How to Choose the Right Dogi

A luxury dogi from one of the manufacturers here is an investment in yourself and your karate. So choosing the correct dogi is extremely important.

I assume that most customers who are considering these dogi have karate experience, and are looking to replace, upgrade or try another brand of dogi.

If you are a beginner (or child) then I recommend starting off with the beginner dogi on this site and then investing in a more expensive one, once you have decided to continue your training long term.

1. Think about your needs

Think about what the dogi is going to be used for. Purposes include:

• Top level competition i) kata or ii) kumite

• Kata specific practice

• Kumite specific practice

• General purpose for everyday training

• Summer training in hot climates

• Winter training in cold climates

Dogi can be generally divided by weight:

Weight	Purpose
Heavy weight	Good for Kata, instructors, demonstrations, cold conditions, heavy contact training
Medium weight	Good for general purpose everyday training and where comfort and good mobility are required.
Lightweight	Usually beginner suits but also suitable for kumite practice or hot climates
Super lightweights	Ideal for fast action kumite and hot conditions.

They can also be divided by material type:

material	properties
100% cotton	Traditional material used, has advantage of durability, breathability and natural comfort. In my opinion, cooler in summer
Poly-cotton blends	The new age material of dogi offer increased comfort, mobility, sweat absorption / diffusion and easier care.

Please note that the material grade or type used may vary between the manufacturers, but please rest assured that the all use the highest quality products.

2. Decide which brand

Factors to take into account are:

• Purpose

• Brand loyalty

• Price

• Recommendation of others

• Personal preference

If you are not sure, please read the description for the products and if you cannot decide or need further advice, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

3. Decide the size

The most important point here is to read the size charts carefully. Do not just go by your old dogi size, especially if it is a different manufacturer or cut.

Also bear in mind that if your current dogi size is now too small, the same size will likely meet the same fate sooner or later.

Remember all dogi shrink to some extent (Please see here for dogi care) so you need to take this into account. (100% Cotton dogi shrink more than poly-cotton dogi .) These recommendations are based on you following the manufacturers care instructions.

Here are my usual recommendations:

For very thin people

Please choose the size closest to your height. Usually rounding up rather than down is better.

e.g. person A 175cm 61kg

Tokaido (Tournament) 5.5 (175cm)

Hirota size 5.5 (175-180)

Tokyodo Int. size 4 (175cm) or 4.5 (175cm) depending on dogi type.

For Normal build

Please choose a size, half a size bigger than your build

e.g. Person B 175cm 76kg

Tokaido Size 6 (180cm)

Hirota Size 6 (180-185)

Tokyodo Int. size 4.5 (180cm) or size 5 (180cm) depending on dogi type

For "big-boned","muscular" or "well-fed"

Please choose at least one size bigger (Note sleeve and bottoms length adjustments may be needed)

Person C 175cm 84 kg Tokaido size 6.5 (185cm)

Hirota size 6.5 (185-190cm)

Tokyodo Int. size 5 (185cm) or size 5.5 (185cm) depending on the dogi type.

My philosophy is that since it is going to shrink, it is always safer to go bigger than smaller as something (adjustments) can be done about a bigger dogi, but if it is too small then it will make a set of very expensive dish-cloths.

Excessively heavy/large people may need to consider full tailoring.

If you have any doubts, please contact us giving your height in cm and weight in kg and I (together with the manufacturer) will help you decide the best size.

If you require a size bigger that the standard sizes we may be able to get them for you. Please contact us. Mixed sizes are also available.

4. Decide if you need adjustments or tailoring

Adjustments

As mentioned above getting a bigger size is always safer, however as the arms and legs may be too long, I recommend getting them professionally adjusted by the manufacturer. They make a small charge for this, but it is worth it as they will calculate the length that you will need to take into account for shrinkage. They will also make the stitching perfectly the same as the original.

please indicatre if you wish for shrinkage to be added or not.

How to measure:

Please use an old dogi that you have and measure from the seam to the tip of the cuff for sleeves and from the top of the waist to the tip of the cuff for bottoms. Then make your adjustments based on that.Please see our "how to measure" chart for guidance. Remember to indicate if you wish for the manufacturer to add for shrinkage or if you have done so yourself.

Tailor-made

Full tailoring is available for all the dogi and you can see that there are some exclusive tailor-made dogi.

Points to consider before getting fully tailor made are the extra cost, the extra time it takes and the possibility of errors from your measurements. I usually don't recommend this option to the average karate-ka unless they have a very disproportionately sized body. However for the elite world level competitor or master then this may be a preference. Please use the diagram on the order page and measure from a current dogi, making the adjustments that you wish for. Remember to indicate if you wish for the manufacturer to add for shrinkage or if you have done so yourself.

About shrinkage

According to the manufacturers:

• 100% cotton dogi tend to shrink about 4-6cm (over a period of 2 years). This measurement is given based on the assumption that you do not hot wash or tumble dry (commercial dryers).

• The poly-cotton blends tend to shrink about 2-3cm (over a period of 2 years). This measurement is given based on the assumption that you do not hot wash or tumble dry (commercial dryers).

Please see caring for your dogi for further advice. Please note that if you plan to Hot wash or tumble dry, then I recommend getting bigger sizes, especially for heavyweight cotton dogi.

5. Decide if you want it personalized.

Most people who invest in a top of the range dogi tend to have it personalized with their name embroidered on. This goes just above the label on the Jacket and next to the label on the bottoms. Embroidery is available in Alphabet, Katakana and kanji. Please see here for policies.

Not only does this give your dogi a personalized, unique touch, but it looks incredibly good. It also gives it a security feature, should anyone try to claim your dogi!

6. Order your perfect dogi

We want you to receive the perfect dogi and be 100% satisfied, so if you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us before ordering.