Blitz White Diamond gi - do they become less stiff?

[GaryMo]

I've upgraded from a regular Blitz lightweight student gi to a 14oz heavier weight Blitz White Diamond gi. The first thing I noticed was it was extremely heavy and not so flexible so I put it in the machine and on a cold wash cycle then let it dry. It almost feels like cardboard and was a nightmare to iron, according to my wife!

I'm assuming that it'll become softer and more supple the more it's worn?

I certainly hope that's the case

[shotokan-ste]

hi gary how do you like the fitting of the white diamond ?,one tip for you is to iron the gi when its still slightly damp its easier and yes it will get softer in time

[GaryMo]

Hi Ste. I'm now happy with my White Diamond after the first one was the incorrect size.

I take a size 5 (~12.5st and 5ft 10.5") but my Sensei gave me a size 5.5 to try. It totally drowned me with the apron coming almost down to my knees.

After receiving a size 5 it was still slightly long though that's now become less of a problem after a 30 degree wash. Yes it's longer than my standard student gi and the arms shorter but I can see a benefit in that the top now doesn't ride up and the sleeves don't get in the way.

I think the 14oz material may take some getting used to though as it becomes quite heavy when it absorbs sweat. It's also like training in a sauna suit!

[asuki]

is it brushed cotton or cotton canvas? IME, the brushed will get softer whereas the cotton canvas does not that much.

[shotokan-ste]

hi asuki the white diamond gi is cotton canvas

[BlackEagle]

Cotton canvas (unbrushed) tend to retain their stiffness.

If you prefer a softer gi, a brushed cotton one would be best.

[GaryMo]

Would that be something like the Blitz Silver Tournament?

[BlackEagle]

Yes, the Silver Tournament is brushed I believe, as are our own Kata Gi and the Kwon models.

[Jad]

I agree the white diamond is a nightmare. Even ironing it whilst damp does not achieve the desired effect.

[GaryMo]

I've not ironed either of my White Diamond Gi's now for the past 12 months. I just fold them like this

though stop short of using my belt to hold it together.

When it's unfolded I find there's hardly any creases and those that are there fall out within 10 minutes of wearing it.