Kung Fu and Tai Chi Silk Uniforms: Black or White Silk

Questions about the Silk Uniform? Here are some answers.

• Is it “raw” or “polished” silk?
  This is the most popular silk clothing in the world because they are made of high-quality raw silk. Unlike the shiny silk usually seen in demonstrations and competitions with glaring colors, this uniform is made in the traditional way with neutral colors and from thicker, more durable raw silk. Raw silk looks and feels soft and comfortable like cotton.
• Is it 100% Silk or a blend?
  Unlike other uniforms out there, this is made from 100% of the finest raw silk available. It has a pre-washed cotton trim and frog buttons for durability and sturdiness. Frog buttons derive from the Qing Dynasty clothing styles, with their typical ornamental braiding button and loop.
• What is "raw" silk?
  Raw silk is typically a short fiber silk recycled from spinning silk. The raw "noil" silk, with its coarse texture, is no longer available in the silk industry, and fewer people have been manufacturing it in the last 10 years, resulting in a lower quality silk. The new herringbone silk is an entirely new type of raw silk that is far superior in every way.
• What is "herringbone silk"?
  It is raw silk fabric with a herringbone weave. The weave makes the fabric much stronger and longer-lasting than the old, sometimes threadbare "Noil" silk. It has low sheen and resists wrinkle.
• Is silk hot to wear?
  Silk is an amazing material. Because it is a natural fiber, rather than man-made, it doesn't interfere with your body's circulation or temperature regulation. It keeps you warm when you need it, and it breathes and dries quickly when you work up a sweat. That's why we love it!
• Is it machine washable?
  Yes, wash it at home like cotton in cold water and hang to dry. It has been pre-washed to minimize bleeding and shrinking. The first time you wash it, put it in your machine alone on cold setting.
• Does it need to be dry-cleaned?
  No, just wash at home on cold and hang to dry. You may want to iron it every few times that you wash it to keep it smooth and looking its best.
• Will the colors bleed?
  No, it has been pre-washed. The first time you wash it, put it in your machine alone on cold setting and then hang to dry.
• How is the sizing?
  The uniforms are available in different sizes, so please view the chart to see what size best match your body type. We recommend that you order the same size you would wear in a sweatshirt or sweatpants. The uniform should be loose and comfortable. Some hemming may be required; everyone's body is different.
• How big/loose should the uniform be?
  The pants should allow you to bend or squat without resistance. The sleeves should be the long enough that they rest on the back of your hand. Everyone's body is different, and you may find that the size you prefer the diameter of needs a bit of hemming in the arms or legs. You may clasp the frog buttons on the sleeves when needed to keep your hands free.
• How long will the uniform last?
  You will get years of enjoyment if properly cared for. Several of us in the YMAA offices and many people in YMAA Schools worldwide wear these silks very often, sometimes several times per week. When washed, dried, and handled correctly, the uniform should last several years.
• Why is it so inexpensive?
  Others are selling similar uniforms at higher prices, and most of these are NOT 100% Raw silk. The fact is that we decided to redesign the silk uniforms at a higher cost to ourselves to create the highest quality uniform possible, and we're keeping the price as low as possible, so that more people can enjoy these silks as much as we do here at YMAA.
• What is the origin of the chinese silk clothing?
  To learn more about how the Chinese developed silk clothing and how it gained relevance in martial arts society, read "Traditional Chinese Tai Chi and Kung Fu silk clothing".