Gear
Best Taekwondo Uniforms: How to Choose a Dobok
For class, buy a mid-weight uniform from your school or a known brand. For competition, buy from the World Taekwondo approved list.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 26, 2026A taekwondo uniform, called a dobok, should fit loosely, move easily and match your school’s rules. For class, an 8 oz cotton blend is a good middle weight. For competitions under World Taekwondo rules, choose a uniform from an approved brand: for sparring these include Adidas, ANTA, Daedo, Fila, JCalicu, KPNP, Kwon, Mooto and Tusah.
Ask your school first
Many schools require a uniform with the school logo, a certain color of trim or a specific brand. Buy the first uniform from the school if you can, so the stitching, patch and color match. Ask whether the school allows a different brand later.
Fabric weight
- Light, 5 to 7 oz: hot rooms and young children. Wrinkles and wears faster.
- Medium, 8 oz: the usual student weight. Durable and easy to wash.
- Heavy, 12 to 14 oz: a stiffer feel that makes a snap sound when you kick. Common for forms and Dan tests.
Cotton blends shrink less than 100 percent cotton. Wash cold and hang dry to protect the fit.
Fit and sizing
Uniforms are sized by height. Check the maker’s chart because numbers run differently between brands. Leave room for growth in children, and expect the first wash to shorten the sleeves and legs by half an inch to an inch. The belt goes on after the fit is set, so use our belt size chart and belt size calculator at the same time.
If you plan to compete
World Taekwondo lists approved brands by category. As of 2026 the sparring uniform list includes Adidas, ANTA, Daedo, Fila, JCalicu, KPNP, Kwon, Mooto and Tusah. The poomsae uniform list includes Adidas, Daedo, Fila, JCalicu, KPNP, Kwon, Mooto and Tusah. Poomsae uniforms differ by sex and rank, so check the event notice. Approval is per category, so a brand approved for sparring uniforms is not automatically approved for protectors.
Which one should you buy?
| You are | Buy |
|---|---|
| A new student | The school uniform in a medium weight |
| A child who is growing | One size up, 8 oz, cotton blend |
| A forms competitor | A WT-approved poomsae uniform in the right cut |
| A sparring competitor | A WT-approved sparring uniform, plus approved protectors |
| A Dan candidate | A heavier uniform, black trim if your school uses it |
Care
Wash cold, hang dry and iron on low if the school expects a crisp look. Do not bleach. Keep a spare so you can wash one after each class.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best taekwondo uniform?
A mid-weight uniform from your school or a known maker that fits well. For competition, choose from the WT approved list.
What does a dobok weigh?
Student uniforms usually run from about 6 to 8 oz. Heavy competition and Dan uniforms run 12 to 14 oz.
Can I wear any brand to class?
Many schools allow it, but some require the school uniform. Ask first.
Do black belts wear a different uniform?
Many do, with black trim on the V-neck. Your school sets the rule.
How do I size a child’s uniform?
Use the maker’s height chart and size up one for growth.