Put on the gi. If it is too big, wash it in cold water, let it air dry, and try it on again. If it is still too big, wash it in warm water, let it air dry, and then try on again. If it is still too big, you can wash it in warm water and then put it in the dryer for a bit.

Once you have machine washed the thing about 5 or 6 times it will be at its final size and you can feel free to run it through the washer and dryer from then on. I have purchased many gis over my martial arts lifetime and I actually know what size to order from the company that I usually buy from where I can just toss the darned thing in the washer and dryer the first time out and be fine. Don't put any patches on the gi until it is at its final size either, or else they will bunch up as the gi shrinks.

If you find your gi too stiff still, find a nice concrete block wall and bang the gi against it for a bit. Then wash it and it will be softer. Some companies also simply use crappier material that is stiff or uncomfortable, so sometimes you aren't going to get it to be nice and supple like some of the higher quality gis out there.

Hope that helps.

IF your machine has a gentle/delicate cycle (not quick wash cycle) it should be OK. I wouldn't if your machine only has regular cycles. Use cold water and a mild detergent not the regular washing machine detergent. Do NOT machine dry unless you want your barbie dolls or Gi joe dolls to wear it after washing.

So I bought an aikido gi from E-Bogu.com. I've been using a Karate gi for Aikido but I thought I'd go with the proper uniform for Aikido this time. The material is nice and thick however a small note says to handwash. If I machine wash it will it ruin the gi? The seller told me buy a size bigger than my normal size because the gi will eventually shrink. I took that as a yes it could be machine washed and dried. But before I go ruining a nice gi. I want to make sure with some of you who are experienced, that machine wishing is or isn't ok. Any advice would be nice. Thanks.