Gear
Taekwondo Headgear and Chest Protectors: WT-Approved Brands and Fit
Headgear and a chest protector are the two pieces of sparring gear that decide whether you can enter a World Taekwondo event. This guide shows which brands are approved and how to fit them.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 26, 2026World Taekwondo approves headgear, trunk protectors and face masks from nine brands under its framework effective February 3, 2026: Adidas, Daedo, Hasado, KPNP, Kwon, Maxwin, Mooto, Tusah and Wacoku. Approval is given per product category, not per brand across all products, so check each item. Electronic scoring events use sensor gear such as the Daedo GEN3 PSS, which WT certified in February 2025.
| Approved brands (headgear, trunk, face mask) | 9: Adidas, Daedo, Hasado, KPNP, Kwon, Maxwin, Mooto, Tusah, Wacoku |
|---|---|
| Framework effective | February 3, 2026 |
| Approval basis | Per product category, not per brand |
| Electronic system certified | Daedo GEN3 PSS, February 2025 |
| PSS components | E-trunk, E-headgear, E-foot protectors, transmitter, receiver, joystick |
| PSS certification period | Next four years |
| Brands approved for all four categories | Adidas, Daedo, KPNP, Kwon, Mooto, Tusah |
What each piece does
The trunk protector, often called a chest protector or hogu, covers the ribs and trunk and is the main scoring area in WT sparring. Headgear covers the head and, in many models, the face and ears. A face mask or shield attaches in front for extra protection. In the 2018 World Junior Championships 14 of 67 injuries were to the face and 4 to the head, so this gear has a clear job. The numbers are in is taekwondo safe.
WT-approved brands by category
| Brand | Kyorugi uniform | Limb, groin and hand protectors | Headgear, trunk, face mask | Poomsae uniform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANTA | Yes | No | No | No |
| Daedo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fila | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Hasado | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| JCalicu | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| KPNP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kwon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maxwin | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mooto | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tusah | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wacoku | No | No | Yes | No |
Nine brands are approved for headgear, trunk protectors and face masks, and six brands (Adidas, Daedo, KPNP, Kwon, Mooto and Tusah) are approved in all four categories. Hasado, Maxwin and Wacoku appear only on protective gear lists. ANTA and Fila appear only on uniform lists.
World Taekwondo says approval is not granted to an entire brand across all products. A brand can be approved for one category and not another, so check the exact product when you buy for a WT-sanctioned event.
Electronic scoring gear (PSS)
Major events score body kicks with a protector and scoring system. The Daedo GEN3 PSS was officially certified by World Taekwondo in February 2025 for the following four years. It includes an electronic trunk, electronic headgear, electronic foot protectors, a transmitter, a receiver and a joystick. Foot sensors increased from 11 to 15 in this version, and the system is lighter than earlier PSS models. The punch sensor was left out of the certification because the WT Technical Committee postponed its use.
Club students rarely buy electronic gear, because event organizers supply it. If you plan to compete, ask the organizer what you must bring, and buy a standard trunk protector and headgear for training.
Which gear to buy
| Your situation | Buy |
|---|---|
| Class sparring only | Any well-fitted trunk protector and headgear your school accepts |
| Entering WT-sanctioned events | Gear from a brand approved in the headgear, trunk and face mask category |
| Competing at electronic events | Standard WT-approved gear for training; the organizer provides sensor gear |
| Child who is growing fast | Adjustable fit and a size that leaves room for growth, replaced as needed |
| Practicing at home with a partner | Complete set with mouthguard and groin guard |
How to check the fit
| Gear | Check | Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk protector | Stand with arms raised and twist | It covers ribs and does not ride up or gap at the sides |
| Trunk protector | Breathe in fully | Straps hold without squeezing |
| Headgear | Shake your head with the strap fastened | It does not slide or rotate |
| Headgear | Look straight ahead and to each side | You can see clearly, with no pad across your eyes |
| Face mask | Move your jaw and speak | The mask stays clear of your mouth guard |
| All gear | Throw a kick in each protector | It does not restrict hips or shoulders |
Use the gear size guide to find your starting size, then try the gear on in person when you can. Brands size differently.
Care and replacement
- Air dry gear after each class. Do not leave it in a closed bag.
- Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Keep it out of hot cars, which can warp foam.
- Replace headgear or a trunk protector when the foam is compressed, cracked or loose.
- Replace strap and buckle parts that no longer hold.
The rest of your kit
Headgear and a chest protector work with a mouthguard, groin guard, shin guards and forearm guards. See the sparring gear checklist and best sparring gear. For the mouth, read best mouthguards for taekwondo.
Frequently asked questions
What brands of taekwondo headgear are WT approved?
Adidas, Daedo, Hasado, KPNP, Kwon, Maxwin, Mooto, Tusah and Wacoku are approved in the headgear, trunk protector and face mask category under the framework effective February 3, 2026.
Is every product from an approved brand approved?
No. Approval is by product category, so check that the item you buy is in an approved category.
Do I need a chest protector for class?
Many schools require one for sparring. Ask your instructor what the class needs.
What is a PSS in taekwondo?
A protector and scoring system. It has sensors in the trunk protector, headgear and foot protectors, and sends hits to the scoring system.
Can I use my own gear at an electronic event?
Usually the organizer supplies the sensor gear. Check the event notice.
How do I know my headgear fits?
It should not slide when you shake your head, and it should not block your vision.
How often should I replace sparring gear?
When the foam is compressed or cracked, or the straps no longer hold. Kids may outgrow gear within a year or two.
Can kids use adult headgear?
Only if it fits. Gear that is too large shifts on impact and protects less.