Choosing the right Gi comes down to fit, fabric, and how it’s cared for over time. A good Gi should allow full movement, stay comfortable during training, and remain within size limits after washing. Understanding weave types, shrinkage behaviour, and proper washing techniques helps beginners avoid common mistakes like poor fit and early wear. With the right selection and care, a Gi can stay reliable, comfortable, and durable as training intensity increases.
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Key Takeaways
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Introduction
What could be so complicated about choosing your Gi? You take your measurements, pick out your size, put it on to see how it fits. Maybe do a few squats and stretches to see how it feels.
Except it’s not that simple. The Gi you bought that fit perfectly well could suddenly become two sizes small after a wash. It could feel good when you put it on and look good in the mirror, but moving in it isn’t as smooth as it should be. The fabric could turn brittle and suddenly tear in training or worse, during competition.
Whether it’s BJJ, Judo, or Karate, sports that use Gis demand a lot of the apparel: gripping, pulling, dragging against the mats. When you don’t know what to look out for, your Gi could wear out or stop fitting sooner than it should.
In this guide, we walk you through choosing a Gi that matches your training habits and how to care for it so your trusted Gi can remain reliable for a long time.
How to Select the Right Gi
Your Gi is one of the most important pieces of gear when you train BJJ, Judo, or Karate. It should protect you and keep you comfortable as you and your training partners attempt to throw each other or fold your partners into uncomfortable positions.
A Gi that makes you look good and feel good can be motivating. However, comfort and durability matter far more. If your Gi is stiff, loose, too heavy, or restrictive, you might end up constantly shifting things instead of focusing on getting that submission.
When choosing your Gi, always look at the size chart first. Sizes may vary from brand to brand, and this is the best way to make sure you’re getting what you expect. Other things to look out for are the weave, the fit, and how the type of fabric behaves over time. These determine how it feels when you put it on, how it holds up under training, and how long your Gi will remain functional on the mats.
Let’s break each of these down.
1. Types of Gi Weaves
The ‘weave’ refers to how the threads are interlaced to make up fabric. This affects the Gi’s weight, breathability, durability, and comfort during training. Comfort and durability have an inverse relationship. The more comfortable the fabric, the less durable it is.
You’ll probably want your Gi to be comfortable to use, and durable enough to last. These are the weaves your Gi could be made of:
- Single weave is lightweight and breathable, but tends to wear out faster.
- Pearl weave is the most popular choice: durable enough for frequent training while staying flexible and relatively light on the body. StarPro Combat’s Ronin Competition Gi uses this weave.
- Gold weave is thicker and more durable but it can feel stiff and tiring over long sessions for beginners.
- Double weave Gis are the heaviest and most durable option. They’re built to last, but they can also be quite restrictive. Most beginners don’t need this level of durability and may find this uncomfortable while learning basic movements.
2. Size, Fit, and Mobility
Finding your Gi size can be tricky for beginners. It can look fine as you fit it in a mirror, then be uncomfortable once you start moving. Most brands use height and weight charts (A0–A5) but these should be treated as guidelines rather than guarantees.
If it’s too tight, you will likely be working against your Gi and the extra effort could tire you out faster. If it’s too loose, it’ll feel sloppy during drills and give your opponents more fabric to hold onto. Here’s how to check if you have a good fit:
- Sleeves and pants reach your wrists and ankles without bunching.
- The jacket closes comfortably without pulling.
- You can extend your arms, squat, and rotate your torso without resistance.
3. Pre-Shrunk vs. Traditional Gis
Anyone who’s ever done laundry knows shrinkage is part of the deal, especially with cotton. Shrinkage is one of the first frustrations new practitioners run into. Most Gis are made primarily from cotton, which tightens during washing and drying as they’re exposed to heat and agitation.
Pre-Shrunk Cotton Gi
Pre-shrunk Gis go through the shrinking process as they’re manufactured. While this doesn’t eliminate further shrinking, it does make the change smaller and more predictable so it doesn’t stray too far from the size guide. This makes sizing more reliable than untreated cotton Gis. StarPro Combat’s BJJ Gi selection offers pre-shrunk Gis.
Traditional Cotton Gi
Traditional, non-pre-shrunk cotton Gis react more strongly to shrinkage. Any amount of tumbling or heat in the washing or drying process can tighten the fibre and shorten the sleeves and pants a considerable amount, sometimes even dropping a full size. StarPro Combat’s Judo Hirara 2000 Gi, for example, is a high-quality judo gi with a 6-8% shrinkage rate on the first wash. The same applies to the Student Karate Gi.
4. Why do Gis shrink?
During manufacturing, cotton is stretched and woven under tension. The fibres then relax back to their natural state when exposed to heat, whether it’s from washing with warm water or heat from the dryer.
This is why a Gi can feel perfect when new, then suddenly come back from one careless wash with shorter sleeves or a tighter fit across the shoulders.
The amount of shrinkage depends on the type of fabric, weave and how you wash your Gi:
- Pre-shrunk Gis should change very little over time, and the amount could even be unnoticeable.
- Traditional cotton Gis can shrink more noticeably, especially in sleeve and pant length.
Heavier weaves tend to shrink less but still react to heat. Hot water, aggressive wash cycles, and machine drying all increase the rate of shrinkage.
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Pro Tips:
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If you’re worried about shrinkage when choosing your Gi, check the reviews to see whether a Gi runs long, short, or shrinks more than expected. If you’re between sizes on a traditional Gi, sizing up is usually safer.
5. How to Wash and Care for a Gi
Proper Gi care keeps it clean, comfortable, and structurally sound. If you just haphazardly toss your Gi in the washer, you might find its lifespan to be much shorter than it could be. Here are some guidelines on how to keep your Gi in good condition.
On washing:
- Turn the Gi inside out to clean the sweat-heavy areas and protect the outer weave and patches.
- Use cold water as much as possible and choose a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softeners.
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Avoid overloading the machine. A Gi needs room to move so it can rinse clean without excessive friction.
On drying:
- Air drying or drip drying your Gi is always the safest option. Hang it in a well-ventilated area and let it dry naturally.
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Don’t hang your Gi to dry under the sun. If you must do it for odour control, be mindful of the risks:
- The sun can dry out the fibres and make your Gi brittle and prone to tearing.
- Prolonged exposure can fade colour over time.
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If you must use a dryer, keep it on the lowest heat setting and remove the Gi while it’s still slightly damp.
On preventing odours:
- After every training session, wash your Gi straight away. Letting sweat sit in the fabric allows bacteria to grow.
- Don’t leave a damp Gi in a bag. If washing straight away isn’t an option, hang it to dry until you can wash it properly.
- Occasionally applying white vinegar or baking soda can help remove stubborn odours without hurting the fabric.
On long-term care:
- Check seams and stitching regularly, especially around the collar, cuffs, and knees. Small issues are easier to fix early than after a tear forms.
- When the fabric becomes thin, stiff, or loses structure, it’s usually time for a replacement. A well-cared-for Gi can last years, but only if it’s treated properly from day one.
FAQ
How much will my Gi shrink after washing?
Shrinkage depends on the fabric and weave. Pre-shrunk Gis change very little when cared for correctly, while traditional cotton Gis can shrink more noticeably if exposed to heat. Avoid tumble drying even on pre-shrunk Gis. Washing cold and air or drip drying is the best way to preserve the fit.
Can I machine wash or dry my Gi?
Machine washing in cold water is fine. Air drying or drip drying is always best. Avoid using a dryer, whether a heat dryer or a tumble dryer. Both will increase the rate of shrinkage, with heat being worse for your Gi.
How often should I wash my Gi?
You should wash your Gi after every training session. Letting sweat sit in the fabric encourages bacteria growth and shortens the Gi’s lifespan. If you can’t wash straight away, hang it to dry until wash day.
Should I expose my Gi to sunlight?
Sun exposure can help with odor control, but be mindful that sunlight can cause colours on your Gi and patches to fade, and potentially make the fibre brittle and prone to tearing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your Gi shouldn’t be something you have to think about once training starts. When it fits properly, moves with you, and holds up wash after wash, it quietly does its job while you focus on learning and getting better. Take a bit of time to choose the right weave, size it properly, and look after it, and your Gi will last longer, feel better, and stay reliable as your training ramps up. Get those basics right early, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration down the line.
