how much do cold washed belts shrink

[bushido_man96]

Well, I've never thought about the belt being able to shrink. But, why not, after all, it's made out of some type of fabric(s).

That'll be my new excuse...I'm not getting big in the tummy area; my belt shrunk. Go figure!

I just wish I would shrink in the wash sometimes...

[sensei8]

Well, I've never thought about the belt being able to shrink. But, why not, after all, it's made out of some type of fabric(s).

That'll be my new excuse...I'm not getting big in the tummy area; my belt shrunk. Go figure!

I just wish I would shrink in the wash sometimes...

ROFLMBBO!!!!!! You and me both! But, I can't fit in the wahing machine...DRAT!!!!!!!!!

[bushido_man96]

I'd settle for standing in the rain...

[sensei8]

I'd settle for standing in the rain...

ROFLMBBO

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[yargk]

Update:

So I remembered that I had a white belt laying around that came with a gi I bought from Ki international. Never washed it, so I decided to measure before and after. Shrank 20-21 cm.

I'm wondering if this is typical for other belts.

[bushido_man96]

It is likely to depend on the material it is made out of. If its cotton, then probably yes. If its made of a blend, then they may not.

[JohnASE]

So is it a super shrunk size 5 (shrunk by 21 cm) or a mislabeled size 4 (size 4 should be 266 cm)?

Could be either. You have around 7% shrinkage, which sounds like a reasonable amount for a couple washes. Mislabeled belts do happen, but I'd say it's less likely. Of course, the sizing chart you used might not be accurate. If you're planning on washing your belt on a regular basis, I'd allow for shrinkage.

It is likely to depend on the material it is made out of. If its cotton, then probably yes. If its made of a blend, then they may not.

Exactly. It depends on the material. Cotton will tend to shrink more than poly/cotton, but some cotton is preshrunk and some poly/cotton shrinks more than you'd think, so you never know. However, I'd bet the cotton in belts is not preshrunk much, if at all.

I always tell my students to wash their new belt ONCE-before they wear it. Gets the extra dye out so it does not stain the white uniform when they sweat.

Some belts are colorfast, and some are not. Colorfast belts should not bleed onto uniforms, but I can see how people might want to do this just in case. Mixups at the factory do happen. If belts aren't colorfast, repeated washings will make them fade.

[nanook660]

Tradition wise "Never wash the Obi" is what I've been told as you are washing away all that you've thus far achieved.

[RichardZ]

Tradition wise "Never wash the Obi" is what I've been told as you are washing away all that you've thus far achieved.

This is actually not a bonefide tradition. The belt was just a piece of the attire and not-so much anything venerable.

[Lupin1]

NEVER wash your belt... it looses the color but more important it is said that the belt catches all your sweat (symbolic for your experience) and if you wash it you wash away your sweat and experience.... so never wash your belt

I've washed my belts a few times and my karate never got any worse afterwards.