This page aims to answer any questions you might have about your judo uniform or judogi.
What’s the difference between single and double weave? Which one should I get?
Single weave is just that – a single layer of cotton. Single weave gis are light and comfortable, and are easy to grip. They are generally less expensive than double weave gis. They are great for training, and we recommend them for beginners and children.
A double weave gi has two layers of cotton sewn together. Everything is thicker, so it is slightly harder for your partner to get a grip on you. They are recommended for competition. When well cared for, a double weave gi will last for years.
Should I wash my gi in cold or hot? Do I really have to hang dry it? It takes forever to dry this way!
If you wash in cold and hang dry it, there will be minimal shrinkage. If you prefer the convenience of machine drying, buy up at least one half size to accommodate for shrinkage.
Also, hang drying is less stressful for the material, so if you consistently hang dry your gi it may last longer.
Should I wash my gi after every practice?
Yes! Please show respect for your training partners by washing your gi after every practice!! The rare exception might be a very light practice where you don’t sweat very much at all. Nobody likes to do judo with a stinky person.
Wash your gi as soon as possible after practice. If you can’t wash it right away, be sure to hang it up in a well ventilated area so it can dry out. Because it is all cotton and thick, if you leave a wet gi folded up it can mildew.
Should I wash my belt?
Tradition says no, but if you don’t wash it, please do hang it up in a well ventilated area, preferably in the sun. This will help kill any bacteria. If you do wash your belt, it’s fine, you won’t be washing away your judo experience.
What size gi should I get?
Judogis are sized by number from 0000 for very small children up to size 9 for huge adults! Many brands offer half sizes as well. Most adults wear somewhere in the 2-6 range. Sizes do vary by manufacturer so consult the sizing chart from the manufacturer.
Can I wear a rashguard underneath my gi?
Sure, rashguards and plain t-shirts are fine, as long as they are not excessively distracting.
In tournaments, men are not allowed to wear rashguards. Women are allowed to wear a plain white t-shirt.
Should I get a blue or white gi? What about red/black/camouflage/etc?
You should always start with a white gi. White gis are traditional, blue is fine if you prefer it. Blue judogi were introduced in the last few decades to help referees and spectators differentiate the competitors in high level competitions. Now when you watch judo in the Olympics one player will always be wearing a blue gi, and one will be wearing a white gi. If you compete at a high level you will have to have both a blue and a white judogi.
Other colors are not allowed.
I have a BJJ gi, can I use that instead of a judogi?
You can use a jiujitsu gi at first, that’s no problem. They are cut a little differently than a judogi, so if you’re serious about your judo training you’ll want to get a judogi eventually. In competitions you will need a regulation judogi.
What brand gi should I get? Do I have to buy from you?
You do not have to buy your judogi from us. For your convenience Oakland Judo has a wholesale account with Hatashita Sports and Nippon Budogu, so we can offer any gi they sell at the same price. Usually we will bundle a few orders together to get free shipping. Hatashita offers a wide variety Fuji and Mizuno brand gis for judo and BJJ, while Nippon Budogu offers Yamato Sakura and Shori brand gis.
Other brands that people like are Adidas, Green Hill, KuSakura and Matsuru. You can find them anywhere on the internet.
How many gis should I have?
One is fine if you can wash and dry it before your next practice. If you practice 2-3 times per week it’s not a bad idea to have at least two or three gis.
