How to Care for Your New BCK Kimono

If this is your first or the most recent of many kimonos it’s easy to get the right fit right out of the bag in your first few washes and wears!

Right out of the bag, your new Gi should be a little bit too big. Don’t panic, they are made out of 100% cotton so they will shrink a little bit with the first two or three washes. If its not too big or feels a little too small please reach out as your kimono will naturally shrink in its first few washes!

Your first one to three washes should be done with cold water only with your regular detergent (fit test after every wash and dry cycle - instructions below).  Hang dry after all washes, don't give them any heat, sun and especially no dryer!

Your first fit test:

If your new Gi fits good then you can repeat washing it with cold water and hang drying.  It will shrink a very small amount as all cotton continues to shrink over time as the fibres do their thing.  

If your new Gi is too big after three washes, then wash it again in cold water and use the dryer cautiously and patiently.  With your dryer on it’s lowest heat setting check your Gi every 5-10 minutes by putting it on and checking the width and length.  When you find the fit you like hang dry it for the remaining time, please be cautious and err on the side of ‘slightly too big’ as your Gi will shrink a small amount further as the remaining water leaves the cotton.

Remember, you can always make a too big Gi smaller, but never reverse the process to make a too small Gi bigger.  

By following this process you should have a perfectly fitting kimono every time.  Patience is key to ensure you get the fit you like.  Once you find your fit always hang dry and cold wash!  If you’re training more than 3 times a week or multiple days in a row we recommend having more than one kimono to ensure they have enough time to hang dry!

If you ever have any questions about fit please reach out to us BEFORE you start the process as we wont return or exchange any washed or worn kimonos.