Big equipment

[saki_wooah]

I have a very long hakama, and sometimes it just bugs me because I keep stepping on it and it slows down my kendo. I tried putting it higher but then I have to tied it very tight and I just can't breath after.
What should I do?
Should I put it in the dryer? What is the safer way to shorter it?
I also have a very big gi... really bugs me! I'm too small!

[Neil Gendzwill]

If your hakama is cotton, you can put it in the dryer. If it's polyester like most people's you'll have to have it hemmed. Your kendogi is probably cotton, try washing hot and drying hot if its lots too big - if its a little too big try washing cold and drying warm to start.

[nodachi]

Sew it! I had to do it to mine and afterwards it fit perfectly.

[Will]

Don't you know that sagging Hakamas is the new fasion in kendo now adays? All the cool people wear their hakamas low.

As for the big keikogi, that's not so fashionable, get that shrunk, gain a couple more years...or just get fat and grow into it, i recommend the first option.

[iwatekenshi]

If it's cotton throw your hakama into a bath using warm water and then hang it out flat to dry. It should naturally shrink.

[nodachi]

One advantage of having it hemmed is that as you grow, if you should happen to out grow the length, you could un hem it and not have to buy a new hakama.