10oz Heavy-Duty Karate Uniform

Description

If you’ve outgrown your beginner’s lightweight gi and want something that holds up better to regular training, this 10oz heavy-duty karate uniform in 10oz poly-cotton is worth a look. It sits between the standard 8oz beginner uniform and a full canvas gi — heavier and more durable, but without the stiffness you sometimes get with canvas.

At $59.00, it’s a practical step up that suits regular club training, grading, and competition preparation for all styles — Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, or any style that uses a traditional white uniform.

Why 10oz fabric makes a difference

Most beginner uniforms are made in 7–8oz fabric. It’s light and comfortable, which is perfect when you’re just starting out. But once you’re training several times a week, that lighter fabric starts to show wear quickly — seams stretch, fabric thins, and you end up replacing it sooner than you’d like.

The 10oz weight holds its shape better over time. The fabric is still supple and moves easily with you, so there’s no stiff break-in period like you’d get with a heavier canvas gi. You get noticeably more durability without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.

Another practical benefit: the heavier fabric doesn’t cling to your body the way lighter uniforms can during intense training sessions. If you’ve ever had a sweaty gi plastered to your back mid-sparring session, you’ll appreciate this.

Construction and materials

The fabric is a 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend. This combination is chosen for good reason:

• Polyester adds durability and resistance to shrinkage — wash after wash, this gi keeps its size and shape.
• Cotton adds breathability and that softer feel against the skin.

The jacket has a well-made lapel with 5 rows of stitching. This matters because the lapel takes a lot of punishment in grabbing drills and sparring. Reinforced stitching throughout means the seams aren’t going to give out on you during a tough class.

The pants are cut with a full gusset, which is essential if you’re doing high kicks, deep stances, or ground work. Without a proper gusset, pants pull across the thighs and restrict your movement — or worse, split at the seam. The waistband uses both elastic and an inner drawstring, so you can get a secure fit regardless of your waist size.

The cut is described as a professional European style — generous through the shoulders and chest. This means it won’t drag across your shoulders when you raise your arms for a high block or overhead technique.

How does it compare to canvas?

If you’re weighing up this uniform against a canvas gi, here’s an honest comparison:

Canvas uniforms (like our 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz options) are made from 100% cotton, which tends to keep you cooler in warm conditions because cotton breathes better than polyester blends. Canvas also produces that satisfying snap sound when you throw a technique, which some instructors value for demonstrations and competition.

The trade-off is that canvas gis start stiff. A new canvas gi can feel quite rigid for the first several washes before it softens up. The 10oz poly-cotton doesn’t have this problem — it’s comfortable from the first wear.

If you train in a hot dojo or a warm climate, pure canvas might be worth the extra investment. If you want a durable gi that’s comfortable straight away and easier to maintain, the 10oz poly-cotton is the better choice.

Who is this uniform suited for?

This gi works well for:

• Intermediate to advanced students who train regularly and need something more durable than a beginner’s uniform
• Instructors who want a practical training gi that looks good and holds up
• Students preparing for gradings who want a clean, well-structured uniform
• Anyone training multiple times per week who is replacing worn-out lighter uniforms

It’s not the best choice if you specifically want a 100% cotton gi for competition rules that require it, or if you’re after that traditional canvas snap for kata performance. For those needs, check our canvas range starting at the 12oz Karate Gi.

Sizing guidance

This uniform is available in four sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, and 6/190. The number system combines a size number with the approximate height in centimetres it’s designed for.

• 3/160 — approximately 155–165cm height
• 4/170 — approximately 165–175cm height
• 5/180 — approximately 175–185cm height
• 6/190 — approximately 185–195cm height

The cut is generous through the shoulders and chest. If you’re between sizes, sizing up will generally give you a larger, looser fit for training. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help you pick the right size based on your measurements.

All sizes are the same price, which is good to know if you’re ordering for a club or multiple students.

Care and maintenance

The poly-cotton blend is easy to look after. Wash in cold water and hang or lay flat to air dry. Avoid the dryer — repeated heat cycles will shorten the life of any martial arts uniform. The polyester content means minimal ironing is needed; it comes out of the wash relatively smooth. Because there’s no shrinkage to worry about with this fabric blend, you won’t need to size up to compensate for washing.

What’s included

This uniform comes as a complete set: jacket, pants, and a white belt. If you’re already a coloured belt, you’ll swap the white belt out for your current rank belt. The white belt is a nice inclusion for beginner students who need everything in one purchase.

Specifications

• Fabric weight: 10oz
• Fabric composition: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• Colour: Bright white, fade-resistant
• Sizes: 3/160, 4/170, 5/180, 6/190
• Includes: Jacket, pants, white belt
• Weight (packaged): 1kg
• Price: $59.00 AUD (same for all sizes)

Features summary

• 10oz poly-cotton blend — durable, comfortable, no shrinkage
• 5-row stitched lapel for reinforced wear resistance
• Full gusset in pants for unrestricted kicks and stances
• Elastic waist with inner drawstring for a secure fit
• Generous cut through shoulders and chest
• Doesn’t cling during heavy training sessions
• Minimal ironing required
• Bright white, fade-resistant fabric
• Complete set: jacket, pants, and white belt included
• Free shipping within Australia on orders over $150

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the belt included with this uniform?

Yes, a white belt is included. If you’re already a coloured belt, you can set the white belt aside and wear your current rank belt with the uniform.

Will this uniform shrink in the wash?

No. The 65% polyester content means there’s no meaningful shrinkage. Wash in cold water and air dry, and this gi will keep its original size and shape.

How does the 10oz poly-cotton compare to the 8oz beginner uniform?

The 10oz is noticeably more durable and holds its structure better over time. It’s a little heavier but still very comfortable to wear. The main upgrade is longevity — this gi will outlast an 8oz uniform significantly if you’re training regularly.

Is this suitable for competition?

It depends on your competition’s rules. Many clubs and local competitions accept poly-cotton gis. Some higher-level competitions require 100% cotton canvas. Check with your instructor or competition organisers if you’re not sure. For training and most club competitions, this uniform is perfectly suitable.

What if I’m between sizes?

The cut is generous, so if you’re right on the border between two sizes, most people find the larger size more comfortable for training. Contact us with your height, weight, and chest/waist measurements and we can advise which size will suit you best.

How does the poly-cotton feel compared to a canvas uniform?

Poly-cotton is softer and more flexible straight away — no stiff break-in period. Canvas starts stiffer but softens over time and tends to breathe slightly better in hot conditions. If you want comfort from day one and easy care, poly-cotton is the better choice. If you specifically want 100% cotton and don’t mind the initial stiffness, canvas is worth considering.