Women have always been part of Wing Chun. The art’s founding legend is about a woman, Yim Wing Chun, and today women train in our classes alongside everyone else. For a long time, though, martial arts clothing was designed mainly with men in mind. Our ladies’ range changes that, with three pieces cut specifically for women. This article explains what each one is for, how they fit and when to wear them.
The Ladies Official Wing Chun Training T-Shirt
What it’s for
The Ladies Official Wing Chun Training T-Shirt is designed for training: forms, drills, partner work and everyday wear. It’s the ladies’ alternative to our standard club shirt.
What it’s like
- Relaxed fit that moves naturally with you and doesn’t restrict your arms or shoulders during hand techniques.
- Ultra-soft combed and ring-spun cotton, lightweight and breathable.
- Pre-shrunk, side-seamed construction that holds its shape wash after wash.
It’s a comfortable, practical shirt for an hour of Wing Chun, and smart enough to wear afterwards.
The Ladies Official Wing Chun Hoodie
What it’s for
The Ladies Official Wing Chun Hoodie is your warm layer for chilly evenings, arriving at class and cooling down afterwards.
What it’s like
- Ultra-soft premium cotton-blend with a smooth cotton face.
- Structured three-panel hood and a deep front pouch pocket.
- Flat drawstrings and a sleek silhouette.
Important sizing note
This hoodie runs small. We recommend ordering one size larger than your usual size for the best fit.
The Ladies Wing Chun Lightweight Quarter-Zip Pullover
What it’s for
The Ladies Wing Chun Lightweight Quarter-Zip Pullover is perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs and layering on the go.
What it’s like
- Lightweight polyester that won’t overheat you.
- Moisture-wicking and odour-resistant fabric.
- Quarter-zip for easy temperature control and quick on-and-off over your training tee.
- Sleek, sporty fit that moves with your body.
Like any outer layer, it comes off before partner work or chi sau.
Putting the pieces together
- Arriving: hoodie over the training tee.
- Warming up: swap the hoodie for the lighter pullover, or wear the tee on its own if the room is warm.
- Training: training tee.
- Cooling down and going home: hoodie back on.
Women in our classes
Women train in our regular mixed adult classes, which run Monday to Thursday, 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm, and Friday, 7:05 pm to 8:05 pm. Wing Chun suits people of every size and strength, because it relies on structure, angles and relaxation rather than muscle. Adult partner work is based on applications: applying techniques with a partner in a controlled way, building pressure gradually as confidence grows.
Many women tell me they appreciate the respectful atmosphere and the practical self-protection skills. From time to time we’ve also run women-only courses, so ask us if you’re interested.
Choosing sizes
Sizing varies between garments, so check each product page before ordering. As a rule of thumb, the training tee has a relaxed fit and the hoodie runs small, so go up a size. If you like to layer the quarter-zip over a base layer and tee, consider how much room you want underneath. If in doubt, ask us at the centre and we’ll help you pick the right size before you order.
Why a women’s cut matters
Comfort affects training. A shirt that pulls across the shoulders, rides up during stances or gapes at the neck is a distraction. A cut designed for women lets you forget about your clothes and focus on your structure, your breathing and your partner. That’s the whole point.
Caring for your ladies’ kit
- Wash inside out, following the care labels.
- Avoid fabric softener on the quarter-zip to keep its moisture-wicking properties.
- Line dry where possible to keep shape and prints at their best.
Do I need the ladies’ range to train?
No. For your first class, just wear comfortable clothes. Once you join, you can wear the standard club shirt or the ladies’ training tee, whichever you prefer. The ladies’ range simply gives you the option of a fit designed for you.
Come and train
If you’ve been thinking about trying Wing Chun, we’d love to welcome you. Book your free trial class, or read more about our weekday evening classes on the Wing Chun classes in Halesowen page. The ladies’ range is available in our online shop whenever you’re ready.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen