or competition. The fit of a gi is important to your comfort in execute martial art techniques. Most practitioners of the fighting style shrink their Jiu Jitsu gi for a better fit. Gi’s are made of 100 percent cotton fiber, which means minimal reduction happens; some Jiu Jitsu gi manufactures label them pre-shrunk, but shrinking comes about. If you brought a gi and need a closer fit, follow these steps:

1. Measure the correct amount of liquid detergent and pour it into the washing machine. Don’t use bleach to clean blood or other stains. Bleach eats away at the cotton fibers over time. An organic oxidizer or similar detergent like Oxyclean does the job.


2. Turn your Jiu Jitsu gi inside-out to preserve the life of the outfit; place it in the wash and set the water temperature to cold. Hot water will set in any stains that are on the gi.


3. Set the cleaning cycle to whichever you prefer, along the cotton section of the dial.


4. Remove the gi out after the washing machine cycle has stopped running. Normally 30 minutes is the length of a wash cycle for current washing machines.


5. Place the Jiu Jitsu gi in the dryer and set at a low-heat cycle. Make sure the gi is inside out.


6. Take out the gi and try it on every few minutes until you get the preferred fit. Hang up the outfit to dry completely if it is still damp after you get the right fit. The length of time for the outfit to dry is about a day or longer. Never place it in the dryer again or it will shrink more. In the future, wash in cold water and hang dry after each use.