The gi is the perfect sturdy, durable workout wear, designed to endure the pushing, pulling and other contact one encounters in karate classes. It offers great freedom of motion, and keeping your gi clean and wearing it properly are ways of demonstrating respect, not only to the school, other students and teacher but for yourself as well. Philosophical considerations aside, getting the right size karate gi is critically important because you're going to spend a lot of time training in it, and the wrong size gi can make you very uncomfortable or even create a trip and fall hazard.
Step 1
Stand up straight with your heels and back to a wall, looking straight ahead. Have a friend place a piece of tape horizontally on the wall, just at your head level. Step away from the wall and measure from the floor to the tape. This is your height.
Step 2
Weigh yourself, in pounds, on the most accurate scale at your disposal. Doctor's and other medical scales are usually the gold standard for this, but digital home scales are usually quite accurate also; just make sure the scale reads zero before you step onto it.
Step 3
Consult a sizing chart to determine which size gi is appropriate for you. Note that there may be some variance in gi fit between manufacturers, so you should consult a size chart provided by the company that makes the gis you're looking at if at all possible; but most sizing charts will get you close enough for a comfortable fit. If the arms or legs on your gi are too long, they can always be taken in by a tailor--so if you're unsure about which size gi to order, err on the larger side.
Step 4
Try the gi on when it arrives. Women will always wear at least a sports bra or sports top beneath a gi; school rules may require a full undershirt for both men and women, and individuals who sweat quite a bit might wear an undershirt, even if not required, to protect the gi.
Step 5
Check the length on the gi's arms and legs. In general, arm cuffs should come to no farther down the arm than your wrist when your arm is held out horizontally in front of you, and leg cuffs should be at about ankle height when you stand square.
Tips and Warnings
- Not all gi sizing charts will require your weight, but since about half of them do, it's smart to have that number on hand just in case. If you're going to get your weight taken at a doctor's office, ask them to measure your height, too, while they're at it. Ask your teacher if he has any specific rules about uniform wear. Some may require you to wear a gi with the school name or symbol embroidered on it, which you will probably need to purchase directly through your teacher. The gi is meant to be relatively loose and comfortable; wearing one for the first time might feel a bit like wearing pajamas.
Things You'll Need
- Tape
- Measuring tape
- Scale
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