TEST RECORD #4 Hemp Gi vs Cotton Gi After 10 Months

This record compares how a hemp BJJ gi and a cotton BJJ gi changed after approximately 10 months of regular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

Both gis were used at a higher-than-average training frequency and went through repeated cycles of training, washing, and drying. After washing, they were usually tumble dried, with air drying used only occasionally.

The two gis were not worn during the same period. Each was used separately for approximately 10 months.

This is not a laboratory durability test. It is a long-term field record documenting how two gis changed through everyday Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

 

 

1. Test Conditions

• Period of use: Approximately 10 months each
• Training frequency: Nearly daily training
• Care: Washed after training; mostly tumble dried; occasionally air dried
• Comparison: Cotton gi jacket / Hemp gi jacket
• Note: The cotton gi pants had already torn and been retired, so they are not included in this comparison.

 

 

2. Collar Wear

The cotton gi shows clear wear across multiple areas of the collar. The fabric has become thinner, and abrasion is visible along much of the collar edge.

 

The hemp gi also shows minor wear in parts of the collar. However, the worn areas remain limited, and the overall shape and structure of the collar are still intact.

 

 

 

3. Fabric Condition

The cotton gi has faded through repeated use and washing, with some areas of the fabric becoming noticeably thinner. Overall, it shows the typical condition of a heavily used cotton BJJ gi after extended training.

The hemp gi has also changed through use, with shifts in color and surface texture. However, the woven structure remains largely intact, without the same degree of thinning seen on the cotton gi. It is still being used for regular training.

 

 

 

4. Pants

The cotton gi pants tore and have already been retired. Although no photos remain, this is included as part of the overall comparison.

The hemp gi pants are still in regular use.

 

 

5. Current Condition

After approximately 10 months of use, the cotton gi shows extensive collar wear, and the pants have been retired due to tearing.

The hemp gi shows color changes and minor wear, but both the jacket and pants remain in use.

This same hemp gi will continue to be documented as it passes one year of regular training.

 

 

Related Reading

Why BJJ Gis Tear — Stress Points, Stitching, and Fabric Structure
Do You Need Five Gis — or Just One That Lasts?
TEST RECORD #02 Hemp Gi After 7 Months