How to Dry a BJJ Gi Properly

The drying method you choose directly affects three things: your gi's fit, its lifespan, and its hygiene. Heat causes cotton fibres to contract — this is irreversible shrinkage that no amount of stretching will fix. Damp environments encourage bacterial and fungal growth, which leads to mildew, odour, and potential skin infections.

In the UK, where average indoor humidity sits between 50% and 70% for much of the year, drying a heavy cotton gi indoors can take significantly longer than in drier climates. Understanding your options — and investing in the right equipment — makes a real difference to your gi care routine.

Drying starts with proper washing. If you have not already, read our step-by-step gi washing guide first.

Air drying is the safest option for any BJJ gi. It eliminates heat-related shrinkage entirely and is the gentlest method for preserving fabric integrity and colour.

How to hang your gi:

• Use a sturdy plastic or wooden hanger for the jacket — avoid wire hangers, which can stretch the shoulders and leave rust marks
• Hang the trousers separately on a drying rack or a second hanger, clipped at the waistband
• Spread the gi as flat as possible to maximise airflow — open the jacket lapels, separate the sleeves, and avoid bunching

Indoor drying:

• Choose a well-ventilated room — near a window you can crack open, or in a room with a fan
• Avoid enclosed spaces like wardrobes or bathrooms without ventilation
• Position the drying rack in the warmest, most ventilated room in your home

Outdoor drying:

• Significantly faster — a gi can dry in 4–8 hours outdoors on a dry day with a breeze
• Fresh air helps eliminate residual odour
• Avoid direct prolonged sunlight on coloured gis — UV exposure causes fading
• White gis benefit from sun exposure, which provides a natural bleaching effect

Tumble drying is generally not recommended for BJJ gis, but there are situations where it may be necessary — for example, if you need your gi ready quickly or are deliberately shrinking a shrink-to-fit gi.

Heat settings and shrinkage risk:

Shrinkage varies depending on whether the gi is pre-shrunk, the fabric weight, and the weave type. Pre-shrunk gis are more tolerant but are not immune to further shrinkage.

Partial drying method (recommended if using a dryer):

1. Set the tumble dryer to low heat or air fluff (no heat)
2. Run for 15–20 minutes only — this removes excess moisture without significant heat exposure
3. Remove the gi and finish by air drying on a rack

This hybrid approach speeds up the process while keeping shrinkage risk minimal.

What can and cannot go in the dryer:

• The jacket is most at risk of shrinkage due to its heavier, denser fabric
• Trousers with ripstop fabric tolerate the dryer better than cotton trousers
• Never tumble dry the belt — heat can damage the stitching and backing material

Worried about how shrinkage affects your fit? Read our complete BJJ gi shrinkage guide.

When UK weather cooperates, sun drying offers genuine benefits beyond just speed.

Antimicrobial properties: UV radiation from sunlight has a natural disinfecting effect. Research shows that several hours of direct sun exposure can reduce bacterial populations on fabric. For meaningful antimicrobial benefit, aim for 2–4 hours of direct sunlight. While UV-C light (used in medical settings) can disinfect in minutes, the UV-A wavelengths in natural sunlight require longer exposure — but they are still effective over a full drying session.

Colour fading concerns: Direct prolonged sunlight will fade coloured gis. Blue and black gis are most susceptible. For coloured gis:

• Hang in partial shade, or bring inside once the gi is mostly dry
• Turn the gi inside out to protect the outer surface
• Limit direct sun exposure to 2–3 hours

For white gis: Sun drying is ideal. UV light provides a free, natural bleaching and sanitising effect. Take advantage of sunny days whenever possible.

When you need your gi ready for the next session — or even the next match at a tournament — these methods can dramatically reduce drying time.

Avoid these common errors that cause shrinkage, odour, and fabric damage:

• Leaving the gi balled up in a gym bag overnight: Guarantees mildew and odour. Remove and hang immediately when you get home.
• Using high heat in the tumble dryer: Can shrink a gi by up to 20% and weakens stitching. If you must tumble dry, use low or no heat only.
• Drying on a radiator: Creates uneven heat distribution, can cause hard spots in the fabric, and risks localised shrinkage. The parts touching the radiator dry and shrink faster than the rest.
• Not spreading the gi out properly: Bunched or folded areas trap moisture, creating odour pockets and uneven drying.
• Extended direct sunlight on coloured gis: Causes noticeable fading. Limit sun exposure for blue and black gis.
• Storing before completely dry: Even slight dampness leads to mildew and bacterial growth within hours. Always check the collar — it dries last.

Only store a gi when it is 100% dry. Even slight residual dampness can cause problems.

• Fold neatly or hang in a wardrobe with adequate airflow — do not pack tightly against other garments
• Do not store in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container — this traps any residual moisture
• Keep away from direct sunlight during long-term storage to prevent fading
• Cedar balls or silica gel packets placed nearby can help manage moisture and keep fabric fresh
• Rotate your gis if you own multiple — do not leave one stored unused for months at a time, as fabric can develop a musty smell in storage

Add these steps to your regular care routine. For a complete care checklist, see our gi maintenance checklist. To understand how proper care affects your gi's usable life, read our gi lifespan guide.