Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

So at some point soonish, probably between Christmas and my January birthday, I'm thinking of treating myself to a new gi.

As some might remember, I'm quite on the round side. My current gi, an inexpensive karate gi from a local shop, only somewhat fits...it's a size 7 jacket and 8 pants cut for someone who's much taller than I am - lots of awkward looking rolling up. (The pants originally barely fit my waist but they've broken in...and I think I've maybe shrunk a little ;D). Our dojo takes orders semi-regularly for a place in CA but they don't carry the larger sizes. I know lots of people here are fans of BuJin but the site selling their stuff now doesn't offer size adjustments.

I can't spring for full-out custom tailoring, but I am looking at retailers who will at least alter the sleeves and legs to order without me having to take it into a separate place. So far I've found Gi Masters - they're about at the top of the price range I'm willing to invest. Anyone have experience with them? Anyone able to recommend alternatives?

I'm looking for a judo or aikido style gi, preferably with jacket and pants purchasable separately, in the sizes mentioned above. I don't need or want super heavyweight fabric...this is Arizona after all and even with A/C the dojo is super warm in the summer. I'll accept it possibly wearing out faster as an acceptable trade-off. Woman's cut would be a bonus but not essential.

Re: Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

Jamie, I know my custom stuff will be out of your price range. But if you find a gi you like, such as Bujin womens gi, professional alterations should be within your budget and should also be available locally. You note that for things to fit around you, the sleeves and legs are too long. Thus you should order what fits best around your body, wash them in hot water a couple of times, then get to a local seamstress/tailor. Best places for references are fabric stores, sewing schools, good quality dress shops or dry cleaners, the latter frequently employ skilled seamstresses.

Re: Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

Also, most larger producing theatres have a crew of stitchers who are almost always looking for a side buck or two.

Re: Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

I agree. I think most dry cleaners will take up pants for about 1000 yen and sleeves can't be too much more. Not sure about in America though.

Re: Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you and I just hem them myself. AS Janet said wash them a few times to let them shrink some then I just find the length I like and trim off the excess and hand sew the hem. It's a bit time consuming but it is not at all hard to do. For lighter weight fabrics you can also a product like Heat N Bond hem tape which you just use an iron.

Here is a nice little how to video.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/vid...ine.html?cat=7

Iv'e found it does not work so well for the heavy weights though. Better to hand sew those.

Re: Ordering a gi cut to fit
 

My first gi (May 2011) was chosen to match my height but was not a good fit horizontally. I bought another for a taller person and had the local dry cleaner take 10cm off the legs and 20cm off the arms.