Experienced Karate and Taekwondo practitioners often prefer a strong feel to their uniform, that’s why 14oz canvas karate jackets are so popular. Just a little heavier than the 12oz jackets, but without the stiffness and bulk of a 16oz, – 14oz sits in a practical middle ground. You get the robust feel and snap that canvas jackets deliver, and the smart look of a well-structured jacket that holds its shape and resists sagging . This pre-shrunk version means what you order is what you get — no surprises after the first wash.
Why 14oz Canvas
The weight of a gi jacket matters more than most people realise until they’ve worn a few different ones. Lightweight poly-cotton (8–10oz) is fine when you’re learning, but it lacks the body and structure that canvas has. At 14oz, the fabric holds its shape, snaps cleanly when you execute a block or strike, and keeps its form through a long training session rather than collapsing into a limp piece of fabric.
Compared to 12oz, 14oz has noticeably more presence — it’s the jacket that feels right when you’re teaching a class or stepping onto a competition floor. Compared to 16oz, it’s more manageable: easier to move in during extended training, more comfortable in warmer conditions, and less demanding on the holder during partner work. For most practitioners between intermediate and senior level, 14oz is the weight they end up staying with.
Construction
14oz cotton canvas: Dense enough to have real authority and structure, but pre-shrunk so it won’t change size or shape on you after washing. The weave is tight enough to resist the repeated sweat/washing/wear that comes with regular training — this isn’t a jacket that will go limp or thin out after a season.
European cut: Cut closer to the body than traditional Japanese-style gi tops. This gives a cleaner silhouette while still leaving plenty of room to move comfortably without the fabric pulling at the shoulders and chest.
Pre-shrunk: The fabric has been pre-shrunk before the jacket is made, which means stable, predictable sizing from the first wash onward. This matters particularly when you’re buying a jacket to match pants of a different size — you need to be confident the jacket won’t change significantly after washing. What the size chart shows is what you’ll wear.
Available in White and Black
Both colours are the same 14oz canvas construction. White is the standard for Karate and Taekwondo gradings and most competitions — check your organisation’s uniform requirements before buying black if you need it for formal events. Black is practical for regular training in schools that use dark uniforms, or for practitioners who prefer it day-to-day.
Who This Jacket Is For
This is an intermediate-to-senior practitioner’s jacket. If you’re still in your first year of training, an 8oz or 10oz jacket is the right starting point — canvas at this weight is a lot to move in when you’re still building your base. If you’ve been training regularly for a few years and you’ve outgrown your lightweight jacket, or if you’re an instructor who wants something that looks and feels the part in class, this is the right step up.
It suits Karate, Taekwondo, and traditional Jiu-Jitsu — any art where a structured canvas jacket is appropriate. (It is not made for serious grappling type training). It’s sold without pants, which is intentional: many practitioners need a different jacket size to pants size, and buying separately means you can get both right.
Sizing
Available in sizes 4/170, 5/180, 6/190, and 7/200. The second number is the height in centimetres the size is cut for. Match the height number to your height first, then refer to the full size chart on this page for chest and sleeve measurements. If you’re broader through the shoulders or chest, size up — the jacket fit is fixed, so getting the upper body right matters more than the waist.
Because the jacket is pre-shrunk, the measurements on the size chart are stable. You won’t need to allow for shrinkage or size up to compensate.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle. Wash white separately to prevent colour transfer. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry — hang or lay flat to dry, which maintains shape and prevents further shrinkage. Cool iron if needed, avoiding labels and any embroidery. Do not dry clean.
What’s Not Included
Jacket only — pants and belt are sold separately. If you need matching pants, we sell canvas karate pants in a range of weights. Your jacket size is your belt size — a 5/180 jacket takes a 5/180 belt.
Specifications
- SKU: JK14
- Fabric: 14oz cotton canvas
- Cut: European
- Pre-shrunk: Yes
- Colours: White, Black
- Sizes: 4/170, 5/180, 6/190, 7/200
- Price: AUD $55.00 (all sizes)
- Pants: Not included — sold separately
- Belt: Not included — sold separately
- Shipping: FREE Australia-wide on orders over AUD $150
Features Summary
- 14oz cotton canvas — heavier than entry-level, more manageable than 16oz
- European cut — closer fit, cleaner silhouette, less excess fabric
- Pre-shrunk — stable sizing, no surprises after washing
- Available in white and black — same construction, both colours
- Sizes 4/170 to 7/200 — suits intermediate through senior practitioners
- Jacket only — buy separately from pants to get both sizes right
- Suitable for Karate, Taekwondo, and traditional Jiu-Jitsu
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 14oz canvas compare to 12oz and 16oz?
14oz sits between the two. It’s noticeably heavier and more structured than 12oz — you’ll feel the difference in how the jacket holds its shape and snaps during technique. Compared to 16oz, it’s more manageable: easier to move in, more comfortable through longer sessions, and less demanding in warmer conditions. For most intermediate to senior practitioners, 14oz is the weight they settle on.
Will this jacket shrink after washing?
Very minimally. The fabric is pre-shrunk before the jacket is made, so the measurements on the size chart are what you’ll get after washing. Wash cold and hang to dry every time to keep subsequent shrinkage minimal. Don’t tumble dry — heat is the main cause of shrinkage in cotton canvas.
Is this jacket suitable for competition?
Yes, for most Karate and Taekwondo competitions. White is generally required — check your specific event’s uniform regulations before ordering black for competition use. 14oz canvas meets the fabric weight requirements of most organisations. For WKF competitions, verify the current approved uniform list before purchasing.
Why is it sold without pants?
Because many practitioners need a different jacket size to pants size — the jacket needs to fit the shoulders and chest, the pants need to fit the hips and waist, and those measurements often don’t match in the same size. Buying separately means you can get both right. We sell matching canvas karate pants separately.
Is 14oz canvas suitable for beginners?
Not really. A 14oz canvas jacket is heavy and stiff compared to what most beginners start with. If you’re in your first year of training, an 8oz or 10oz jacket gives you more freedom of movement while you’re building your base. Once you’ve been training regularly for a couple of years and want something more substantial, this is the right step up.
How do I read the sizing — what does 5/180 mean?
The second number is the height in centimetres the size is cut for. Size 5/180 suits approximately 170–180cm, 6/190 suits 180–190cm, and so on. Match the height number to your height first, then check the full size chart on this page for chest and sleeve measurements. If you’re broader through the shoulders, go up a size — the jacket fit is fixed, so shoulder fit matters most.
