Gi question

[shamster]

I was wondering...is there a reason why some gis are made with the seam down the middle of the back? To me, it always looked uncomfortable, and it seems like it's another place it could potentially rip. That's why I avoided Atamas and purchased the MKimono and Mizuno (the basic single weave) gis.
However, I notice some other well respected gis like the HCK have a seam down the middle. Also, the Rickson Gracie Mizuno gi, which is supposedly designed by Rickson, also has the seam. I imagine if he didn't want a seam, it would be designed that way, so I have to imagine the seam is there for a reason.

Is there any benefit or lack thereof to having the seam down the middle of the back that I'm not aware of? Thanks in advance!

[aseepish]

That's another reason why I like Koral and Keiko Raca - no seam! That said, I also own an Atama and a Rickson Mizuno. The Atama has seen the most use of all my gis, and I haven't had any problems with it. Touch wood.

I have no idea what the advantage of a seam would be.

[JaredExtreme]

It's kind of interesting, a lot of people complain that the seam down the back is uncomfortable. I have 4 gi's, 3 have a seam down the back (2 Howards and 1 Gamness) and 1 without a seam (Mkimono). To be perfectly honest, I have never even noticed the seam while rolling. Both types of gi's feel the same to me. I dunno, maybe it's more annoying to big guys. Besides, you should never be flat on your back anyways

Also, I've heard the main reason manufacturers put a seam down the middle is that it allows them to make the gi in multiple (smaller) pieces instead of one piece of fabric. Using multiple pieces supposedly reduces cost because it wastes less fabric.

[Ahoym8e]

some gi's have wide (3") seams, and it doesn't really matter. Atama is the one with the narrower seam down the middle that can be irritating to your spine as you train.