Before starting your journey for your first Taekwondo uniform, it is very important to first talk to your instructor or a higher-ranking student within the school (also called "dojo"). Find out what the requirements are for your school and if there are any Do's or Don'ts when it comes to buying a judo uniform. If you are a white belt DO NOT buy a white judo uniform with black trim as these are traditionally reserved for instructors. Beginning Taekwondo students commonly start with a white uniform with a white belt. However, many dojos are trying to distinguish themselves by using more colors within their uniforms and even belts. This distinguishing is also done through patches that will be sewn onto your uniform in specific places like; right chest, left chest, back, etc. Requirements vary greatly, so be sure to ask.

Matching Your Size and Build

judo uniform sizes are based according to height, but this does vary with manufacturers. Before shopping make sure you know your height or the person you are buying the judo uniforms for. Make sure to also consider your weight in addition to your arm and leg length. Always keep in mind that the more cotton the uniform is made of the more it will shrink in the first couple of washings. Always make sure to wash the Robak according to the ins ructions on the label. So, it is best to get a slightly bigger one than that which fits perfectly in the store.

Different Weight of Uniforms

Lightweight (around 6 oz.) - These are usually the least expensive uniforms but are good in a hot Dojo. In judo, these uniforms are good especially since there isn't grappling involved. If your judo school incorporates some ground techniques as well it is best to at least go with a medium weight, otherwise, a lightweight uniform will make a good first uniform.

Medium Weight (around 10 oz.) - This weight of uniform is the most versatile and fits a lot of different styles other than judo like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. It will take a lot of abuse and still hold up and also absorb your sweat so you keep cooler and dryer. This weight is usually considered the best value for the money.

Heavyweight (around 14 oz. and higher) - In judo, this weight is usually reserved for the instructors and higher ranking students. However, in Judo this weight is normal due to the extreme grappling nature of that style. So if your judo school does ground training then you might consider this weight. Like the middleweight uniform, the thickness of the material will keep your sweat away from your skin so it will keep you cooler and dryer.

Fabric Makeup and Quality Matters

Some of the material that is blended with cotton is Dacron and Nylon which are lighter than cotton. Just keep in mind the more the uniform contains Dacron or Nylon the less it will absorb sweat. So, if you easily sweat or sweat profusely get the highest percentage of cotton you can afford. Also if your judo school does takedowns, throws, or other types of grappling the heavier cotton uniforms work well and are easier to grab.

Many students start to see their ultra-white judo uniform starting to fade within a couple of months of when they started training. So, if your uniform is no longer bright white just add 1 cup of vinegar next time you wash it and it will come out clean and vibrant. Yellow underarm shirt stains are likely caused by a combination of deodorant and perspiration. Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When these salts are combined with laundry detergent, especially in cooler water settings, they aren't easily dissolved, and they remain on the fabric robbing it of the brightness.