Kung Fu Uniforms

Kung fu uniforms are what you wear to train: either a traditional suit, with a jacket fastened with toggles and matching trousers, or plain long trousers to wear with a T-shirt. Schools differ in what they ask for, so check your school's kit list before you buy.

Start with what your school wants: a full suit, or trousers on their own. Then compare the fabric: cotton, microfibre or a polyester-cotton blend, with a weight in ounces where the maker states one. Also compare the waist and the ankles.

These suits and trousers come in numbered sizes by height, such as 5/180cm, so use the maker's size chart where there is one. Check whether a sash is included, too: for PMA's 9oz suit, for example, the seller says sashes are sold separately.

For competitions, read the event's rules. BCCMA's Traditional Taolu Competition Rules (2024) say athletes should wear competition uniforms with athletic, event or cultural characteristics. BCCMA's Light Sanda rules ask for a training jacket or plain T-shirt with long trousers: no shorts or boxing trunks (BCCMA Light Sanda rules 2024, Rule 12.1).