Q. Will it shrink after cleaning?

Cleaning does not cause shrinkage, but as sweat, salt, and sebum are removed, the kote head and the inner rim of the men swell (air gets in), so they may feel a little tight when you put them on; this returns to normal as you continue practicing. For kote and palm/grip leather, pieces whose leather oils have been completely depleted through years of use or long-term storage without use may deteriorate and harden once exposed to water. Palm leather that has become paper-like will shrink and harden even more noticeably.