Although the primary purpose of a karate uniform, or Gi, is function, it is also a sign of belonging and pride. A dirty, ripped or unkempt uniform reflects back on you and the school. Regular washing is a must, while ironing and bleaching are also sometimes needed. Wash your uniform in cold water and drip dry to keep shrinking at a minimum.
Basics
Karate uniforms consist of a shirt, pants and belt. Sleeves and pant legs are wide for freedom of movement and the belt is a basic white. Getting a uniform that fits you properly is imperative, as one that is too large will look sloppy and one that is too small will be uncomfortable. Both will impede your moves. If the belt doesn't fit, buy a new one using the rule that a belt should be about three times your waist's circumference for the proper fit. Uniforms weights vary from light to heavy canvas fabrics. Check with your instructor to see if he has any specific uniform requirements before running out to buy one.
Color
White is the standard color of the karate uniform, although other colors are available. Beginners usually wear white, although some schools allow lower-ranked students to also wear blue or red uniforms. Protocol sometimes changes as students advance, with those achieving higher ranks having a wider choice of colors to wear. Black belts, for instance, often get free reign to pick any color they please -- and not many will argue with them.
Adornments
Be careful where you put any patches or other uniform adornments. Most schools have strict guidelines on exactly where and how to attach your patches. Most also require you wear a patch of that school, usually on the left lapel. You may also want to back the patches with Velcro so you can take them off in the wash, especially if you plan on bleaching your Gi. Shoddy and faded patches are just as disrespectful as a dirty uniform. If you are visiting a new or different school, it is customary to remove any patches from your uniform before you enter.
Belt
Students of the lowest rank have no belt or a white belt, which often comes with the Gi. Respect this. One of the worst offenses you can pull is wearing a belt you did not rightfully earn. How and where you wear the belt is also important. Different schools often have different belt-tying methods, but some general rules usually apply. Tie the belt firmly above your hip bones so it doesn't come loose. Make sure both ends of the tied belt hang down below the knot and are equal length. Make sure your belt is smooth and not twisted or crossed along your back. Some schools require you to enter and leave sans belt, only putting it on while you're in the school.
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