Selecting and Caring for your Karate Uniform

1

Karate Uniforms come in many flavors, of which, the two most popular are the "Traditional Japanese Cut" or "Standard Cut" and the "Tournament Cut". The "Tournament Cut" differs from the "Standard Cut" in that the sleeves and pants are shorter (making it easier to punch and kick, some believe).

2

Make sure that you're paying for extra cotton, and not starch, when you make your selection. Uniforms like the TOYO proudly display the canvas makers label proclaiming a true No. 10 100% Cotton Canvas. Hold your prospective uniforms (folded and still in the package is okay) by the edges. Is it heavy and rigid like a board? The uniform should have weight, but remain flexible and not remind you of those old movies where they starched the underwear stiff as a board (OH?!?!? - Thinking of buying over the Internet from DOSHIN? Feel free to ask us! We train, just like you, and can appreciate that you want to get value for your dollar, and we'd like to be your equipment provider for more than one sale...).

3

Get the most bang for your buck! Some of those distinctive uniform brands are actually made by the same manufacturer! Who, incidentally, have uniform lines of their own to tempt your wallet.

4

Extend the life of your uniform! Pay attention to all of the labels that say drip dry. If you must use a dryer, pull the uniform out "damp" and let it finish drying on a line or hanger. Watch out for direct sun-light. Some uniforms take on a light cream color if they are over-exposed to sun-light.

5

Stand up for your right to know! The government requires labeling information to show a garment's place of manufacture. So, what's the difference? You ARE going to know as soon as the gi arrives that it was made in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Pakistan, China, USA or Japan! We want to be your suppliers for the long run, not just to make our numbers for the quarter -- and that means honesty IS the best policy.

We prefer to work with uniform companies that are proud of their craftsmanship and quality control. We try to support those uniforms that serve their function for a reasonable amount of time; and, for a reasonable value. Among the DOSHIN "family" there are seven of us in karate gi at least two times a week. We know that you want and deserve value for your money -- because, we want it as well! We don't want to show up on the Dojo floor with a pink gi because we wanted to save a few bucks, and nobody mentioned this annoying characteristic of the canvas used -- why should we expect you to?

A word about Japanese No. 10 cotton canvas -- the manufacturing process leaves a very slight blue tinge in the canvas. This is especially visible when the canvas is wet -- until the uniform is washed a few times. The old timers (like us) don't get "freaked out" by this. They know that it is a sign of the highest quality canvas available. We want you "newbies" out there to feel free to ask about things like that!