Care and maintenance tips for your BJJ uniform

Taking care of your BJJ uniform (Gi) is essential to maintaining its appearance and extending its life. Proper care ensures that your gear is durable, comfortable, and free of unpleasant odors, familiar after intense training sessions. With the appropriate washing and maintenance routine, your BJJ uniform will continue to perform at its best for years. Here are some essential tips to keep your GI in top shape:

1. Pre-Wash Precautions: Shrinkage and Fabric Care

Most BJJ gis, especially those made of cotton or cotton blend fabrics, will shrink slightly after their first few washes. This is important to be aware of when choosing your GI, as it can affect fit. Many manufacturers offer pre-shrunk Gis to minimize this problem, but accounting for some shrinkage is always a good idea. Here’s what you can do to manage it:

• Wash before wearing: If your Gi is made of cotton or a cotton blend, it is recommended to wash it before wearing it for the first time. This helps pre-shrink the fabric and can prevent it from shrinking too much in future washes.

Cold water: Always wash your GI in cold water to avoid excessive contractions. Hot water can cause the fabric to shrink excessively.

Avoid over-drying, especially in a hot dryer, can cause excess shrinkage. Always air dry your GI or use the lowest heat setting on your dryer if possible.

2. Washing your BJJ Gi

Keeping your GI clean is not only essential for hygiene but also for performance. BJJ involves a lot of sweating, grappling, and contact with the mat, all of which can make your GI dirty and smelly. Here’s how to properly wash your BJJ uniform:

• Use mild detergents: Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can break down the fabric over time. Instead, use a mild laundry detergent free of added fragrances or dyes. Detergents are also explicitly made for athletic wear that help remove odors and maintain the fabric.
• Separate from other laundry: Wash your Gi separately from other clothing to avoid any potential damage or fabric friction. This prevents zippers, hooks, or rough clothes from creating friction that can strip the fibers.
• Turn your GI inside out: Turning your GI inside out before washing helps prevent excessive wear on the outside, especially during the first few washes. It also helps remove dirt and sweat from the inner layers, where they can absorb more.
• Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can reduce the grip and performance of GIs, especially on collars, sleeves, and pants. These softeners can also accumulate on the fibers over time, making clothes less breathable and allowing odors to persist.

3. Dealing with odors

BJJ Gis are notorious for retaining odors due to sweat, bacteria, and body oils that accumulate during training. If you notice that your G has a strong odor, consider the following tips to eliminate the odor effectively:

• Vinegar Soak: Vinegar is a great natural solution for persistent odors. Before washing your G, soak it in a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water for 30 minutes. It helps break down bacteria and neutralize odors without damaging the fabric.

Baking soda: Adding half a cup to the wash can help fight odor. Baking soda naturally absorbs moisture and eliminates odors, keeping your breath fresh.

• Dry immediately after training: Allow your Gi to air dry as soon as possible after training. Leaving it damp in a bag or laundry hamper can lead to mold growth and a musty smell. If you’re in a hurry, hang it in a ventilated area to dry quickly.

4. Drying your BJJ Gi

Properly drying your BJJ Gi is critical to preserving its shape, fit, and fabric integrity. Follow these tips to ensure your Gi stays in top condition:

• Air drying: The best way to dry your Gi is to air dry it. Hang it on a clothesline or drying rack in a ventilated area. Avoid drying your Gi in direct sunlight for long periods, as UV rays can cause the fabric to fade and weaken over time.

• Tumble drying (if necessary): If you must use a dryer, turn your GI inside out and dry on the lowest heat setting. Avoid excessive heat, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or lose its strength.

• Avoid ironing: Although the Gi may wrinkle after washing, it is generally best to avoid ironing. Heat can damage the fabric and alter the fit. If wrinkles bother you, just hang it up and let gravity work magic.

5. Repair tips for collar and seams

The collar and seams are the most vulnerable parts of the BJJ Gi and require extra care to ensure they don’t wear out too quickly. Here’s how to care for these areas:

• Collar care: Collars can be especially prone to tearing and tearing due to constant gripping during training. After each wash, make sure the collar is laid flat to avoid creases that can weaken the fabric. Wash it with a soft cloth to remove dirt or oil build-up.

• Strong Seams: High-quality BJJ Gis come with solid stitching on the seams to withstand joint stress. Keep an eye on these areas and perform minor repairs (such as sewing small holes or tears) as they appear. This will help prevent the damage from getting worse over time.

6. Storing your BJJ Gi

How you store your BJJ Gi is as important as how you wash it. Here are some storage tips to keep your GI in top shape:

• Store in a dry place: After training and washing, store your GI in a dry, cool place to prevent mold or mildew growth. Avoid leaving it in your gym bag for long periods, especially when wet, as this can cause the fabric to smell and degrade.

Use a Gi Bag: Consider using a dedicated Gi bag to keep other items in your gym bag clean and separate. A breathable GI bag allows for ventilation, preventing moisture build-up.

Proper care and maintenance of your BJJ uniform is vital to ensure it lasts longer, performs better, and is comfortable. Following these tips for washing, drying, and storing your Gi, you’ll keep it ready for every training session. Additionally, taking care of your Gi will help prevent unpleasant odors, fabric degradation, and unnecessary repairs, ensuring you get the most out of your investment in your BJJ gear.