The International Judo Federation, IJF, creates the rules for all aspects of judo tournaments, including the size, colors and materials of the judo uniform, or judogi. If your judogi doesn't comply with the rules, the referee and judges may declare "Honsoku-make," a grave offense, and your opponent will be named the winner of the bout.
Fabric
The IJF recommends wearing judogis made of at least 70 percent cotton, although similar materials are also permitted. The judogi fabric must be clean, free of tears and made of sturdy material, but the IJF doesn't allow the use of any fabrics that might prevent your opponent from taking or maintaining a grip on you during the match. Thick, hard or slippery fabrics cannot be worn.
Jacket
The length of your judogi jacket should reach to about mid-thigh and extend as least as far as where your fists rest when you stand with your arms straight down at your sides. When closing the jacket, the left side of your jacket is wrapped over the right side, and at least 8 inches of overlap must be present near the bottom of your ribcage.
The sleeves of the judogi jacket can extend no farther than your wrist joint, but can be no shorter than 2 inches above your wrist joint. The sleeves must be wide, with 4 to 6 inches of space between your arm and the sleeve for the entire length of the sleeve.
Pants
The trousers can extend no longer than your ankle bones but can't rest more than 2 inches above them. As with the jacket sleeves, your trousers must include 4 to 6 inches of additional space between your leg and the material.
Belts
The belt of your judo grade should be 1.6 to 2 inches wide. Your belt should be wrapped around your waist twice and tied tightly with a square knot, preventing your jacket from opening as you move. When your belt is tied, the ends should be 8 to 12 inches long as measured from the knot.
Undergarments
Female judo contestants are required to wear a white or off-white T-shirt or leotard underneath the judogi jacket. Both items should have short sleeves, and a T-shirt must be long enough that it can be tucked into your pants.
Markings
Markings deemed acceptable by the IJF include a national emblem on the jacket's left breast, a bib or tournament abbreviation on your back, and advertising on your jacket's sleeves. The trademark of your judogi's manufacturer can appear on your left leg, on the front of your jacket and on one end of your belt.
Your placement from past championship tournaments can appear on the bottom left of your jacket. Your name can appear on your belt, the upper part of your pants, the lower part of your jacket or on your back just below the collar.
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