Pacific Sports 14oz & 16oz Canvas Karate Gi, Not Pre-Shrunk

Description

A heavy canvas gi for practitioners who know what they want. Whether you train in the 14oz or the 16oz, these gis share the same cut, the same construction, and the same Australian-grown reputation for lasting through years of hard training. The only difference is the weight of the canvas — and that difference matters.

Both weights are available as a product variation. Choose your weight and your size at checkout.

14oz vs 16oz — Which Weight Is Right for You?

Both gis are made from 100% cotton heavy canvas. Both are not pre-shrunk, cut generously, and built to last. The weight is the one variable, and it shapes the feel of the uniform in your hands and on your body.

• 14oz canvas — Substantial without being punishing. Heavy enough to hold its shape and produce audible technique feedback, light enough to train in comfortably for a full session. A good choice for experienced students and instructors who want the feel of a canvas gi without the bulk of a very heavy one. The 14oz is measured by the linear yard rather than the square yard — in practice, it feels roughly 1oz lighter than the label suggests.
• 16oz canvas — This is the heavier of the two. It takes more effort to move in, produces a more pronounced snap on clean technique, and holds its structure even more rigidly than the 14oz. The 16oz is also measured by the linear yard, so it feels closer to 15oz on the body — but it is still a serious, heavyweight uniform. Experienced practitioners and instructors often gravitate toward this weight. Not recommended for beginners or training in warm environments.

If you’re unsure which to choose, the 14oz is the easier starting point for most people moving up from lighter gis. The 16oz is for those who specifically want the heaviest option available.

About the “Not Pre-Shrunk” Fabric

Pay attention to this before you order.

The fabric in these gis has not been pre-shrunk. When you wash it, it will shrink. The gi is cut with a shrinkage allowance built in — so when you first try it on, it should feel about one size larger than you’d expect. That’s intentional. After a couple of washes in cold water, it will settle into a proper fit.

The heavier the canvas, the more important this is. Wash cold. Air dry. Every time. Hot water and a tumble dryer can shrink a canvas gi by a full size, and it won’t recover from that.

Many experienced practitioners actually prefer a non-pre-shrunk gi — a few cold washes and the uniform moulds to your body in a way a pre-shrunk gi can’t match. But it requires a bit of attention in those first few wash cycles.

If predictable sizing matters more to you than a personalised fit, take a look at our pre-shrunk options.

Construction and Materials

Both the 14oz and 16oz gis share the same construction:

• 100% cotton heavy canvas. No synthetic blend. Cotton breathes better than poly-cotton under hard training and gets more comfortable with each wash as the fabric softens.
• Heavy-duty double stitching at all seams. Seams are where cheaper gis fail — particularly at the collar, shoulders, and crotch. Double stitching means they hold under repeated stress.
• Generously cut jacket through the shoulders and chest. A jacket that pulls across the back restricts your blocks and limits shoulder rotation. These are cut with room to move.
• Full gusset in the pants. Essential for high kicks, deep stances, and any technique that demands full hip extension. Without a full gusset, the crotch seam takes the load every time you chamber a kick. With one, you have unrestricted range of motion.
• Elasticated waist with internal drawstring. The elastic keeps the pants seated during fast movement. The drawstring lets you fine-tune the fit. Both together means the pants stay where you put them.

Who These Gis Are For

These gis suit:

• Instructors who wear a gi every session and need something that will outlast everything else in the kit bag
• Intermediate to advanced students in karate, taekwondo, or traditional jiu-jitsu
• Practitioners who want the feel, snap, and structure of a genuine heavy canvas uniform
• Anyone who has worked through lighter gis and is ready to invest in something more substantial

These gis are not ideal for beginners, younger students, or anyone training regularly in a warm environment. If that sounds like your situation, our 8oz poly-cotton or 10oz canvas options are better starting points.

Sizing Guide

Sizes are listed as a number followed by the approximate height in centimetres the gi is designed for:

• 3/160 — suits heights around 150–160cm
• 4/170 — suits heights around 160–170cm
• 5/180 — suits heights around 170–180cm
• 6/190 — suits heights around 180–190cm

Because these gis are not pre-shrunk, they will feel roughly one size large when you first try them on. If you’re between sizes, size up — the gi will shrink to fit, but it won’t grow if you buy too small.

If you’re broad across the shoulders or carry more weight through the chest, the generous jacket cut should accommodate you without needing to go up a size for that reason alone. If you’re unsure, get in touch — we’re happy to help you pick the right size.

Care Instructions

• Wash in cold water — this is especially important for the first few washes while the shrinkage is still settling
• Air dry only — a tumble dryer causes uneven shrinkage and damages stitching over time
• Wash after every training session — canvas absorbs sweat, and a damp gi left in a bag goes to mildew quickly
• Do not use bleach — it weakens cotton fibres

The canvas will soften noticeably over the first several washes. The stiffness when it’s new is normal for heavy cotton — it breaks in over time, similar to heavy work pants.

What’s Not Included

Belt is not included. These gis are sold as jacket and pants only. If you need a belt, let us know when you place your order and we can include one in the same parcel. We stock belts in all colours and grades for karate, taekwondo, and jiu-jitsu.

Specifications

• Available weights: 14oz canvas or 16oz canvas (both measured by linear yard; feels approximately 1oz lighter than labelled)
• Material: 100% cotton heavy canvas
• Colour: White
• Pre-shrunk: No — shrinkage allowance built into sizing
• Includes: Jacket and pants
• Belt: Not included (available separately)
• Available sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190
• Suitable for: Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced practitioners

Features Summary

• Choose 14oz or 16oz canvas weight as a product variation
• 100% cotton heavy canvas construction
• Not pre-shrunk — shrinkage allowance built in for a personalised fit
• Double stitching at all stress points
• Generously cut jacket for full shoulder and chest movement
• Full gusset pants for unrestricted kicks and stances
• Elasticated waist with adjustable internal drawstring
• Jacket and pants included — belt sold separately
• Softens and moulds with wear and washing

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the 14oz and 16oz?

The fabric weight. The 14oz is substantial and holds its shape well — it gives you the feel of a canvas gi without being overly heavy to train in. The 16oz is denser and stiffer, with a more pronounced snap on technique, and it takes more effort to move in. Both are measured by the linear yard rather than the square yard, so in practice each feels about 1oz lighter than its label suggests. Everything else — cut, construction, materials, and price — is identical.

Will this gi shrink? How much?

Yes. These gis are not pre-shrunk, so they will shrink when you wash them. The fabric is cut with a shrinkage allowance, meaning the gi should feel about one size larger than your normal size when you first try it on. After a couple of cold washes, it settles into a proper fit. Wash in cold water and air dry to manage how much it shrinks after those first wash cycles.

Is this gi suitable for beginners?

No — canvas gis are heavy and stiff, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive for someone still learning basic movement. Beginners are better served by an 8oz or 10oz uniform. Once you have a solid foundation and want something more substantial, come back to this listing.

Does the belt come with it?

No. These gis are sold as jacket and pants only. If you need a belt, just let us know in your order notes or when you contact us and we’ll include one in the same parcel. We stock belts in all colours and sizes.

Can I use this gi for competition?

That depends on your organisation. Many traditional karate and taekwondo competitions permit heavy canvas gis, but some competition bodies specify approved brands or fabric weights. Check your organisation’s rulebook before competing. For club training and grading, both weights are suitable.

What’s the sizing system? The numbers are confusing.

The size number corresponds roughly to the practitioner’s height in centimetres divided by 30 — so a size 5 is designed for someone around 180cm tall. The second number (e.g. /180) is the approximate height the gi fits. Because these gis are not pre-shrunk, they should feel a size large on first try. If you’re between sizes, go up.