types of gi's!?

I started training @ Florida Akikai last month, and i'm very happy training there. When I started I bought a Gi from them, problem is, i'm 6'2" 220lbs & the size 5 they had for me is too small now, and I find the material to be very restricting.

It's made by Tiger, and it feels like i'm wearing a peice of wet cardboard after class is done. Not to mention the size problem, which means constantly readjusting my Gi during class.

Are all Gi's so uncomfortable? Is there such a thing as a very soft, comfortable, properly sized, maleable Gi that maybe I could purchase online?

Thanks!
Regards,

Try out Tozando.com - but brace yourself... they are quite expencive...

Gerritt,

What style of gi is it, judo or karate? All gi's are somewhat stiff to start off with but several trips in the washer generally helps. Adding a strong dose regular bleach (not color safe) when washing the first 2 or 3 times also helps. Don't do this every time because this weakens the fabric. Fabric softener is also a good choice. Lastly, if you are using the dryer don't use high heat it will shrink your gi. I find it best to take them out slightly damp and air dry.

Another brand that is more economical than mentioned above is Kamikaze. These are going to be stiff at first but will lossen up over time. If you want that soft feel I suggest purchasing the karate gi, as it is thinner and not as stiff. Buy a good quality canvas, 14oz or greater. Take care.

mark

No help with the soft/hard thing, but get a size 6 and wash it and dry it on max heat.

Gi's shrink and your dimensions are definitely not a 5.. though out of the bag it'll fit and the 6 may float.

This wil happen with most karate and judo gi.

If you sweat alot get a judo gi..

Try Budo-King made and sold through bugei.com. I love these soft and durable gi's .... (around $50 or so )

Hi !

One of our senior sempais just bought a Tiger

gi ,because he remembered it as being a good gi,

he has now come to remember why he stopped using them.

They are verey densely woven and do not breathe as well as other types.

The Tiger gi is - I think - more of a Karate gi.

I've come to really like single weave Mizuno gi. You can get a size 6 for around $66 at Academy of Karate, Martial Arts Supply. The Mizuno's tend to be a little softer and a little bigger than the same size in some other brands.

Bronson

Hi Gerrett,

bujindesign.com (I have both the thin and the thick ones) are really, really nice. The Coolmax lining on the jackets is sweeeeet. If you go too thin (like a karate gi), in my experience, the jackets get saturated with your sweat and that almost feels worse than a thick one that doesn't move well. Though in 98% humidity thin is good....

Iwata (link on this site under supplies) are very nice, but thick, and take a while to soften up. Once they do however, wow! Knees are doubled all the way to the floor (as they should be!). Both bujin and iwata about the same price if I remember correctly.

I might get a Tozando for my next one just to try them out.

Somebody else in another thread mentionned Combat Kimonos.

thanks for all the replies!! I really appreciate it!