Gi care
New gis are awesome!
Everybody loves them, but without correct care; they don't stay new very long.
One, when you receive your gi, check the fit. Remember, sleeves and legs can always be hemmed, but never elongated. Different gis fit different body types differently and one manufacturers size chart varies from another.
Two, I soak my new gis in rainwater/distilled water for two hours to let the cotton absorb the neutral pH water and saturate the fibers. Or, colored gis can be soaked in a color lock additive (like RIT.)
Three, if your fit was big -wash in warm delicate and warm/hot dry until the fit is just a tad big. (keep checking every five minutes) If your fit was just right-wash in cool delicate and line dry (every time) If you can't hang outside or it's raining; inside with a fan is OK. Remember, even pre-shrunk gis will shrink a little if you machine dry them.
Four, after every practice wash as soon as possible. You don't want funk growing in your collar. Never use strong detergent or bleach as it weakens the cotton. It's also a good idea to use a biocide additive along with detergent. With detergent, more is not better and limit your presoak to 15 minutes. Hang dry if possible!!!
Your gi will stay crisp and new looking longer and be less prone to seam rip if you follow these simple guidelines.
MORE WASHING TIPS:
Caring for your Judo and BJJ uniform
Machine drying does shrink the cotton weave. -Usually around 4% to 5%.
The main detriment of machine drying is the wear to the collar as it is abraded against the metal cylinder and other items. If you have to machine dry; put it inside out inside a double length pillow case. The $5 dollar case will take the abuse that way, not your expensive kimono and pants!
The manufacturers suggested care is to always wash your uniform in cold
water and hang dry. Never use bleach to clean your uniform. Adhering to
this method will provide you with the longest wear for your investment.
Using liquid fabric softener may also reduce the life of your uniform.
My favorite liquid detergent for white uniform is Tide Bleach
Alternative.
Soaking in Oxiclean solution will help remove stains. One cup of baking
soda in your wash will help keep your uniform white and remove odors.
One cup of white vinegar in the wash will help kill mold.
Some of us have stains on the collar around the neck and shoulder
cavity area. This maybe our body's oil due to our diet of high fat
contented food. I use Spray and Wash or Shout directly on the stained
area before each wash. Always wash your uniform as soon as you can
after practice and your uniform will always stay clean and fresh.
Washing your uniform in warm or hot water may shrink your uniform significantly unless you have a preshrunk uniform.
Drying your uniform in a dryer will also shrink your uniform unless you
have a preshrunk uniform. The tumbling action in the dryer will shorten
the life of your uniform significantly.
While the uniform is still wet coming out of the washer. You can
stretch the sleeves by pulling or snapping on it before hang drying.
This will help to keep the length of the sleeves close to the original
lenght. This method applies to all manufacturers.
