Random thought on Life, Judo Olympics, Judo Self Defense, The Art or Judo Kata, Judo An International Sport. Things that inspire or annoy me or things that I just had to write down.Single Weave or Double Weave? How to Choose a Judogi That Fits, Lasts and Passes Inspection
A judogi takes more punishment than almost any other sports garment. It is gripped, pulled, twisted and thrown in every session, then washed hot and hung to dry, often several times a week. Parents buying a first gi for a child, and adults starting judo later in life, usually ask the same question in the club shop: which one do I need? The honest answer depends on four things: weave, weight, fit and care. The logo on the chest matters far less.
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Single weave: the everyday training gi
Single weave jackets have one layer of the woven, textured cotton on the body. They are lighter, cooler and much quicker to dry. For most beginners, children and recreational players, a single weave is the sensible first choice:
- It is cheaper, which matters when a child may grow out of it within a year.
- It dries overnight, so it is realistic to wash after every session.
- It is lighter to wear in warm dojos and for long sessions of uchikomi.
The trade-off is durability under heavy gripping. A single weave lapel is easier to grab and can wear faster at the collar and the armpits if you do a lot of hard randori.
Double weave: for heavy randori and competition
Double weave jackets have a thicker, denser body. They resist grips better, last longer under hard training and feel more substantial. That is why many competitors wear double weave for shiai and for intense sessions.
The downsides are real, though. Double weave is hotter, heavier to wash and dry, and more expensive. It can also feel stiff at first. Many players therefore train most of the week in single weave and keep a double weave for competition and hard randori nights.
Some makers also sell "hybrid" or "competition-weight" single weaves that sit between the two. Weave names are not standardised between mills, so compare the actual fabric weight rather than the label. This guide to gi weaves and fabric weight is written for BJJ gis, but it explains a point that matters just as much for judogi: the GSM (grams per square metre) of the fabric and the finished weight of the jacket are not the same number, and two jackets with similar figures can feel very different.
Fit is part of the rules, not just comfort
A judogi has to let you move and let your partner take a proper grip. If you plan to compete, check the current judogi rules of your federation before you buy. The IJF publishes its own requirements, and national and regional bodies may apply their own versions for local events. These rules typically cover:
- jacket length and how far it must cover the hips;
- sleeve length, measured with the arm extended forward;
- trouser length at the ankle;
- the thickness and construction of the lapel and collar;
- how loose the jacket must be across the chest.
A jacket that is too tight, or sleeves that end too far up the forearm, can mean a failed judogi check and a forced change before your contest. When trying a gi on, extend your arms straight in front of you and bend your knees, rather than just standing still in front of a mirror.
For children, fit is a little more forgiving at club level, but sleeves that ride up past the elbow and trousers above the ankle make grips awkward for both players. A slightly long gi with rolled cuffs is usually better than a gi that is already tight.
Plan for shrinkage
Cotton judogi shrink, and the first few washes cause most of it. "Pre-shrunk" fabric reduces shrinkage but rarely removes it completely. Heavier and double-weave jackets often contain more cotton that can contract, so allow for it when choosing a size.
Practical tips:
- If the gi is not pre-shrunk, buy with some length to spare in the sleeves and trousers.
- Wash cold for the first several cycles and air dry if you want to keep the size you bought.
- If a gi is a little long, a controlled warm wash can bring it in, but go in small steps and check after each wash. A tumble dryer on high heat can take it too far in one go.
- Wash after every session. Damp cotton left in a kit bag smells quickly and helps skin infections spread on the mat.
Check the stress points before you buy
Most judogi fail in the same places. Before buying, look closely at:
- The collar and lapel: several rows of stitching and a firm, even lapel suggest the jacket was built for grip fighting.
- The armpit area: look for reinforcement or a gusset, because this is where seams open under heavy pulling.
- The skirt splits at the jacket hem: a reinforced stitch here stops small tears from running.
- The trouser knees: a reinforced knee panel matters, especially for children who spend a lot of time on their knees in groundwork.
- The drawstring and belt loops: a weak drawstring is a small thing that ends many sessions early.
White, blue and club orders
Many clubs train in white, and players who enter events that use the blue and white system may need both colours. If you are ordering for a whole club, agree the colour, any embroidery placement and the size range in advance. Ask for one sample first and put it through several washes before you order for everyone, so you know how each size behaves after shrinkage.
Caring for a judogi so it lasts
A good judogi can last years if it is looked after. Turn it inside out to wash, use a mild detergent, avoid bleach on coloured gis, and dry it out of direct, harsh sunlight where possible. Repair small tears and loose stitching early, before a randori session turns them into large ones. Fold the jacket and trousers rather than stuffing them into a bag, and always let the gi dry fully before packing it.
The short version
For a beginner or a child, a single weave judogi with a little room to grow is usually the right first buy. Choose double weave when you start competing or doing a lot of hard randori. If you compete, check your federation's current judogi rules before buying. Allow for shrinkage, inspect the collar, armpits and knees, and wash after every session. A well-chosen gi will see you through years of training.
About the author: Muhammad Asad runs Combatwear Factory, a martial arts uniform maker in Sialkot, Pakistan, that has produced gis and grappling apparel for clubs and brands since 2019. He writes about the practical side of uniforms: fabric, fit and care.
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