Woman needing Gi advice

[OrthoPeach]

Hi guys,

I'm currently wearing a lightweight size 5 Gi but it comes open all the time and I spend all my time fidgeting trying to readjust my top, it's so distracting!

I'm around 5ft 10in (around 178cm) and weigh around 69kg.

I'm considering buying http://www.amazon.co.uk/ADIDAS-Elite-Karate-Uniform-Suit/dp/B00E5E7SXO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1442073599&sr=8-3&keywords=adidas+karate+suit but don't want anything too heavy ...

Any recommendations?

[JR 137]

I'm in the U.S. and I'm a guy, so take this as you will...

Century makes a women's cut gi top. Not sure what that entails other than the blatantly obvious. Several women I train with own them and like them.

Gender stuff aside, keep in mind the weight of the fabric of any gi. The Adidas gi you linked to is 14 oz. That's very heavy IMO. Some people like that, but some find that too heavy/hot to train in on a day to day basis. I own a 14 oz. gi and find it too heavy, especially in the summer. I also own a 12 oz. gi and find it better in that regard. If I can find a well made 10 oz. gi that fits me well, I'll be all over it.

Gis are just like any other type of clothing. It's all in the fit and feel of it. I hate ordering online because I always have to ship stuff back and forth before I get something that works for me. In a land where there's no local shops carrying any, let alone a range of brands and styles, I'm stuck ordering. If you live a reasonable distance to a big city such as London, you may be able to find a place that sells this stuff.

Also, keep in mind what's acceptable in your dojo. They might not like the Adidas logo on the chest or any other logo other than the one on the bottom corner of the lapel. Keep color and pant and sleeve length in mind too.

Edit: forgot to add that some women prefer tournament cut gis as well. They usually have the same measurements as the complimentary traditional cut gis, but in actuality they've got more material in the shoulder and chest area, are slimmer in the waist, and the legs are baggier. Kamikaze is a very popular brand of gis in Europe that are all tournament cut. Available in different weights and price ranges.

[sensei8]

I'm in the U.S. and I'm a guy, so take this as you will...

Century makes a women's cut gi top. Not sure what that entails other than the blatantly obvious. Several women I train with own them and like them.

Gender stuff aside, keep in mind the weight of the fabric of any gi. The Adidas gi you linked to is 14 oz. That's very heavy IMO. Some people like that, but some find that too heavy/hot to train in on a day to day basis. I own a 14 oz. gi and find it too heavy, especially in the summer. I also own a 12 oz. gi and find it better in that regard. If I can find a well made 10 oz. gi that fits me well, I'll be all over it.

Gis are just like any other type of clothing. It's all in the fit and feel of it. I hate ordering online because I always have to ship stuff back and forth before I get something that works for me. In a land where there's no local shops carrying any, let alone a range of brands and styles, I'm stuck ordering. If you live a reasonable distance to a big city such as London, you may be able to find a place that sells this stuff.

Also, keep in mind what's acceptable in your dojo. They might not like the Adidas logo on the chest or any other logo other than the one on the bottom corner of the lapel. Keep color and pant and sleeve length in mind too.

Edit: forgot to add that some women prefer tournament cut gis as well. They usually have the same measurements as the complimentary traditional cut gis, but in actuality they've got more material in the shoulder and chest area, are slimmer in the waist, and the legs are baggier. Kamikaze is a very popular brand of gis in Europe that are all tournament cut. Available in different weights and price ranges.

Solid post!!

[nyramat911]

Hi there,

I'm about 5'6" and 65kg, and certainly can relate to the gi coming open! For my lightweight gis my mum was able to sew velcro onto the top to keep it closed, and another member of my dojo (same height and weight as me) has ties like the Japanese women do.

I certainly agree with the posts above- the heavier the gi, the stiffer it is, and the more likely it is to come open. I personally prefer middleweight gis, I find the fabric pliable enough to stay in place (for the most part) but still make a nice noise when I move!

[DWx]

Hi there,

I'm about 5'6" and 65kg, and certainly can relate to the gi coming open! For my lightweight gis my mum was able to sew velcro onto the top to keep it closed, and another member of my dojo (same height and weight as me) has ties like the Japanese women do.

I certainly agree with the posts above- the heavier the gi, the stiffer it is, and the more likely it is to come open. I personally prefer middleweight gis, I find the fabric pliable enough to stay in place (for the most part) but still make a nice noise when I move!

I was just about to suggest a small square of velcro or maybe a press stud at the top.

[mazzybear]

I use the Odachi gi from Blitz. I don't have much bother with it falling open, there is some, but I think at some point, male or female, your gi is gonna have to be adjusted during class time. It's something that is never going to be completely eliminated, unless like other have suggested, you sew some velcro on, even then, any kind of grappling/throwing etc, it's still gonna come undone.

Mo.

[tangsoomomma]

I totally understand the coming open struggle. I also find my belt constantly rides up. But as far as a uniform that I find fits well, I HIGHLY suggest the ProForce Gladiator uniform or the ProForce Medium weight uniform. They are both sold by AWMA.com

The Gladiator is cut more generously in all areas and seems to stay put better. I also love their Gladiator Combat pants. Not only are they cut larger in the legs, they also have a back pocket.

I've tried several other brands and cuts, and these seem to fit me best. I'm by no means a bean pole. I'm about 5'3" and 185. I haven't tried the Century uniform, but I've heard they are super long. Which may not be a bad thing in my case since I'm not small on the back side either

-Lauren