Black Karate Gi, All Cotton

Description

A practical all-cotton gi for karate and taekwondo

If you’re looking for a black gi for training or grading, this is a solid, no-fuss option. Made from 100% cotton in a traditional cut, it gives you everything you need — jacket, pants, and a white belt — at a price that makes sense whether you’re buying for a child just starting out or picking up a backup uniform for yourself.

Black gis are popular in many karate and taekwondo schools, particularly for students who want a more traditional look, schools that have a black uniform policy, or anyone who finds that a white gi shows dirt too readily at training.

Why cotton works well for training

Cotton has been the standard gi fabric for a long time, and for good reason. It breathes well in warm weather, softens with each wash, and sits comfortably against your skin during long sessions. If you’re training in Queensland or anywhere in northern Australia where dojo temperatures get high, cotton handles the heat better than synthetic blends.

The trade-off is that cotton takes longer to dry than polycotton and wrinkles more easily. If you’re training several times a week, wash it straight after class and hang it out overnight. In humid weather, allow a bit more drying time.

At 8oz, this is a lightweight fabric — practical for kids who find heavier gis awkward to move in, and comfortable for adults in warmer training environments. It’s not as stiff as canvas gis, so it moves with you rather than against you.

What’s included

The set comes with three pieces: jacket, pants, and a white belt. The white belt is a starter belt — if you already hold a coloured belt, simply swap it out. For a student walking into their first class, having the belt included means one less thing to organise.

The jacket is generously cut through the shoulders and chest. This matters more than most people realise — a gi that’s tight across the shoulders restricts your punching range and makes techniques like armbar escapes uncomfortable. Room to move is part of the design.

The pants have an elasticated waist with an inner drawstring, and a full gusset — the extra fabric panel at the crotch. If you’re doing taekwondo or any style with high kicks, a gusset is essential. Without it, you’ll feel the seams pulling every time you chamber a kick.

Who this gi suits

This uniform works well for:

• Children starting karate or taekwondo who may outgrow it within a year or two
• Adults beginning martial arts training before committing to a heavier or more expensive gi
• Schools supplying uniforms to new students at a manageable cost
• A backup gi when your main uniform is in the wash
• Students whose school or style requires black uniforms

It’s less suitable for:

• Competition — most tournaments have specific uniform standards; check your association’s rules before entering open events
• BJJ or judo — grappling arts need heavier, reinforced gis designed to withstand gripping and throwing; this cotton gi isn’t built for that
• Students training five or more days a week who need something that holds up to heavy use long term

Sizing guide

Pacific Sports uses a dual sizing system: the first number is a size code and the second is the approximate height in centimetres the uniform is designed for. So size 3/160 suits someone around 160cm tall.

Available sizes:

• 0/130 — approximately 130cm height
• 1/140 — approximately 140cm height
• 2/150 — approximately 150cm height
• 3/160 — approximately 160cm height
• 4/170 — approximately 170cm height
• 5/180 — approximately 180cm height
• 6/190 — approximately 190cm height

Gi sizing is based on height, not weight. If you’re between sizes, go up — a slightly long sleeve is easier to manage than a jacket that pulls across the shoulders. If you’re buying for a child who’s growing quickly, sizing up by one is usually a good call. The generous cut means a little extra room won’t look sloppy.

See the size chart for full measurements.

Care instructions

Wash cold, air dry. Cotton will shrink in a hot dryer, so avoid machine drying. Hang in the shade — prolonged direct sunlight can fade black fabric over time. Iron on medium heat if needed. Washing straight after training also helps preserve the fabric.

Specifications

• Material: 100% pure cotton
• Weight: 8oz fabric
• Colour: Black
• Includes: Jacket, pants, white belt
• Waist: Elasticated with inner drawstring
• Seams: Heavy-duty double stitching
• Gusset: Yes (full gusset in pants)
• Sizes: 0/130 through 6/190
• Price: AUD $45.00

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this uniform include a belt?

Yes, a white belt is included with the jacket and pants. If you already hold a coloured belt, just use that instead.

Is a black gi acceptable for karate gradings?

That depends entirely on your school and association. Many karate and taekwondo schools use black uniforms for all students, or for students above a certain grade. Check with your instructor before purchasing if you’re unsure of your school’s requirements.

Will this gi shrink in the wash?

Cotton shrinks a little with the first few washes — typically around 3–5%. Wash in cold water and air dry to keep shrinkage to a minimum. If you’re close to the boundary between two sizes, consider going up one.

Can my child use this for competition?

Competitions typically have specific uniform requirements around weight, cut, and sometimes labelling. A club or school grading is generally fine with this gi, but check your association’s rules before entering an open tournament. Some competitions also specify white uniforms only.

Is this suitable for BJJ or judo?

No. Grappling arts like BJJ and judo require a heavier, reinforced gi with a stiffer collar designed to withstand gripping and throwing. This 8oz cotton gi isn’t built for that kind of stress and would wear out quickly under grappling conditions.

My child is growing fast — should I size up?

Yes, generally a good idea. The jacket is cut generously, so a slightly larger size won’t look oversized. Given kids grow quickly and cotton shrinks a little, going up one size from the height chart usually works well and gives you longer use out of the uniform.