How to Properly Break in Your New Gi for Maximum Comfort & Performance

How to Properly Break in Your New Gi for Maximum Comfort & Performance

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a fresh new BJJ gi—crisp fabric, clean stitching, and that perfect fit. But let’s be honest, brand-new gis can feel stiff, rough, and a little uncomfortable. Before you hit the mats, you’ll want to break it in properly to maximize comfort and mobility while preserving durability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to soften up your gi, avoid shrinkage, and get it competition-ready in no time.

1. Wash It Before Your First Roll

Brand-new gis often have a bit of factory stiffness due to the finishing process. A first wash is essential to remove excess dyes, soften the fabric, and ensure a better fit.

How to Wash Your New Gi:

✔ Use cold water – Hot water can cause unnecessary shrinkage.

✔ Skip the harsh detergents – A mild detergent keeps the fabric strong.

✔ No fabric softeners – They can weaken fibers and make your gi slippery.

🔹 Pro Tip: If you want a snugger fit, you can use warm water, but test with caution—some gis shrink more than others.

2. Tumble Dry or Air Dry?

How you dry your gi affects both its comfort and longevity.

✅ Air-drying is best – Hang your gi in a well-ventilated area to prevent shrinkage.

✅ Tumble drying on low heat – If you want a softer feel, use low heat, but remove it before it’s fully dry.

❌ Avoid high heat – This can make your gi shrink too much and reduce its lifespan.

🔹 Pro Tip: Shake your gi out before hanging it to avoid stiffness. Some athletes even roll it up in a towel first to absorb extra moisture and speed up drying.

3. Wear It Around the House

Yes, seriously. Wearing your gi casually before training helps loosen the fabric and mold it to your body.

🎯 Try These Break-In Hacks:

✔ Shadow drill in it – Light movement stretches the fabric naturally.

✔ Do household tasks – Walk around, stretch, or even lounge in it.

✔ Roll (lightly) with a teammate – A few drills before your first hard roll can help.

4. Soften Stiff Fabric the Right Way

If your gi still feels too rigid, here’s how to soften it up without damaging it.

✔ White vinegar rinse – Add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle for natural softness.

✔ Steam treatment – Hang your gi in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.

✔ Tumble dry with a damp towel – This prevents over-drying and adds flexibility to the fabric.

🔹 Pro Tip: Never bleach your gi—it weakens the fibers and can ruin its structure.

5. Straighten the Lapel

New gis sometimes have stiff or curled lapels that don’t sit right, which can be uncomfortable and affect your performance. Here’s how to fix that:

✔ Steam it – Using a garment steamer or hanging it in a steamy bathroom can relax the lapel’s stiffness.

✔ Press it with a towel – Lay a damp towel over the lapel and iron it on low heat to help reshape it.

✔ Use a heavy book – After drying, place a heavy book on the lapel overnight to help keep it flat.

✔ Train in it – The more you roll, the more naturally your gi’s lapel will conform to your body.

🔹 Pro Tip: Avoid excessive heat when ironing, as it can damage the reinforced stitching.

6. Train, Sweat, Repeat

The best way to break in your gi? Just train in it. Over time, sweat, movement, and washes will naturally soften it up while molding it to your body’s shape.

✅ Rolling will loosen stiff seams

✅ Sweat will soften fibers

✅ Time will make it feel like a second skin

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Final Thoughts

Breaking in a new gi doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right washing, drying, and wearing techniques, you can speed up the process while keeping your gi in top shape for the long haul.

💭 Got a favorite method for breaking in a gi? Drop your tips in the comments!

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