[2026 Edition] Complete Guide to Washing Kendo Uniforms | How to Make Your Uniform Last Longer with Proper Care and Material

January 2026, 2

Author: Kudo, BUSHIZO Shibuya Showroom | Publication date: February 2026

table of contents

Introduction | Are you wondering how to wash your judo uniform?
There are two types of kendo uniform materials +α | First, check your kendo uniform
① How to wash a jersey kendo uniform (polyester)
② How to wash indigo dyed (cotton) kendo uniform
③ How to wash FT fabric (cotton/polyester blend) judo uniforms
Recommended washing frequency
Tips for drying
Measures to prevent odors after practice
Summary
Click here for BUSHIZO recommended uniforms

Introduction | Are you wondering how to wash your judo uniform?

Kendo uniforms (kendo gi) are equipment that absorb a lot of sweat every time you practice.
Compared to protective gear such as men and kote, karate is worn directly against the skin and is also worn under the torso, so care must be taken to prevent sweat and odor.

However, when it comes to washing it, you may wonder, "Can I put it in the washing machine?", "Will the indigo come off?", or "Will it shrink?"
I'm sure many people are unsure about what to do.

BUSHIZO receives inquiries every day from swordsmen and their guardians about how to care for their gi.
This time, we have summarized some points to keep in mind to keep your judo uniform in good condition for a long time, focusing on the correct way to wash each material.

⚠️ This article provides general guidelines for washing. Washing instructions may vary depending on the product.
Be sure to check the washing instructions on your judo uniform before washing.

There are two types of kendo uniform materials +α | First, check your kendo uniform

How to wash your kendo uniform:Varies greatly depending on the material.
First, check what material your judo uniform is made of.

Material	Characteristics	Difficulty of washing
Jersey (polyester)	Lightweight and quick-drying. Popular for practice.	◎ Easy
Indigo dyeing (cotton)	Authentic texture with antibacterial and deodorizing effects	△ Careful care required
FT fabric (cotton x polyester blend)	A fabric that combines the texture of cotton with the ease of handling of polyester	○ Some caution

If you are unsure of the material your gi is made of, please check the product page at the time of purchase or the quality label attached to the gi.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact BUSHIZO.

① How to wash a jersey kendo uniform (polyester)

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Kendo uniforms made of jersey material can be cared for in the same way as polyester sportswear.
It has almost no color fading and dries quickly, making it especially useful for students who have daily practice and for those who sweat a lot in the summer.

[How to wash in a washing machine]

1. Apply liquid detergent directly to areas that are prone to getting dirty, such as the collar, armpits, and waist area.

② Fold your judo uniform and place it in a laundry net.

3. Wash in the washing machine's "hand wash mode" or "delicate cycle"

④ Immediately after dehydration, remove the clothes, smooth out any wrinkles, turn them inside out and dry them in the shade.

✅ Jerseys can be dried in a dryer, but this may cause shrinkage.
Check the washing instructions and dry in the shade if possible.

② How to wash indigo dyed (cotton) kendo uniform

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Indigo-dyed cotton kendo uniforms are the traditional uniforms of kendo.
IndigoAntibacterial, deodorizing, and insect repellentIf you take proper care of it, you can use it for many years.
On the other hand, if handled improperly, the indigo will rapidly fade, so careful care is required.

What is indigo dyeing? A treatment that must be done on new judo uniforms

A new indigo dyed judo uniform will have a lot of excess indigo on the surface.
If you use or wash it as is, a large amount of indigo will transfer to your skin and other clothing.

Therefore, before using it for the first time, be sure toIndigo stopper" Let's do this.

[How to stop indigo dyeing]

① Fill a large bucket or bathtub with water and add vinegar (grain vinegar).
　(Guideline: 200ml of vinegar for every 10 liters of water)

② Soak your judo uniform in the water and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. After the water turns blue, rinse repeatedly until the water becomes nearly clear.

④ Drain the water without dehydrating and dry in the shade

⚠️ When you apply the indigo dye, the water will turn bright blue. This may stain the bathtub or sink.
Do this in a container or bathtub that you don't mind getting dirty. We also recommend wearing rubber gloves.

Hand washing procedure for indigo dyed karate uniforms

Washing indigo dyed judo uniforms isBasically hand washingThis is the principle.
Using detergent, a washing machine, or a spin dryer can cause the indigo to fade and damage the fabric.

[Hand washing procedure]

① In a large bucket or bathtubLukewarm water (about 30°C)Put up a

② Soak the uniform in the water with it spread out.Stepping and pressingWash gently with
　(Rubbing with your hands may cause discoloration or uneven coloring.)

3. After washing, rinse 2-3 times, changing the water.

④ Do not use a dehydrator. Gently press the rice with both hands to remove excess water.
　Alternatively, use the spin cycle in your washing machine for only 30 seconds to 1 minute (after turning the fabric inside out).

⑤ Adjust the shape, turn it inside out and dry it in the shade.

If you use detergent,No bleach or fluorescent whitening agentsPlease select.
There are also laundry detergents (enzyme-containing) specifically for kendo uniforms and hakama available on the market, which are gentle on the indigo dye.
If you are concerned about the smell of a worn judo uniform, you may want to consider using detergent.

Absolutely no! Washing methods that you should never do

❌ Wash it in the washing machine...Strong friction in certain areas can cause uneven coloring and fading.

❌ Use detergent (regular synthetic detergent)...the chemicals quickly break down the indigo

❌ Wash with other clothes…The indigo stains other clothes

❌ Put in the dryer…It can cause shrinkage and deformation.

❌ Dry in direct sunlight...causes fading and discoloration

❌ Leave it as is after washing...causes mold and bad odors

③ How to wash FT fabric (cotton/polyester blend) judo uniforms

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FT fabric is a judo uniform made from a blend of cotton and polyester.
It combines the moisture absorption and soft feel of cotton with the quick-drying and shape-retaining properties of polyester.
It is used by a wide range of people for practice purposes.

While it is easier to care for than a pure indigo-dyed cotton judo uniform, careless washing in a washing machine can cause shrinkage and discoloration.
Please take care of it carefully by referring to the following steps.

[How to wash FT fabric judo uniforms]

1. Apply a small amount of neutral detergent directly to areas with noticeable stains, such as the collar and armpits.

② Turn the judo uniform inside out, fold it and place it in a laundry net.

3. Wash in the washing machine's "hand wash mode" or "delicate cycle" (water temperature below 30°C)

④ Always wash separately from other white or light-colored clothing
　(Color may fade especially the first time you wash it. We recommend washing it alone for the first few times.)

⑤ Keep the spin-drying time short (about 1 minute) and remove any wrinkles immediately after taking it out.

⑥ Adjust the shape, turn it inside out and dry it in the shade.

⚠️ Avoid using detergents containing bleach or fluorescent whitening agents, as they may damage the color of the fabric.
⚠️ Please refrain from using a dryer as this may cause shrinkage.
⚠️ Always check the product tag for washing instructions. Instructions vary depending on the product.

With continued use, FT fabric will become more comfortable and improve its comfort.
By continuing to take proper care of your product, you can enjoy comfortable use for a long time.

Recommended washing frequency

How often you should wash your judo uniform depends on the material and how you use it.
Washing it too often can damage the fabric, but leaving it for too long can cause mold and odors.

Material	Recommended washing frequency
Jersey (polyester)	After each practice, or once or twice a day
Indigo dyeing (cotton)	When salt starts blowing or when you notice a bad smell. As a guideline, wash 2-3 times a month in summer and 1-2 times a season in autumn and winter.
FT fabric (blended)	Wash your hands every 2-3 times. In summer or on days when you sweat a lot, wash your hands early.

Indigo dyed karate uniforms are made with the indigoDeodorizing and antibacterial effectsThis keeps it clean without frequent washing.
Just like with a suit, the basic care is to "hang it out in the shade after practice and make sure it is thoroughly dry."
When white salt appears on the surface, it's time to wash it.

⚠️ If you sweat a lot in the summer, we recommend washing your clothes as soon as possible, regardless of the material.
Leaving it wet can cause mold and unpleasant odors.

Tips for drying

How you dry your judo uniform after washing is also an important point for making it last longer.

·surely陰干し(Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration.)

- Drying inside out helps prevent colour fading

・Run the garment through a hanger to remove wrinkles and reshape it before hanging it up

・Do not use a dryer (this may cause shrinkage or deformation)

・Do not leave it half-dried (it can cause mold and bad odors)

・If you dry indigo dyed judo uniforms in a damp state, the weight of the garment will help remove wrinkles.

Measures to prevent odors after practice

Even if you are unable to wash your equipment after each practice, you can reduce odors by making the following care routine a habit.

① Do not immediately pack your judo uniform into a bag or basket. Spread it out and dry it in the shade in a well-ventilated place.

② Use deodorizing spray as needed (be careful of the ingredients in indigo-dyed uniforms)

3) Wearing jerseys or FT fabric for practice and indigo dyed fabric for matches and examinations can reduce wear to your uniform.

4. By rotating multiple uniforms, you can reduce the burden of washing them.

If you wash your indigo dyed uniform too much, the indigo will come off, but if you are still concerned about the smell,
Specialized cleaning for kendo equipmentAnother option is to send it to
BUSHIZO also offers cleaning services for kendo equipment. Please feel free to take advantage of this service.

▶ BUSHIZO cleaning service here

Summary

Summary of how to wash your judo uniform by material

◉ Jersey...Just place it in a laundry net and put it in the washing machine. It's hygienic and can be washed frequently.

◉ Indigo dyeing (cotton)...The basic rule is to wash it by hand in lukewarm water. Do not use detergent, a washing machine, or a dryer.
　Don't forget to apply an indigo stopper to new items before use.

◉ FT fabric (cotton x polyester blend)...Can be washed in a washing machine in hand wash mode by placing it in a laundry net.
　Be careful of color transfer with other clothes. We recommend washing it alone for the first time. Do not use bleach or tumble dry.

◉ Drying method for all materials陰干しThe basic rule is to avoid using a dryer or placing it in direct sunlight.

After washing, remove immediately, reshape and dry.

For kendo practitioners, a dogi is not just "clothing" but a training partner.
With proper care, your judo uniform will last longer, and if it is indigo dyed, it will develop a unique, worn-in texture.

We hope you will value the effort required for maintenance as part of your training.
If you have any questions about choosing or caring for a judo uniform, please feel free to contact BUSHIZO at any time.

Click here for BUSHIZO recommended uniforms