Karate Gi sizes??!?!?!?

[shotokanka92]

ok well. if i was to get a cotton gi. what size would i need??? im 5'8'' and about 200lbs. i hear i would need a 6 for the major shrinkage?? but with my size 4/180 polly its a bit long. i have to really roll it up so it doesnt look like a dress

[Dobbersky]

I have a size 5 16oz cotton/poly? Gi and a few size 6 14oz cotton Gi's

I am 5'10" and 18 stone (UK weight) or 112Kg I went for Japanese Cut as the legs etc are already short.

If you wash the Gi's at the correct temperature Shrinkage is minimal and if you Iron it correctly too this will stretch out the cotton again

If you get a Cotton/Poly mix it wont shrink if you get cotton it will shrink.

Osu!!!!

[white owl]

My husband is 5/9 and weighs about 175ib. And we got a size 4 from karate depote med. weight gi. DO NOT dry it, wash in cold water. and that will keep the shinkage to minamin. You could go with a size 5 it is not that much bigger, just to be safer.

[JohnASE]

It all depends on which gi you're looking to buy. Different brands and models will be cut differently. It also depends on how you like it to fit. Shotokan practitioners often like a looser fit.

As far as shrinkage goes, that depends on the gi too. Cotton will almost always shrink more than poly/cotton. Lighter weights will usually shrink more than heavier weights. Looser weaves will usually shrink more than tighter weaves. But these are not hard and fast rules. Most cotton is preshrunk, but some are preshrunk a lot and others hardly at all.

But, of course, like others said, proper care will minimize shrinkage.

[AikiGuy]

As JohnASE stated, sizes do vary a little with some brands. But most brands use the standard sizing chart. Just check with their chart to make sure your measurements fall into the size category you want before buying. I think Century has a standard sizing chart on their website with the gi selections.

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/

With that said, I think I can help a lot here. I am exactly 5' 8-1/2" when barefoot and currently holding steady at 200 lbs. I have worn a size 5 gi for years and it was quite comfortable up to about 190 lbs. At 200, the jacket is just starting to get a little snug around the stomach but not enough to buy a new one. The pants still fit fine. If your normal weight is 200, you are probably borderline between a 5 and 6 jacket so it depends on how loose a fit you prefer. I have a medium weight cotton/polyester blend and it doesn't shrink noticably. Maybe the pants are an inch shorter but that's all. Hope that helps.

[Shoto4Life]

You want a good tournament cut gi. This typically means the legs and arms are shorter and no need to tailor them. You will have study size charts and ask questions. Your also sorty short for you weight so that might be an issue. Size 6 will be too big. Go size 5 in tourny cut.

[Shoto4Life]

Also above is wrong. Heavier gis will shrink more than lightweight ones.

[tenshinka]

ok well. if i was to get a cotton gi. what size would i need??? im 5'8'' and about 200lbs. i hear i would need a 6 for the major shrinkage?? but with my size 4/180 polly its a bit long. i have to really roll it up so it doesnt look like a dress

Go with a 5, or 5 1/2, 6 would be a bit too large.

[Mokuso]

Or another option is purchasing a tailored gi, for instance, from Tokyodo International (Formerly part of Shureido). YOu pay a little more, but for that you will get a perfect fitting gi.