Canvas Karate Jackets – Not Pre-Shrunk

Description

A white canvas karate jacket for practitioners who want the feel and durability of genuine canvas, with the choice of weight to suit their training. Available in 10oz, 12oz, 14oz and 16oz — all not pre-shrunk, all the same cut and construction, all $30.

Choose your weight and your size at checkout.

Which Weight Is Right for You?

All four weights are made from 100% cotton canvas and share the same European cut. The difference is in how the jacket feels on the body and how it moves in training.

• 10oz canvas — The lightest of the four. Durable canvas without the bulk. A good step up from poly-cotton for students who want the structure of canvas while staying comfortable in warm conditions or long sessions. The 10oz is measured by the linear yard — in practice it feels lighter than the label suggests, closer to what you’d expect from a fabric labelled 9oz by square metre.
• 12oz canvas — A mid-weight option that balances structure and ease of movement. Comfortable for regular training, holds its shape well, and suitable for most disciplines. Popular with intermediate students and instructors who train frequently.
• 14oz canvas — Heavier and stiffer. Produces better technique feedback — you hear and feel clean technique more clearly in a heavier jacket. A good choice for experienced students who want something substantial without going to the heaviest option.
• 16oz canvas — The heaviest. Dense, rigid, and demanding to train in — which is exactly why serious practitioners choose it. Produces a pronounced snap on clean technique. Not recommended for beginners or warm-climate training. All four weights are measured by the linear yard, so each feels roughly 1oz lighter on the body than the label number suggests.

If you’re new to canvas jackets, start with the 10oz or 12oz. If you’ve already trained in canvas and want to step up, the 14oz or 16oz will suit you.

About the Not Pre-Shrunk Fabric

These jackets are not pre-shrunk. The fabric is cut with a shrinkage allowance, so when you first try it on it should feel about one size larger than you’d expect. That’s intentional — after one or two cold washes it settles into a proper fit.

Wash cold and air dry every time. Hot water or a tumble dryer will shrink a canvas jacket by a full size, and it won’t recover from that. If this is your first canvas jacket, take care through those first wash cycles. The canvas will soften noticeably with each wash and wear.

Construction

• 100% cotton canvas — no synthetic blend
• European cut — well-fitting, comfortable, full range of shoulder motion
• Reinforced stitching at all seams and stress points
• White
• Jacket only — pants are not included

Suitable for karate, taekwondo, and jiu-jitsu.

Sizing Guide

• 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
• 7/200 — suits heights around 190–200cm

Because these jackets are not pre-shrunk, they will feel about one size large when first tried on. If you’re between sizes, size up.

Care Instructions

• Wash cold water — every time, especially the first few washes
• Air dry only — no tumble dryer
• Wash after every session — canvas holds sweat and will mildew if left damp
• No bleach

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the weights?

The fabric weight is the only difference — cut, construction, colour and price are identical across all four. Lighter weights (10oz, 12oz) are easier to train in and suit warm conditions. Heavier weights (14oz, 16oz) are stiffer, produce better technique feedback, and suit experienced practitioners. All are measured by the linear yard, so each feels roughly 1oz lighter on the body than the label suggests.

Will this jacket shrink?

Yes. It is not pre-shrunk. The sizing has a shrinkage allowance built in, so the jacket should feel about one size large when new. After one or two cold washes it settles into a proper fit. Wash cold and air dry to manage the shrinkage after those first wash cycles.

Is this jacket suitable for beginners?

The 10oz is suitable for most students. The 12oz suits intermediate students. The 14oz and 16oz are for experienced practitioners — heavier canvas is stiff and demanding, and can be uncomfortable for someone still developing their movement.

Are pants included?

No — this listing is for the jacket only. Matching canvas pants are available separately in the Uniforms section.

What sizes are available?

3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190 and 7/200. The number after the slash is the approximate height in centimetres the jacket is designed for. Because these jackets are not pre-shrunk, go up a size if you’re between sizes.

Can I use this jacket for competition?

That depends on your organisation. Many traditional karate and taekwondo competitions allow canvas jackets, but some bodies specify approved brands or fabric weights. Check your rulebook before competing. For club training and grading, all four weights are suitable.