A well-fitted Taekwondo uniform (dobok) ensures freedom of movement, safety, and a polished look during practice or competition. Here's how to choose the right size:
- Measure Height & Weight: These are key factors for sizing. Use a height-weight chart from your uniform brand.
- Kids' Sizing: Focus on height with extra room for growth.
- Adults' Sizing: Match height and weight for a balanced fit.
- Brand Differences: Sizing varies by brand - check their specific charts.
- Mixed Sizes: If between sizes, choose the larger one for better mobility.
Quick Tip: Wash in cold water to prevent shrinkage, and adjust oversized uniforms with simple alterations like hemming or Velcro.
Proper sizing improves technique, reduces injury risks, and ensures comfort. Follow these steps to find your perfect fit and focus on your training.
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Dobok Size Basics
As mentioned earlier, dobok sizing follows a specific system. Here's a closer look at how it works:
Dobok vs Regular Clothing Sizes
Taekwondo uniforms use a numerical sizing system (000 to 8) instead of standard clothing sizes.
| Regular Clothing | Dobok Sizing Focus |
|---|---|
| Chest/Waist/Inseam | Height and Weight Combined |
| Standard S/M/L | Numerical (0-8) |
This approach ensures the uniform allows for the freedom of movement required in Taekwondo.
Kids vs Adults Sizing Guide
For children, dobok sizes are based on height with room for growth, while adult sizes consider both height and weight for a balanced fit.
| Age Group | Size Range | Height Range | Important Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids | 000-0 | 4'0"-4'6" | Extra room for growth |
| Adults | 1-8 | 4'9"+ | Fit tailored to height and weight |
For example, a size 3 is suitable for someone 5'6"-5'8" and weighing 150-170 lbs[1][4].
Taking Accurate Measurements
Getting the right measurements is key to finding a dobok that fits well and allows for proper movement during Taekwondo practice. These measurements will help you match your size to the numerical system mentioned earlier.
Height, Weight, and Waist Measurements
To measure your height, stand barefoot against a wall. Place a book flat on your head and measure the distance from the floor to the book[1][4].
Use a reliable scale to check your weight[1]. For your waist, grab a flexible measuring tape and measure around the narrowest part of your torso - usually just above your belly button. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight and stays parallel to the floor[1][4].
Mixed Size Categories
If your measurements don’t perfectly match a standard size:
- Focus on height for the best overall fit[1][4].
- If you’re between sizes, go for the larger one to ensure freedom of movement[1][3].
For kids (as explained in the Kids vs Adults Sizing Guide), height is the most important factor. Leave some extra room for growth, as outlined in earlier tips. If you're unsure, consider ordering two sizes if the return policy allows it.
Reading Brand Size Charts
Dobok size charts differ by brand but generally follow similar guidelines. Use your measurements from earlier to help narrow down your choices.
Brand Size Comparison Chart
Each major taekwondo uniform brand uses its own sizing system. Here's a quick comparison:
| Brand | Size Range | Height Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics World | 1-8 | 4'9" - 7'0" |
| KWON | S-XXL | 150-190+ cm |
| TKD Wellness | 0-8 | 4'6" - 6'4" |
For KWON sizes, it’s recommended to add 5 cm for better movement and round up to the next size[5].
Choosing Between Multiple Sizes
If your measurements fall between sizes:
- Athletic or muscular builds: Go for a size larger than your height measurement suggests[1].
- Recreational practitioners: Focus on height measurements, while competitors should stick to height-weight charts.
Here’s why these details matter:
- TKD Wellness uniforms tend to fit smaller[1].
- KWON uniforms hold their size better after washing[6].
- Dynamics World provides extended sizing for a wide range of body types[4].
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Sizing for Kids and Movement
When using brand sizing charts for children's uniforms, it's important to keep growth and movement in mind. Here's how to make sure their uniforms fit well and last.
Planning for Growth
Kids grow fast, so their uniforms need to keep up. To get the most out of a uniform, choose a size based on their current height but leave room for 6-12 months of growth. For instance, a child who is 130cm tall might need a 140cm size[1][3]. Keep these factors in mind:
- Average annual growth is usually 5-7cm.
- How often they train and wear the uniform.
- Your budget for replacing uniforms as they outgrow them.
Adjusting Larger Uniforms
If the uniform is slightly big, a few simple adjustments can make it work. For example, you can use hem folds with removable stitches, add back darts to reduce jacket bulk, or apply hidden Velcro to pant hems[1][3].
"A study of junior taekwondo practitioners found that those wearing properly fitted uniforms had 15% fewer trip-related incidents during training compared to those in oversized uniforms[1][3]."
For quick fixes, try these:
- Use safety pins to adjust pant seams.
- Add Velcro strips to pant hems for easy length adjustments.
These adjustments can help ensure safety and comfort during training.
Care and Fit Adjustments
Washing Without Shrinking
Once you've chosen the right size, keeping your uniform in great shape is all about proper care. Regular maintenance helps avoid shrinkage, which can affect the fit described in sizing charts. To minimize this risk, wash your uniform in cold water (≤30°C) on a gentle cycle with mild detergent[1].
Follow these tips for best results:
- Pre-wash preparation: Turn the uniform inside out to protect any embroidery.
- Drying process: Lay flat to air-dry or hang it up, keeping it away from direct heat.
For a polished look, iron the uniform while it’s still slightly damp, using medium heat[7].
Basic Uniform Alterations
If you need to adjust your dobok for a better fit, focus on maintaining its durability and structure. For example, sleeves should end about 2 inches above your wrists, and pants should rest just above your ankles[4].
Here's a quick reference for common alterations:
| Alteration | Method | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve Length | Reinforced stitching | Keep 2-inch clearance at wrists |
| Pant Length | Double-fold hem | Ensure they sit above the ankles |
| V-neck Adjustment | Adjust for chest fit | Retain the traditional appearance |
When making changes, use strong, durable thread and reinforce all seams to handle the wear and tear of training[4].
For more complex alterations - like those needed for competitions - consider hiring a professional. This ensures your uniform not only fits well but also meets safety and competition standards[3].
These adjustments align with earlier strategies for planning ahead, helping your uniform last longer and stay functional.
Conclusion
Getting the right dobok size plays a key role in improving training and ensuring safety. By using the measurement techniques and brand-specific charts discussed earlier, practitioners can find a uniform that fits well and supports their practice.
Key aspects of proper sizing impact training in several ways:
- Freedom of movement for executing techniques effectively
- Reduced risk of injuries during practice
- Improved focus by minimizing distractions
- A polished look for both practice and competition
For both beginners and seasoned practitioners, a well-fitted dobok not only supports better technique but also reflects the discipline and respect central to Taekwondo. Taking accurate measurements and understanding how sizing varies by brand allow practitioners to concentrate fully on skill-building instead of dealing with uniform issues[1][2].
When making the final choice, prioritize performance. Opt for a size that ensures mobility while keeping the traditional proportions intact[3][4]. This careful attention to fit enhances not just immediate training but also long-term growth in the art of Taekwondo[1][3].
FAQs
How do you know your taekwondo uniform size?
To figure out your taekwondo uniform size, you'll need to compare your height and weight using a height-weight system[1]. Here's how to get the right size:
- Measure your height and weight.
- Add about 5 cm to account for shrinkage.
- Check the brand’s size chart for a match.
For specific ranges, refer to the Kids vs Adults Sizing Guide and the Brand Comparison Chart mentioned earlier. If a brand has unique sizing, consult the Brand Size Comparison Chart in the previous sections[3].
How do I choose a taekwondo uniform?
Once you’ve determined the correct size, consider these factors:
Fit Check: Make sure the uniform fits well. Test arm mobility by raising your arms overhead, and ensure the pants allow for high kicks without restriction. These points are covered in earlier measurement tips[2].
Material Choice: After finding the right size, pick a material weight that suits how often you train. Lightweight fabrics may be better for beginners, while heavier options might suit advanced practitioners. Brand comparisons can help you find specialized fits[3].
Your uniform should offer full range of motion and look polished. The jacket should close securely, and the pants should reach your ankles without dragging on the floor[2].