How to Store Your BJJ Gi During Summer

Why Summer Is Different

 

After training, most of us handle our BJJ gi the same way.

We take it off, put it in a gym bag, and head home. Sometimes it stays in the car for a while. Sometimes we get home but don't take it out right away. Laundry gets pushed back until the next day, and after washing, the gi may be folded away before it's completely dry.

None of these habits are unusual. Most people have done at least one of them.

During most seasons, they may not cause any noticeable problems. Summer is different.

Higher temperatures and humidity mean the small habits we rarely think about can have a much greater impact on keeping a BJJ gi in good condition. What works during cooler months may not work as well during hot and humid weather.

So how should you store your BJJ gi during summer?

 

 

1. Don't Leave Your Gi in the Gym Bag for Too Long

 

Putting your gi back into your gym bag after training is completely normal.

The problem begins when it stays there for too long.

Sometimes it sits in the car for a few hours. Sometimes it stays in the bag until the next day. Depending on where you live, you may not have a washing machine at home, or you may rely on shared laundry facilities or a laundromat. Some people also prefer to wash several training sessions' worth of gear at once.

There's nothing wrong with these routines.

During summer, however, the combination of sweat, heat, and humidity creates an environment where odor, bacteria, and mildew can develop much more easily.

Even if you can't wash your gi immediately, simply taking it out of the bag and hanging it somewhere with good airflow can make a noticeable difference.

 

2. Let Your Gi Dry Completely Before Storing It

 

Another common habit during summer is storing a gi before it has completely dried.

The surface may feel dry to the touch, but thicker areas such as the collar or places where multiple layers overlap can still hold moisture.

That remaining moisture can contribute to odor and mildew, making it harder to keep your gi in good condition over time.

Taking a little extra time to let your gi dry completely before storing it is one of the simplest ways to care for it during the summer months.

 

 

3. Store It Somewhere With Good Airflow

 

Where you store your gi matters just as much as how you wash it.

Choose a place with good airflow rather than somewhere that easily traps humidity.

While it's best to avoid leaving your gi in direct sunlight for long periods, storing it in a closed, poorly ventilated space isn't ideal either, especially during summer.

If you won't be training for a while, checking your gi occasionally is also a good habit. Small routines like these can help keep it in better condition over time.

 

Does Fabric Make a Difference?

 

Different fabrics handle moisture in different ways.

Hemp is known for its natural antibacterial properties and has been used in clothing and textiles for a long time because of its unique characteristics.

Over the past year, we've continued testing hemp BJJ gis through regular training and repeated washing.

At the same time, one thing has remained consistent throughout our testing: regardless of the fabric, good care habits are still the most important part of keeping a gi in good condition over the long term.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

A BJJ gi naturally wears over time through training, gripping, and repeated use. That's simply part of the sport.

What we can influence is how we care for it after training.

How soon you take it out of the gym bag, how quickly you wash it, and whether you store it only after it has completely dried—these small, repeated habits have a lasting impact on the condition of your gi.

Quality materials certainly help.

But regardless of what your gi is made from, the biggest difference comes from the habits you repeat every day.

 

 

 

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