Tai Chi Suits
Author: David | 
Tai Chi suits are sometimes worn to taiji classes but especially worn for perfomances. Based on traditional Chinese clothing, these suits are available in different styles, colours and fabrics. You should choose the outfit carefully as some vaieties can be very hot to wear and difficult to fasten or might require dry cleaning.
Usually available in black or white but also popular in blue and pink, they may be trimmed in a contrasting shade.
The typical weight of silks is around 500g. Sometimes the same suit may be available from the manufacturer in a summer and winter weight.
Most suits will not come with any washing instructions but you should find that most can be treated like washable silk and given a cool wash and iron.
Cotton is a very practical material for regular use but thin cotton suits that flow well are rather difficult to find. The medium or heavyweight tai chi suit or kung fu suit is typically not actually made in China It comes from the factories in the Sialkot area of Pakistan where they make boxing equiment and uniforms for Japanese martial arts. Many of the factories there turn out a very professional product but you may notice that the styling is a bit different.
Viscose - You can also get suits made of a thick viscose fibre which weigh more than 1kg. A bit stiffer and heavier than the silks, they have the advantage of holding their shape during movements without needing buttons at the cuffs or riding up the arm. They also are better for embriodery because of the weight of the fabric. Best suited to a cool environment or outdoor use. Avoid thin poor quality viscose as is may not hold its shape.
Fabrics
Silks are usually made of a polyester blend and have a satin finish. They have the advantage of flowing really well and enhancing the performance. You will often see the masters in the tai chi videos wearing these.Usually available in black or white but also popular in blue and pink, they may be trimmed in a contrasting shade.
The typical weight of silks is around 500g. Sometimes the same suit may be available from the manufacturer in a summer and winter weight.
Most suits will not come with any washing instructions but you should find that most can be treated like washable silk and given a cool wash and iron.
Cotton is a very practical material for regular use but thin cotton suits that flow well are rather difficult to find. The medium or heavyweight tai chi suit or kung fu suit is typically not actually made in China It comes from the factories in the Sialkot area of Pakistan where they make boxing equiment and uniforms for Japanese martial arts. Many of the factories there turn out a very professional product but you may notice that the styling is a bit different.
Viscose - You can also get suits made of a thick viscose fibre which weigh more than 1kg. A bit stiffer and heavier than the silks, they have the advantage of holding their shape during movements without needing buttons at the cuffs or riding up the arm. They also are better for embriodery because of the weight of the fabric. Best suited to a cool environment or outdoor use. Avoid thin poor quality viscose as is may not hold its shape.
Fastenings
The traditional tai chi suit fastens with about six frog buttons up the front of the jacket. The 'frog' is simply a knot which inserts into the loop to button up the suit. Quite often the cuffs on the sleeves will also be fastened with frog buttons and the trousers will be elasticated around the waist and cuff for that martial arts look. It also helps in accomodating different leg and arm lengths. Other designs will leave the cuffs loose for a more relaxed look.When to buy
If you are just starting taiji it is probably not a good idea to turn up to your first lesson in costume unless your teacher has specifically asked you to. Some teachers like to get their students all wearing the same outfits whereas most just need their students to wear something practical ie. loose comfortable clothing and low shoes. Personally I wear my suits for special occasions and demonstrations. Normally in class I wear trousers and a t-shirt or polo shirt. 
