I just got a new heavier-weight gi. The brand says "MAP 2."

When it arrived, it was stiff as a board, and hasn't gotten much better. (My older gis from this brand are all as soft as T-shirts, but have been worn for practice and washed hundreds of times.)

I've tried a number of tricks mentioned online to soften up the material:

1. Washing it in warm and hot water five times total.

2. Adding a half-cup of baking soda to the water when washing it.

3. Fabric softener

4. Tumble drying it with a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer.

So far, it hasn't gotten much softer -- maybe 5 percent. Any ideas out there on how to soften up?

Thank you in advance!

When I take a pair of jeans out of the wash (I hang dry them) and they are dried, I shake them out, up and down, back and fourth, I grab them by the waste and move them with my hands like I was walking. I zig and I zag. It tends to make them feel softer and not as tight, more comfortable on the first wear. Never tried this with my Gi so I have no idea if it would help or not.

Edited March 25, 20242 yr by KarateKen

Sounds like you've tried a lot with no luck. Trying Ken's idea might be worth a try.

Here's some links that might be worth a try...

Yes, that link addresses how to soften a belt, but why would it not work for a gi?!?

https://www.a4fitness.com/how-to-soften-rough-karate-clothes/#:~:text=To%20ensure%20optimal%20performance%2C%20here%20are%20some%20easy,directions.%20...%203%203.%20Repeat%20Washing%20and%20Drying

Some interesting methods, like, using vinegar, might do the trick.

Other than that, wear and tear might be the ticket if nothing else works.

Please let us know how it works.

After you wash your gi put it in the dryer alone with a tennis shoe or two. The shoe will beat it up and help soften it as it dries.

Or a baseball, but that's going to make a lot of racket! lol