how to soften up belts

[french fri25]

hey guys, when you get a new belt, it is all hard and stiff. how do you guys soften up your belts? i want to break it in but i dont know how. i just twist it up and basically just mess around with it. it softens it up a little but do you guys have any better methods?

[Rateh]

I've heard that rolling it instead of folding it can help to soften it.

[DWx]

Wash it

[KarateEd]

I have found that mine just soften up with regular use, over time.

Ed

[Pacificshore]

If you wash it, you have to account for it shrinking Just twist it, roll it, bend it, etc....it'll soften in time

[french fri25]

yea, im not gonna wash it. i guess ill just keep doing as you said pacificshore. im just gonna work it in like i have been. i just thought someone might know a better way.

[Pacificshore]

yea, im not gonna wash it. i guess ill just keep doing as you said pacificshore. im just gonna work it in like i have been. i just thought someone might know a better way.

Just FYI, the next time you are in the market for a BB, Eosin Panther does make a belt that isn't stiff like other normal manufacturers

[DWx]

If you wash it on a cold wash, your less likely to get it shrunk and by doing that, you remove all the excess dye so that it doesn't stain your nice white gi when you sweat.

[IcemanSK]

I've heard that rolling it instead of folding it can help to soften it.

Rolling works well. As does twisting, & folding it. I've found that to be helpful with my new belt, too. The more it gets worn.

[lordtariel]

I've always had the best luck with rolling it. It shrinks when I wash it, and it looses some of the stitching when I toss it in the drier. I roll it up and leave it that way all day. The next day I unroll it and roll it in the other direction. After a few day's it's usually just fine. It'll break down with use as well.