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Keikogi

Keikogi is the kendo jacket, a thick kimono style garment. Most people wear blue (indigo or synthetic indigo dyed) keikogi, although white is also common. The original reason for using indigo as a dye was because of its antiseptic qualities should the wearer be wounded. The color of the keikogi has no real significance, but children and women sometimes wear white. White is also the preferred color of The Imperial Palace Police. Keikogi come in a wide range of qualities and thicknesses, from thin summer weight to double thickness. Double thickness keikogi tend to last longer and give more protection against off target hits.

Keikogi are simple to put on, just ensure that you wrap from left to right and tie the munehimo in a horizontal bow. The keikogi should fit so that the collar does not show a gap at the nape of your neck and the back of the keikogi should be smoothed down so that it is free from wrinkles. Keikogi sizes vary from maker to maker, so it pays to take the advice of your equipment supplier. It may sometimes be necessary to move the munehimo, or tabs that hold the keikogi closed at the front, to ensure a close fit at the collar.