Ordering custom judo or taekwondo uniforms isn’t as simple as picking a color and a logo. Federations set strict rules on fabric weight, weave, fit, and construction — and getting it wrong means uniforms that get rejected at weigh-in, wear out fast, or simply don’t perform on the mat.
As a manufacturer producing custom judo (judogi) and taekwondo (dobok) uniforms for clubs, academies, and retail brands worldwide, Wani Wear put together this guide to help you order with confidence, whether you’re outfitting a local dojo or building a retail line.
Judo Uniform (Judogi) Requirements
Fabric Weight (GSM)
Judogi are graded by grams per square meter (GSM), and the right weight depends on use:
- Single Weave (~300–450 GSM) — lightweight, breathable, best for training and youth programs
- Double Weave (~550–750 GSM) — the standard for competition; thick, durable, resistant to grip tearing
- Triple/Gold Weave (~750–950+ GSM) — heavyweight, used at elite/competition level, built to withstand aggressive gripping
Most IJF (International Judo Federation) sanctioned competitions require double or triple weave jackets with reinforced stitching at stress points — shoulders, collar, and underarms.
Cut and Construction
- Jacket must be long enough to cover the hips and, when the belt is tied, extend past the fingertips when arms hang at the sides
- Sleeves should reach the wrist bone, with enough room to fit a fist between the sleeve and forearm
- Pants must reach at least mid-calf
- Collar reinforcement (typically 4.5–6 cm wide) is required for competition-grade jackets to resist gripping and tearing
Color and Branding Rules
IJF and most national federations only permit white or blue judogi in competition, with sponsor/club logos restricted to specific placements (chest, back, and pant leg) and sizes. If you’re manufacturing for retail rather than competition, you have far more flexibility with color and print — this is where sublimation and embroidery branding come in.
Taekwondo Uniform (Dobok) Requirements
Fabric Weight and Type
Dobok fabric is lighter than judogi, since taekwondo emphasizes speed and kicking over grip-based grappling:
- Poom-sae/Poly-cotton blends (~180–220 GSM) — lightweight, breathable, ideal for training and forms (poomsae) competitions
- Ripstop or diagonal-weave cotton (~220–280 GSM) — more durable, common for sparring dobok that need to withstand repeated contact
Kukkiwon and WT (World Taekwondo) guidelines generally call for lightweight, breathable fabric that allows a full range of motion for kicks and pivots — heavier fabric is discouraged since it restricts movement.
Cut and Style
Two dominant cuts exist:
- Cross-collar (traditional) style — the classic V-neck wrap style, still used in many WT-sanctioned events and by traditional schools
- Wraparound jacket style — a more modern cut favored for its stretch and comfort in dynamic movement, popular for training wear and youth programs
Color and Branding Rules
Standard dobok are white, though black-collar versions denote rank in many schools (typically 1st Dan and above). Club patches, national flags, and sponsor logos are usually restricted to shoulders, chest, and back panels, with size limits under WT competition rules — again, retail and training-line dobok have much more branding freedom.
What to Specify When Placing a Custom Order
When you approach a manufacturer, come prepared with:
- Use case — training, club-level competition, or federation-sanctioned events
- GSM/weight preference — based on the categories above
- Sizing chart — youth, adult, and any custom sizing your athletes need
- Branding placement — logos, sponsor patches, national flags, and exact positioning
- Color requirements — competition-compliant or open for retail design
- Quantity and reorder frequency — helps the manufacturer plan fabric sourcing and lead times
Why Manufacturers Matter Here
Federation compliance isn’t just a formality — a judogi that’s too light will tear mid-match, and a dobok that’s cut too tight will limit a competitor’s kicking height. A manufacturer who understands these specs (not just a generic apparel factory) saves you from costly reorders and unhappy athletes.
Wani Wear manufactures custom judo and taekwondo uniforms alongside boxing, MMA, and gym wear — built to the fabric weights, cuts, and branding rules your club or brand needs, with sublimation and embroidery options for retail lines. Get in touch with Wani https://waniwear.com/waniwear-shop/Wear to discuss specs and request a sample.
