Pacific Sports Canvas Karate Uniforms – 14oz and 16oz

Description

If you’ve been training for a while, you’ve probably already worn out a lightweight uniform. The seams go first — usually at the inner leg or collar — and the fabric thins at the knees after a season of hard training. That’s what these canvas gis are built to avoid. The 14oz and 16oz options here are for people who train seriously and need a uniform that keeps up.

Why Canvas? Why These Weights?

Canvas gis feel completely different from the poly-cotton uniforms in most beginner kits. The fabric has real weight and substance. When you grab the lapel or sleeve, it doesn’t stretch and deform the way a lighter gi does — and that matters for kata, partner drills, and any training where you’re grabbing each other repeatedly.

The weight number tells you how heavy one square yard of fabric is. Heavier means a thicker, denser weave. Here’s how the two options compare:

• 14oz — the midweight canvas option. Substantial enough for serious training, but not as stiff or heavy as the 16oz. If you’re coming from a lightweight gi and want a proper canvas uniform without it feeling like armour, 14oz is where most people land. It’s also a good all-round choice for instructors and senior students who want durability without the extra break-in time. $99 AUD.
• 16oz — the heavyweight end of canvas training gis. Preferred by some instructors for the extra durability and the particularly sharp, audible snap it produces on techniques. It takes longer to break in, but once it does, it moulds to your body and becomes one of the most comfortable things you own. At this weight, it should outlast several lighter alternatives. $110 AUD.

Both gis are stiff when new — that’s completely normal for canvas. After a handful of washes and training sessions, the fabric softens noticeably. Most people find it hits a comfortable feel after the third or fourth wash.

Construction Details

The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders and chest. This matters practically — it means you can chamber a punch or execute a full shoulder rotation without the seams pulling tight across your back. If you’ve ever trained in a gi that was too narrow across the chest, you understand immediately why the cut matters.

The pants have a full gusset — a diamond-shaped reinforcement piece sewn into the crotch area. For high kicks, deep horse stances, or any work where you’re fully extending the legs, this is essential. Without a gusset, pants split. With a full gusset, you can chamber a high kick without a second thought. The waistband has both an elasticated waist and an internal drawstring, which together give you a secure fit that stays put during training.

Both weights use heavy-duty double stitching at all stress points. The collar, seams, and cuffs are where most gis fail first, and double stitching here makes a genuine difference to how long the gi lasts — especially if you train with a lot of partner work.

The material is 100% cotton canvas — not a cotton-poly blend. Cotton breathes better, absorbs moisture more effectively, and feels more comfortable against the skin during long sessions.

What These Gis Are (and Aren’t) Good For

Karate and taekwondo: Both weights work well here. The canvas weight gives a traditional feel that suits both arts, and the generous cut allows full range of motion for kicking and striking. These are WKF approved, which makes them suitable for training and competition under WKF rules.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu training: Yes, with some caveats. The double stitching and canvas construction handle BJJ grip work and drilling well. However, if you’re competing in BJJ tournaments, check the specific gi regulations — some competitions require gis built to IBJJF specifications with particular collar constructions. For general BJJ dojo training, these hold up well.

Hot, unventilated dojos: Heavy canvas retains more heat than lightweight alternatives. If you’re training in a warm Queensland summer without air conditioning, a lighter gi might suit you better. These gis breathe reasonably well for canvas, but they’re not the choice for maximising ventilation.

Sizing Guide

Sizes run from 3/160 through to 7/200. The first number is a general size; the second is the approximate height in centimetres the size is designed for. Use the size chart images on this page for detailed measurements.

A few notes from experience:

• Both gis are pre-shrunk. The sizing is stable after washing — you don’t need to size up to account for shrinkage.
• If you’re between sizes, go up. Heavy canvas has less give than lighter fabrics, and a slightly larger gi is always more comfortable to train in than one that’s too snug.
• The jacket fit is fixed — prioritise getting that right. The drawstring pants give you flexibility at the waist, but the jacket shoulders need to fit properly.
• If your build is heavier through the shoulders or chest, consider the next size up — the jacket is cut generously but a larger frame benefits from the extra room.
• Both weights are available in every size from 3/160 to 7/200.

Care Instructions

• Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle
• Wash with similar colours — white canvas can bleed very slightly on the first wash or two
• Hang to air dry; avoid the dryer where possible, as heat accelerates fabric breakdown
• Take it out while still slightly damp and give it a shake to keep the fabric smooth
• Don’t leave it rolled up wet in your bag — canvas holds moisture and will develop a mildew smell if left damp

What’s Not Included

Belt is not included. This gi comes as jacket and pants only. If you need a belt, contact us when you place your order and we can add one to the same package — saves you a separate shipping cost. We stock belts in all standard colours and grades.

Specifications

• Available weights: 14oz ($99 AUD) and 16oz ($110 AUD)
• Material: 100% cotton canvas
• Colour: White
• Construction: Pre-shrunk, heavy-duty double stitching at stress points
• Pants: Full gusset, elasticated waistband, internal drawstring
• Jacket: Generous cut through shoulders and chest
• Includes: Jacket and pants (belt sold separately)
• Sizes: 14oz — 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190, 7/200 | 16oz — 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190, 7/200
• SKUs: 14oz — 14OZCGI | 16oz — 16OZCGI
• Approval: WKF approved
• Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over AUD $150

Features Summary

• 100% cotton canvas — breathable, durable, softens with wear
• WKF approved — suitable for karate and taekwondo training and competition
• Pre-shrunk — stable sizing after washing
• Heavy-duty double stitching at all stress points
• Generous jacket cut for full range of shoulder movement
• Full gusset pants — no restriction on high kicks or deep stances
• Elasticated waist with internal drawstring
• Suitable for karate, taekwondo, and BJJ dojo training
• Belt sold separately — contact us to add one to your order

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a belt included with this gi?

No. Both the 14oz and 16oz come as jacket and pants only. If you need a belt, let us know when you order and we can include one in the same package at no extra shipping cost. We stock all standard colours and grades.

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

The 14oz is the midweight option — substantial enough for serious training but less stiff than the 16oz, with a slightly easier break-in period. The 16oz is heavier and denser, preferred by some instructors for extra durability and the sharper technique snap it produces. If you’re new to canvas gis, 14oz is a good starting point; if you want maximum longevity and you don’t mind breaking it in, go 16oz.

These gis feel stiff when new. Is that normal?

Completely normal for canvas. Both weights are dense, tightly woven fabrics and will feel quite stiff straight out of the bag. After two or three washes and a few training sessions the fabric softens considerably. Most people find it hits a comfortable feel within the first month of regular use — it’s worth persisting through those initial sessions.

Can I use these gis for Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

Yes, for dojo training. The double stitching and canvas construction handle BJJ grip work and drilling well. They’re not IBJJF-approved competition gis, but for general BJJ training they hold up to most demands. If you’re competing in BJJ tournaments, check the specific uniform regulations before purchasing.

Will this gi shrink after washing?

Both gis are pre-shrunk, so the sizing is stable. Wash cold and air dry to keep them in best condition. If you’re between sizes, we’d still recommend sizing up — canvas has less stretch than lighter fabrics, and a slightly larger gi is much more comfortable to train in.

Is this gi suitable for competition?

Yes — both weights carry WKF approval and are suitable for karate and taekwondo competition and grading. As always, check your specific organisation’s uniform requirements before competing, as some bodies have additional rules around gi weight or construction.