12oz Canvas Karate Gi

Description

The 12oz canvas karate gi sits in a sweet spot for most karate practitioners — heavier than a lightweight training gi, but not so heavy that it becomes cumbersome during long sessions. If you’re training regularly and want a uniform that holds up over years rather than months, this is worth a serious look.

Why 12oz canvas?

Gi fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard, and it tells you a lot about how a uniform will perform. Lightweight gis (8–10oz) are fine for beginners or occasional use, but the fabric can be thin and tear at the stress points — collar, sleeve ends, knee panels — after a year or two of hard training. At 12oz, you get a noticeably denser weave that resists that kind of wear.

That said, 12oz isn’t the heaviest option available. If you train in a hot dojo without air conditioning, or you compete in styles where a very stiff, structured gi is preferred, you might want to look at our 14oz or 16oz options. The 12oz is the right choice if you want durability without the extra weight and stiffness of a heavier canvas.

Construction details that matter

The seams on a gi take enormous stress — think about every time someone grabs your lapel, or the repeated strain on your knee panels during low stances. This gi uses double-reinforced stitching at all seams, which distributes stress across two rows of thread rather than one. It’s a simple detail that makes a real difference to how long the uniform lasts.

The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders and chest. This matters more than people realise — a tight cut across the upper back restricts your punches and makes it hard to perform techniques cleanly. You want fabric that moves with you, not against you.

The pants deserve mention too. They feature a full gusset — an extra panel of fabric sewn into the crotch area — which gives you the room you need for high kicks, deep horse stances, and front stretches without the seam pulling or tearing. The waist uses both elastic and a drawstring, so you can get a precise fit regardless of whether your waist and height don’t follow standard proportions exactly.

Pre-shrunk fabric

Canvas gis are notorious for shrinking in the wash if they haven’t been properly pre-treated. This gi is pre-shrunk, which means what you order is largely what you’ll get after washing. There may be very minor shrinkage after the first wash — this is normal with canvas — but you won’t find yourself suddenly wearing a gi that’s two sizes smaller. Wash cold and hang dry to keep shrinkage minimal and extend the life of the fabric.

What’s it suitable for?

This gi works well across most karate styles — Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, Kyokushin, and others. The white canvas is WKF approved so tournament-legal for most organisations. It’s appropriate for both training and competition use.

It’s worth being clear about what it’s not ideal for: If you’re doing BJJ, the weave and cut are completely different — you’d want a purpose-built BJJ gi instead.

Sizing guide

This gi is sized by height, not waist or chest measurements, which is common for martial arts uniforms. The sizing runs:

• 3/160 — suits height around 160cm
• 4/170 — suits height around 170cm
• 5/180 — suits height around 180cm
• 6/190 — suits height around 190cm

Check the size chart (shown in the product images) for detailed measurements across chest, sleeve length, and pants inseam. If you’re between sizes, it’s generally better to size up — you can always tighten the drawstring on the pants, and a slightly longer jacket looks more professional than one that rides up when you raise your arms. If you’re above 190cm or have an unusually large build, this gi may not fit well, and it’s worth contacting us before ordering.

For juniors: this size range is suited to older teens and adults. If you’re buying for a child or smaller junior, check our other uniform options.

Care instructions

Machine wash cold. Hang dry or tumble dry on low. Don’t use bleach — it weakens canvas fibres and yellows the fabric over time. If you train frequently, rotate between two gis if possible; giving a canvas gi time to fully air out between sessions helps it last longer and reduces odour build-up in the fibres.

What’s included / not included

• Karate jacket (uwagi) ✓
• Karate pants (zubon) ✓
• Belt — sold separately

If you need a belt, you can add one to your order and they’ll ship together. Free shipping applies on orders over $150.

Specifications

• Fabric weight: 12oz canvas
• Colour: White
• Includes: Jacket and pants
• Sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190
• Stitching: Double-reinforced at all seams
• Pants waist: Elastic + drawstring
• Pants gusset: Full gusset
• Pre-shrunk: Yes
• Price: $92.00 (all sizes)
• SKU: 12OZCGI

Features at a glance

• 12oz canvas — durable enough for regular intensive training
• Double-reinforced stitching at all seams
• Generous cut through shoulders and chest for full range of movement
• Full gusset pants for high kicks and deep stances
• Elastic + drawstring waist for a secure, adjustable fit
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Suitable for training and competition
• Jacket and pants included
• Belt sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the belt included with this gi?

No, the belt is sold separately. You can add a belt to your order at the same time and they’ll be shipped together, saving on postage.

How does the 12oz compare to your 14oz and 16oz gis?

The 12oz is lighter and more flexible than the 14oz or 16oz options, making it more comfortable for long training sessions in warmer conditions. The heavier weights offer more rigidity and structure, which some styles and competitors prefer. If you train in a hot environment or move between a lot of styles, the 12oz is often the more practical daily trainer.

Will this gi shrink when I wash it?

It’s pre-shrunk, so significant shrinkage is unlikely. There may be very minor shrinkage after the first wash, which is normal with canvas. Wash cold and hang dry to keep it to a minimum.

What karate styles is this gi suitable for?

It’s suitable for most karate styles including Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, and Kyokushin. The white canvas is tournament-legal for the majority of competitions. It’s not designed for BJJ — that discipline uses different cuts and fabrics.

I’m between sizes — should I size up or down?

Size up. A slightly longer jacket looks more professional and gives you room to move, and you can adjust the pants waist with the drawstring. A gi that’s too short will ride up when you raise your arms and restrict your technique.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes, we ship across Australia. Orders over $150 qualify for free shipping. You can add a belt or other items to reach that threshold if needed.