“Can I Be Fashionable in Martial Arts Class?”

Okay, so you’ve just started in your new martial arts program and you want to know if you can have any creativity with how you dress?

The answer is: It Depends.

Yes, really.

Taekwondo schools can be rather particular about their uniform policy, so it’s very important. The reason is because it’s a matter of respect and tradition. Traditionally speaking, only black belts can wear colored uniforms with black collars. Color belts typically wear white shirts with white collars and white pants. Basically, if you don’t wear a black belt, don’t wear a black uniform (trust me, it won’t look cool). Remember, you should always ask your instructors permission before coming to their class uniquely dressed. Different schools have different uniform policies, and some are extremely particular. So, best to be respectful!

But, if your instructor has said you can, congratulations! If you’re instructor has said you can’t, don’t worry! You can still use this article to learn about taekwondo doboks and aspire to be fashionable one day! Better yet, take that black belt test and you might be able to dress up too!

So, Here are some different types, and ways of dressing for taekwondo class that I like to do.

My absolute favorite is a full black y neck dobok. Simple and sleek, I have gotten multiple compliments for it's simplicity and it's mystery! As an instructor it makes me stick out too, which is very helpful for making sure that people know I'm the instructor. Mine in particular is one that has stitching and uses cloth that makes it feel lighter, even after an intense work out. On top of that, I'm also told I look quite good in black, so I suppose that helps too!

On the opposite end of the color scheme is the all white v-neck dobok. Of course, as with tradition my collar is still black, but the rest is white! This particular one is made of a similar color and is rather common among black belts. Of course, it makes sense that it is more common. It's main difference from the color belt uniform is simply the collar. That, in my mind, is quite humbling. In a sense, it's a reminder that, though we are black belts, we are still students in taekwondo and don't know everything.

The next on the list are dobok vests. Not the shortsleeve dobok tops that you see in Cobra Kai. These are vests that are put on top of the dobok. These are often worn by demonstration teams, and I could not find them for the life of me. They look so cool though! To be honest, I don't think they serve any utilitary value, but when worn for artistic purposes, present a unique look in demonstration shows. If these are findable, tell me! I would love to know where I can find them for a demonstration team!

Wow, you read that whole article? Thanks! As a bonus, here is a whole section on formal clothes for black belts!

One question I've been struggling with finding the answer to actually has to do with fashion. How should a martial artist dress for a formal event? Is there a special way we should dress? Given the formality that is a part of taekwondo, it only makes sense that we would have rules about that too, right?

Oddly, the information on this is not clear. Some say that you should simply wear formal clothes at formal events. Other sources say that you should have a specific pin. Others say you should simply wear your nicest dobok (at a testing, not your sister's wedding). Personally, I like wearing a suit when I get an opportunity. When it came to testings and competitions, my colleagues often would personalize the black suit, white shirt, red tie uniform with an appropriately themed lapel pin or something like that. So the conclusion I've come to is that there is no particular rule on how a taekwondo practitioner should dress for formal events. But what do you think? Have you heard differently? Message me, I'd love to hear about it!

So, in summary, though you can only wear a white dobok as a color belt, once you become a black belt there is a range of possibilities that can be worn. In some ways, this demonstrates, in a fashion-based sense, that taekwondo is a diverse community of people. All with their own experiences, concepts, and yes, doboks. It's sometimes surprising, especially when coming to a new school. Nonetheless, it is still quite the testament to the unique nature of the taekwondo community!

What do you think? Do you have a favorite uniform? Message me and tell me all about it!