BJJ Gi Shrinkage Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The amount a BJJ gi shrinks depends primarily on the fabric composition, whether it has been pre-shrunk during manufacturing, and how you wash and dry it. Here are the general expectations:

In practical terms, a 5% shrinkage on a gi jacket with 70 cm sleeves means losing approximately 3.5 cm — enough to take a comfortable fit to one that is borderline too short for IBJJF competition. This is why understanding your gi’s shrinkage profile before the first wash is so important.

Where shrinkage is most noticeable: Gis shrink more in length than in width. Sleeve length, trouser length, and jacket length are the areas most affected. The body width of the jacket and waist of the trousers shrink less noticeably. This means a gi that fits perfectly in width may become too short in the sleeves and trousers after repeated hot washing.

For help choosing the right starting size, use our BJJ gi size chart and measurement guide.

Several factors combine to determine how much your gi will shrink. Understanding each one gives you control over the process.

A pre-shrunk gi has been treated during manufacturing to remove most of the potential shrinkage before it reaches you. The most common treatment is sanforisation — a mechanical process where the fabric is passed through heated rollers under tension, compressing the fibres and stabilising their structure.

Advantages of pre-shrunk gis:

• Buy your exact measured size — minimal further shrinkage (1–2%)
• Predictable fit from day one
• Safer for online purchases where you cannot try before you buy
• Standard on most modern mid-range and premium gis

Disadvantages:

• Cannot intentionally shrink for a custom fit
• If sizing is wrong, there is little room for adjustment
• Slightly more expensive than untreated alternatives

How to identify a pre-shrunk gi: The product description will typically state “pre-shrunk,” “sanforised,” or “minimal shrinkage.” If a brand does not mention shrinkage treatment, it is safer to assume the gi is not pre-shrunk.

Brands known for pre-shrunk gis: Tatami, Progress, Hyperfly, Kingz, Scramble, and Fuji (all Fuji gis are described as pre-shrunk, though they note up to 2.5 cm of shrinkage is still possible with cold wash and hang dry). For detailed brand reviews, see our best BJJ gi brands guide.

A shrink-to-fit gi is sold in its full, unshrunk state and is designed to be washed and shrunk down to your desired fit. This approach was more common in traditional Brazilian and Japanese gi manufacturing but is less prevalent in the modern market.

Sizing approach: Buy one size larger than your measured size. A shrink-to-fit gi will typically be 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) longer in the sleeves and trousers than its final intended dimensions.

Advantages:

• Can achieve a custom fit through controlled shrinking
• Useful if you fall between standard sizes
• Can adjust fit incrementally over multiple washes

Disadvantages:

• Requires skill and patience to get right
• Risk of over-shrinking, which is difficult to reverse
• Not recommended for first-time gi buyers
• Results can be inconsistent between individual gis of the same model

Shrink-to-fit gis are less common among the major UK-available brands. Some traditional Japanese judo gis and budget-range gis may still be sold unshrunk. If you are unsure, check the product description or contact the brand directly. For a full comparison, see our pre-shrunk vs shrink-to-fit guide.

If you want your gi to maintain its size as closely as possible to its out-of-the-bag dimensions, follow these rules consistently:

1. Always wash in cold water (30°C or below). This is the single most effective step. Cold water cleans effectively when combined with a good detergent.
2. Never tumble dry. Air dry your gi by hanging it on a sturdy hanger or drying rack. A clothes horse works well.
3. Remove from the washing machine immediately. Leaving a wet gi sitting in a warm machine allows additional heat exposure and fibre relaxation that can increase shrinkage.
4. Do not wring or twist the gi. Wringing distorts the weave structure and can cause uneven shrinkage.
5. Avoid direct heat sources. Do not drape your gi over radiators, heated airers, or in direct sunlight. The heat will cause localised shrinkage and can also fade colours.
6. Follow manufacturer instructions for the first wash. The first wash is when the most shrinkage occurs. Getting this right sets the baseline for the gi’s long-term fit.

If you must use a tumble dryer (during winter months, for example), use the lowest heat setting available and remove the gi whilst it is still slightly damp. Finish drying it on a hanger.

For a complete care routine, read our BJJ gi washing guide and drying guide.

Sometimes you need to shrink a gi on purpose — perhaps you bought a shrink-to-fit gi, you are between sizes, or your gi is slightly too long after purchase. Here is the controlled method:

1. Wash in warm water (40°C). Do not go straight to hot — warm water gives you a moderate, controllable amount of shrinkage.
2. Remove and check fit whilst damp. Try the gi on whilst it is still damp to assess the current size. It will feel slightly larger when damp than when dry.
3. If more shrinkage is needed, tumble dry on low for 10–15 minutes. Remove and check fit again after each cycle.
4. Repeat cautiously. You can always shrink more, but you cannot easily un-shrink. Take it in small steps.
5. Once the fit is right, switch to cold-wash and hang-dry for all future washes to lock in the size.

Important warnings:

• Shrink incrementally — do not go from cold wash to a 60°C wash in one step
• Different parts of the gi shrink at different rates — sleeves may shorten before the body narrows
• Colours may fade faster in warm or hot water, particularly navy and black gis
• Do not wash above 60°C — this risks permanent damage to the fabric structure and can melt the collar core
• Shrinkage is largely uniform across the garment — you cannot target specific areas

One useful approach is to do a single 40°C wash followed by a 10-minute low-heat tumble dry, then assess. This typically produces 2–4% shrinkage on a non-pre-shrunk gi, equivalent to roughly 1.5–3 cm on sleeve and trouser length.

If you have accidentally over-shrunk your gi, partial recovery is possible — but set realistic expectations. You will not fully reverse shrinkage.

Soaking method:

1. Fill a bathtub or large basin with cold water.
2. Add a generous amount of fabric conditioner (hair conditioner also works). The conditioner lubricates and relaxes the cotton fibres.
3. Submerge the gi and soak for 30–45 minutes.
4. Remove the gi and gently stretch it whilst damp — pull the sleeves, trousers, and jacket in the direction you want them to lengthen.
5. Hang to dry in a stretched position. You can clip the sleeves and trouser legs with heavy clips or hangers to maintain tension whilst drying.

Results: This method may recover 1–2% of length — roughly 1–2 cm on sleeves. It is not a complete reversal, but it can make the difference between a gi that is uncomfortably tight and one that is usable.

When a gi is beyond recovery: If the gi fails IBJJF measurement checks (sleeves more than 5 cm above the wrist, trousers more than 5 cm above the ankle), is uncomfortable to train in, or restricts your movement, it is time to accept the loss. Options for a shrunk gi include keeping it as a backup, donating it to a smaller training partner, or selling it on second-hand BJJ gear marketplaces.

Prevention is always better than recovery. Start with the right size using our size chart and measurement guide.

Here is what to expect from the most popular BJJ gi brands available in the UK. All shrinkage estimates assume cold water washing and hang drying — hot water and tumble drying will increase shrinkage for any brand.

• Tatami: Pre-shrunk. Expect 1–2% shrinkage (2–3 cm on sleeves). Tatami gis have exceptionally consistent sizing — multiple A2 gis from different models fit identically. Safe to buy your exact measured size. Note: the Tatami Estilo and Nova are popular beginner models that may shrink slightly more than their premium range in the first wash. Read our full Tatami review.
• Progress: Pre-shrunk. Similar shrinkage profile to Tatami (1–2%). True to size. Some users report L-variant trousers can run shorter than expected.
• Fuji: All gis described as pre-shrunk, but Fuji notes up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) of shrinkage with cold wash and hang dry. Some older and budget models may shrink more. The Fuji All Around is their best-selling beginner gi.
• Venum: Generally pre-shrunk. Size up if between sizes as the European cut is already slim. Minimal shrinkage reported with proper care.
• Hyperfly: Pre-shrunk. Premium construction with proprietary fabric blends. Users report extremely minimal shrinkage even after many washes. The Starlyte model uses a moisture-wicking fabric that barely shrinks at all.
• Kingz: Pre-shrunk. True to size with reliable consistency across their range.
• Scramble: Pre-shrunk with stabilised fabric. Expect 2–3% maximum shrinkage.
• Valor: Mixed — their premium range is pre-shrunk, but budget models may shrink more. Always check the care label on Valor gis.

For the best-fitting gis available in the UK, see our UK top picks. Budget options that may shrink more are covered in our cheap BJJ gi guide.