Karate Uniform Care: Washing Tips
The incredible shrinking Gi
Most Karate uniforms will shrink considerably when washed in hot water, especially those made from all cotton. Although the initial shrinking during the first wash/dry cycle is by far the greatest, it is in general recommended to wash your uniform in cold water as this greatly reduces the shrinking. Care must also be taken during the drying step. Tumble drying can cause uniforms to shrink to a point where it will no longer fit.
Bleaching of the Gi for the perfect white
Be careful with the use of any type of bleach when washing your uniform. Over time, bleaching can severely weaken the uniform material, causing it to rip easily. Repeated bleaching may even cause small holes to appear in your uniform. Bleaching will also adversely affect the usually colorful badge that indicates your style and dojo.
Tip: Use removable velcro-badges
If you do require to bleach your uniform from time to time, you should consider to use Velcro to attach any badges you have on your uniform. That way you can simply remove the badge when washing or bleaching your Gi and keep the badges looking brand new. When visiting or training at a school of a different style to your own, it is proper etiquette to remove any of your style’s badges. Velcro badges and patches come handy in this situation too!
Ironing of the Gi
Most cotton and canvas uniforms, when washed in a washing machine on the drip-dry cycle, can be hung on the line without spin drying. This may in fact make ironing unnecessary. Just flatten the wet Gi with your hands once it’s on the clothes line to remove the largest folds and wrinkles and it will look very smooth when dry. If you still prefer to iron, it will iron much easier when it is still slightly wet.
Michelle Ingleton said:
Need help! I have washed my boyfriends Gi and its gone all stiff! I rewashed it with extra softener but thats not worked, any advice??
Simon West said:
As Chuck Norris once said when referrring to over starched Gi’s. “Rigidity of the Gi is but an unfamiliar blessing. With time it shall soften, as shal […] more
Chrystal said:
Does anyone know how to get out the yellowing you get from sweat? I have had my gi for about 18 months and it is starting to yellow were I sweat the […] more
Christine said:
try vinegar or baking soda.
Rijiya-san said:
get a new gi if it really bothers you, if not try bleaching it to make the whole thing yellow. ( just tell your sensei you didn’t know that would hap […] more
Araiso said:
It’s a very good idea to hang dry your gi, especially if it is a heavy weight gi. If you want a smooth “ironed” look without shrinking the cotton, thi […] more
valid said:
Cool site! Thank you!
Kinerry said:
Use a fabric steamer to avoid the iron, much easier on the fabric and much faster.
Bill L said:
Chrystal…try ammonia paste. It usually works greats for armpit sweat stains. It usually isn’t the sweat that causes the stain/crunchy arpits o […] more
Catherine said:
Great site! My grandson started Karate this year and I needed info on care of uniform, tying belt, terminology, etc. I’ll keep this site as one of m […] more
Optimus Prime said:
i cannot fit in the gi! please help me find a gi that suits my size. and what is kyokushinkai?
Megatron said:
try the taylors, they might help. otherwise switch to sumo. kyo kushin kai is a style of karate
MamaSuz said:
I custom made my own Gi in Ohio….I can make one for you…leave me an email address and I will send you a note…
Jon Bloomingburg said:
I saw the comment about you custom making gi’s . Please email me at jon@hometownlendersllc.com so I can give you the measurements. Thanks
Dani Jo said:
To MamaSuz - I am interested in a custom made Gi. Please Email me at olafqueen@aol.com. Thank You.
PATVEELA@COMCAST.NET said:
MAMASUZ YOU COULD MAK A TON OF CASH CUSTUM MAKING GIS, I JUST PAID $125.00 FOR A KIDS HAKAMA MADE FOR A SMALL CHILD
Ambien said:
Yep, I think its right.
MamaSuz said:
I can make hakamas, as well. Just drop me a line at mamasuzanne@gmail.com.
levitra said:
I try it
john said:
thank you for your help i live in utah and my gi can sometimes become vary dirty when practising out side johnespy 4th kyu orange belt
dustin said:
My waist ties keep ripping off during sparring practice, anyone have any tips on how to mend reinforce the waist ties?