Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

I'm seriously thinking about picking up a keiko gi jacket for doing Jyodo. With a hakama, it looks very sharp. Besides, it's pretty much the traditional wear for weapons work.

For those of you who own them, where did you buy yours?
How was the sizing? For example, did you order the same size as your regular gi?
Pricing?
Material? Cotton, poly, poly/cotton blend, etc.

Good question. I've been thinking about the same thing.

I bought both my keikogi and latest hakama through e-bogu. Both are pretty nice. One the keiko gi, they ask for all your measurements in addition to picking a size, which I guess helps them make sure that the size is right. I think I got a 6 in that and in my white dogi, as well. I think all of them are cotton, and the more expensive ones have linings that supposedly help with the sweating. I opted for the cheaper version, and it works well enough.

I got the cheaper hakama, which is synthetic (polyester) so it does have that kind of '70s fabric feel to it, but hey, no wrinkles! The pleats are stitched to keep 'em crisp, and the himo (the straps) are nice and long and also stitched to keep them flat. It may not be super traditional that way, but it sure makes owning one easier for the casual wearer. 😄 You can also order "combo deals" to get the keiko gi and hakama together, if you like.

http://www.e-bogu.com/

John Winter, I believe, has purchased some, if not all, of his iaido gear at Tozando, so I think he would vouch for them.

http://www.tozandoshop.com/

century now carries them as well -- i have examples up front you can check out

I'm an old stick-in-the-mud... I mail-order the G300 Kendo Gi Top, Indigo single weave cotton, from Kiyota company in Baltimore. A size 5 is $46 when you order 5 or more items.

The Kiyota Co., Inc.
(410) 366-8275 ofc
(410) 366-3540 fax

I wear a white undershirt (juban) which keeps me comfy, even when it is hot. Kiyota-san may have them, or check the web. They also have a blue cotton hakama H300 for $34.