How to keep a dogi from wrinkling?

[DavidNYC83]

When it comes to a gi with the quality of Shureido, never steam clean or put in a dryer for long periods of time, as the gi will shrink unnaturally. The gi will naturally shrink approximately 3-4 inches within the first year. All you need to do is again wash in cold water with NO bleach and let it naturally air dry.

[sensei8]

When it comes to a gi with the quality of Shureido, never steam clean or put in a dryer for long periods of time, as the gi will shrink unnaturally. The gi will naturally shrink approximately 3-4 inches within the first year. All you need to do is again wash in cold water with NO bleach and let it naturally air dry.

Even after the pre-wash/dry?? I was taught that the pre-wash/dry allows the material time to do all of the shrinking that it'll ever do. That's why, with every gi I've ever purchased, I washed it and then I dried it.

[DavidNYC83]

When it comes to a gi with the quality of Shureido, never steam clean or put in a dryer for long periods of time, as the gi will shrink unnaturally. The gi will naturally shrink approximately 3-4 inches within the first year. All you need to do is again wash in cold water with NO bleach and let it naturally air dry.

Even after the pre-wash/dry?? I was taught that the pre-wash/dry allows the material time to do all of the shrinking that it'll ever do. That's why, with every gi I've ever purchased, I washed it and then I dried it.

The Shureido gi shouldn't be placed in a dryer especially at a full cycle. But even so the gi shrinks naturally up to 4 inches and is recommended that you never place it in the dryer. I have 3 mugen gis and 3 Shureido and I will never place them in the dryer. They ruin the longevity of the gis and in my opinion the quality. But to each there own. All I know is my Shureido gis cost me a pretty penny and I want them to last as long as possible.

[sensei8]

When it comes to a gi with the quality of Shureido, never steam clean or put in a dryer for long periods of time, as the gi will shrink unnaturally. The gi will naturally shrink approximately 3-4 inches within the first year. All you need to do is again wash in cold water with NO bleach and let it naturally air dry.

Even after the pre-wash/dry?? I was taught that the pre-wash/dry allows the material time to do all of the shrinking that it'll ever do. That's why, with every gi I've ever purchased, I washed it and then I dried it.

The Shureido gi shouldn't be placed in a dryer especially at a full cycle. But even so the gi shrinks naturally up to 4 inches and is recommended that you never place it in the dryer. I have 3 mugen gis and 3 Shureido and I will never place them in the dryer. They ruin the longevity of the gis and in my opinion the quality. But to each there own. All I know is my Shureido gis cost me a pretty penny and I want them to last as long as possible.

Solid post!!

I was taught, the wash/dry part, by none other than my mom. Sensei just wanted us to have a clean, odor free, gi. He wasn't particularly fond of wrinkled gi's, but, to him, it was quite trifling beyond a mention.

[KOAustralia]

All quality 100% cotton Gi's will wrinkle, (cheaper Gi's are poly/cotton and tend not to wrinkle much ). Wash them in cold water only, no starch just washing soap. Good quality cotton doesn't need starch, you will get snap without it. Hang It out to dry and when dry fold it neatly, not thrown into the basket. By folding when taking it off the line, will help with the ironing. Use a hot iron. The heavier the cotton the more ironing needed, the lighter the cotton the easier to get a smooth finish (obviously). Hope this helps.

[Spartacus Maximus]

It is also not recommendable to use anything other than plain laundry detergent. No whitening or softener of any kind because this causes the natural cotton fibers to become brittle over a short time. To avoid wrinkles it is a good idea to lightly iron the gi directly out of the spin cycle and then hang it to finish drying.

[DavidNYC83]

I agree with both of the above. The only thing I don't agree with is the ironing part. It's not needed. Just immediately air dry it after the wash. And when fully dry give it a nice proper folding. At most if you feel it's necessary give it a light iron but with the quality of a Shureido gi I don't fee it is necessary.

[JR 137]

Something for the washing experts...

Both of my gis make a creeking sound. Became very distracting to me during a meditation class/session. Sitting in seiza, seemed like every breath made my gi creek from the material rubbing against itself. It's not the snap sound you get during punches and kicks, but an odd creeking sound. It wasn't just during that session; it's constant. It just distracted me most during that. Not sure if anyone else could hear it, but it really distracted me. Would a touch of fabric softener help with this? Both gis do this - heavyweight Ronin and KI gi.