Tailoring your Uniform

[KenpoTess]

Here's an article I found on tailoring your uniform.

I prefer the shorter waist length tops and the kickboxing lace up front pants,


but if you are not happy with your current gi .. and have an inkling to sewing.. here you go :)

How To Tailor A Uniform
-----------------------


" Well I couldn't take it anymore. I go to class, I love working out, I love sparring, I love feeling empowered but I hate my uniform. It is so big on me and makes my 105 pound body look, well, like a 300 pound body so this week I cut up my whole uniform, added darts and let me tell you, I love it. It feels good. I am confident, I can move more freely and I look like myself. Not like a woman hiding in a mans uniform. For anyone who is interested. I am not a seamstress. Actually, I am horrible at sewing, so what I did can work for anyone.


I just took a suit I had, and traced the darts on a piece of paper. Making up the three pieces - like pattern pieces, of the suit front and the same with the back. Then I just traced them right on to the front and back of my uniform shirt. I cut down the division line of the three pieces! and then just resewed them back together, using a half inch seam. Then I just had to rehem the bottom - since it ended up shifting a bit. I just love it. My uniform fits me perfectly now. Just enough room for my chest. The back does not bulge up and you can't see my stomach out the sides any longer. And since I did not adjust the arms at all, it does not inhibit my punching, blocking or striking in the least.


The pants I had to make different adjustments to. I added darts, front and back but needed to keep the waist big, to fit over my hips, to put them on. Also, I wear hip pads when I spar - they are the best, no more bruised hips - so I needed to maintain room for those, however, the biggest adjustment was simply raising the crotch area. To do that, I just turned the waist down one and resewed it in place, rising the crotch area. I can kick much more easily now, and don't spend half my time, hiking up my pants like I did before.


Anyway, I just wanted to share my new found comfort. You can't imagine what a difference feeling good in your uniform can make. It sure has made a difference for me!!! Thanks for letting me share!"


EPBLUESTAR


http://www.apocalypse.org/pub/kiai/best_of_kiai/uniforms_that_fit.html

[KenpoTess]

What I wear for my gi bottoms.

I like them alot because they still allow me to kick but don't have all that extra material flouncing around for the crotch.. they still have the gusseted crouch but far more flattering and comfy :)

[KenpoTess]

my gi top .. the red/black

[Kroy]

How do those tops stay closed? Velcro? They look like they would give you more freedom of movement.

[KenpoTess]

Originally posted by Kroy
How do those tops stay closed? Velcro? They look like they would give you more freedom of movement.

There's a nice strip of velcro on the bottom band :) Yes they do give alot of freedom of movement.. and when your belt is tied on.. the top doesn't go anywhere.. and there's no fussing with your gi top as in the longer tops. That's something that drives me crazy.. watching the kids (who wear the traditional white gi's until they reach blue belt then they can go to a reg. black gi) constantly adjusting their tops.. wish they had a short white plain version of this one :)

I like it alot~!

[Kroy]

I think I may have to try one. Thanks Tess:)

[KenpoTess]

You're very welcome Kroy :) It's a comfy Gi for sure ~!!

[Seig]

The Black/Red Gis are very comfortable. They look good too. Century will tailor uniforms for you for a small charge if you give them the exact measurements. Once, a few years ago, I made the mistake of dropping a GI off at the local cleaners to have them tailor it for me and sew on my patches. I was less then pleased with the results. When in Florida we had a seamstress shop that we used that was not only reasonable, did excellent work, but had you try everything on before you left and fixed any problems on the spot. Since then, we have bought a sewing machine to do it ourselves. We also use it to custom stripe belts.