If you train long enough, you’ll hear the same complaint from every white belt to black belt:
“My gi fit perfect… until I washed it.”
Shrinkage is normal in BJJ gis — but how much it shrinks depends on fabric, weave, and how you care for it. If you know what to expect, you can avoid surprises, ruined fits, or wasting money.
Let’s break it down.
Do All BJJ Gis Shrink?
Yes — all cotton gis will shrink a little.
Even if they’re labeled “pre-shrunk,” they can still tighten up 1–3% over time.
Why?
Because cotton fibers relax when wet and tighten as they dry.
What changes is how much shrinkage you’re dealing with.
How Much Shrinkage Is Normal?
Here’s a realistic expectation:
| Gi Type | Shrinkage % | What That Means |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-shrunk Pearl Weave | 1–3% | Minimal, usually settles after 2–3 washes |
| Standard Pearl Weave | 3–6% | Noticeable in sleeves, jacket length |
| Double Weave / Heavy | Up to 8% | Most shrinkage, especially sleeves and pants |
| Cheap / Unknown fabric | Unknown | You risk surprises |
Lightweight gis shrink less because:
- tighter weave
- less fabric weight
- fibers dry faster
That’s why light gis are popular for competition and everyday training.
Where Will I Notice Shrinkage Most?
Usually in:
- Sleeve length
- Pant length
- Jacket skirt
- Cuff and wrist openings
Rarely in the shoulders and chest area, unless the gi was too tight to begin with.
How to Minimize Shrinkage
Here’s the rule:
- Cold wash + hang dry = safest
- Wash in cold water
- Gentle cycle
- No bleach or harsh detergent
- Never use the dryer
- Hang dry in shade (sunlight can fade)
If you use a dryer, even once, expect shrinkage.
How to Shrink a Gi on Purpose
Sometimes people buy a gi that’s slightly long.
To shrink on purpose:
- Wash warm (not hot)
- Dry on low heat
- Check every 10–15 minutes
Don’t leave it in for an hour — you’ll go too far.
Will My Gi Stretch Back Out?
Yes — slightly.
After a few rolls, sleeves and pants relax again from:
- sweat
- grips
- pulling
So don’t panic if the gi feels snug after washing.
Give it one hard session and it loosens up.
Pre-Shrunk Doesn’t Mean No Shrinkage
A pre-shrunk gi is still cotton.
It just means the big shrinkage already happened at the factory, and what’s left is small:
- Usually 1–3% over time.
Pre-shrunk is reliable, but not magic.
Why You Should Never Put Your Gi in the Dryer
Heat is the enemy.
A dryer will:
- shrink the sleeves
- tighten the pants
- damage seams
- weaken fibers
If you want your gi to last, skip the dryer.
Hang it. Always.
Is Shrinkage a Quality Problem?
No.
Cotton shrinks. It’s natural.
High-quality gis shrink less, but all of them shrink some.
What matters is:
- the weave
- the cut
- whether it was pre-shrunk
And how you wash it.
The Big Question: “Will my Gee BJJ gi shrink?”
Short answer: only a little.
Our gis are:
- pre-shrunk
- pearl weave
- air-drying recommended
Most customers report no noticeable change after the first couple washes, as long as they avoid dryers.
Key Takeaways
- Shrinkage is normal for cotton
- Expect 1–3% with pre-shrunk gis
- Wash cold, hang dry
- Never use the dryer if you care about fit
- Minor tightness after washing?
Give it one hard roll and it loosens up
A great gi should feel better with time, not worse.
If you care for it the right way, shrinkage is just part of the process — not a problem.
The goal is simple:
Train hard. Keep your gi alive. No stress.
If you want a lightweight gi that holds up under daily rolls and stays consistent after washes, check the Gee BJJ collection.
