Tabi etiquette

Tabi (足袋) are traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes.

In Takada Sensei's Dôjô almost all the students wear tabi during practice. Everyone can choose whether to wear them or not.

The only occasions when it's mandatory to wear tabi are when you're wearing montsuki (紋付). Those occasions are dan grading and iaidô demonstration.

In summer everyone wears white tabi but in winter some wear thicker and darker colored tabi. I guess the thicker ones are just warmer, I myself wear another socks under tabi in winter.

This is the tabi etiquette in Takada Sensei's Dôjô; other dôjô's, federation's, etc. style may vary.

Gloves during training

If you're afraid of losing your grip from the sweaty tsuka it's acceptable to use customized gloves during summer practice. Just cut open the finger parts and palms of some old cotton gloves or such.

There is also an esthetic reason for wearing gloves (no, the gloves don't look nice). It's considered well not definitely as a bad manner but not very acceptable either to constantly wipe your hands on your practice wear.

If you're not into wearing gloves during practice just bring your towel with you; although it is also kind of mendokusai to stop training every 10 minutes just to wipe the sweat.

So what to do?
Shut up and practice o(^-^)o
Like Takada Sensei always says no matter the circumstances let's practice like there's no tomorrow!