Karate Gi – Pacific Sports 16oz Heavy Canvas Gi

Description

The 16oz Heavyweight Karate Gi: Built for the Long Haul

If you’ve been training long enough, you’ve already worn out a lightweight gi or two. The seams split mid-class, the fabric thins at the knees, or the collar frays after a season of hard sweaty training.  That’s exactly why this 16oz heavyweight karate gi exists — it’s built for serious, ongoing training where a flimsy uniform just isn’t going to cut it.

This is the gi we’d recommend to instructors, long-term students, and anyone who trains multiple times a week. It’s not for beginners who might drop the sport in three months. It’s for people who are committed.

Why 16oz Canvas? Understanding the Weight Difference

The weight number — 8oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz — tells you how heavy one square yard of fabric is. Heavier fabric means thicker, stronger weave. At 16oz, this canvas is at the upper end of training-weight gis, which gives you three real benefits:

• Durability: Thick canvas resists tearing, abrasion, and stretching far better than lighter cotton. Tough training and sleeve pulls that would wreck a lightweight gi barely register on a 16oz canvas.
• Sound: Heavy canvas produces a sharp, audible crack when you snap a technique. This matters more than you might think — in kata and basics, that sound tells you (and your instructor) that your technique has real snap behind it. You can’t fake crisp technique in a heavy gi.
• Longevity: A well-cared-for heavy canvas gi should outlast several lighter alternatives. If you’re training seriously, you’ll save money in the long run even though the upfront price is higher.

The trade-off is weight and initial stiffness. This gi will feel board-stiff straight out of the bag — that’s completely normal for heavy canvas. After a handful of washes and wears, the fabric relaxes and moulds to your body. Most long-term canvas gi wearers will tell you it becomes one of the most comfortable things they own once it’s broken in.

Construction Details

This gi is made from 100% cotton canvas — not a cotton-poly blend. Cotton breathes better, absorbs moisture, and feels more comfortable against the skin during long training sessions. It also takes longer to dry, so plan accordingly.

The stitching is heavy-duty double stitching throughout. The critical stress points — collar, seams, cuffs — are where most gis fail first, and this is where double stitching earns its keep. If you train karate with a lot of partner work, those reinforced seams make a genuine difference to how long the gi lasts.

The jacket is cut generously through the shoulders and chest. This isn’t vanity sizing — it’s functional. A generous cut allows full rotation in the shoulders for punching, blocking, and overhead movements without the jacket pulling tight across your back. If you’ve ever trained in a gi that was too narrow across the chest, you’ll understand immediately why the cut matters.

The pants feature a full gusset — a diamond-shaped reinforcement piece sewn into the crotch area. For karate and taekwondo practitioners doing high kicks or deep horse stances, 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 an elasticated waist with an internal drawstring. The elastic keeps the pants from dropping during movement; the drawstring lets you dial in the fit precisely. Together they give you a secure fit without constant adjusting during class.

What This Gi Is (and Isn’t) Good For

Ideal for: Karate, taekwondo, and traditional jiu-jitsu practitioners — especially instructors, senior grades, and anyone who trains 3+ times per week. Also good for competition preparation where you want the confidence of knowing your gi won’t let you down.

Suitable with some caveats: Brazilian jiu-jitsu — the double stitching and canvas construction can handle some grip work, but serious BJJ competitors usually prefer purpose-built BJJ gis with specific collar constructions. This will work for some BJJ training, but it’s not made for competition BJJ.

Not ideal for: Very hot, poorly ventilated dojos where breathability is critical. Heavy canvas retains more heat than lightweight alternatives. If you’re training in a hot Queensland summer without air conditioning, a lighter gi might suit you better.

Sizing Guide

This gi uses a combined number/height sizing system: the first number is a general size, and the second is the approximate height in centimetres that size is designed for.

• 4/170 — designed for approximately 170cm height
• 5/180 — designed for approximately 180cm height
• 6/190 — designed for approximately 190cm height
• 7/200 — designed for approximately 200cm height

Use the size chart images above for detailed measurements. A general rule: if you’re between sizes, go up rather than down. 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 should reach your hips and allow you to raise your arms overhead without the hem lifting significantly.

Shrinkage note: This gi is pre-shrunk, which means the sizing is stable after washing. You don’t need to buy a size up to account for shrinkage — what you order is what you’ll get.

Care Instructions

Heavy canvas is straightforward to care for, but a few habits will keep it in good shape:

• Wash in cold or warm water (not hot) to prevent any residual shrinkage and preserve the fabric
• Air dry where possible — tumble drying on high heat over time can affect the canvas weave
• Wash after every training session — cotton absorbs sweat and bacteria buildup in canvas is harder to remove once established
• Don’t leave it in a bag wet — heavy canvas takes longer to dry and is more prone to odour 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 include one in the same package. This saves you a separate shipping cost.

Specifications

• Weight: 16oz cotton canvas
• Material: 100% cotton
• Colour: White
• Construction: Pre-shrunk, double-stitched seams
• Includes: Jacket and pants (belt not included)
• Sizes: 4/170, 5/180, 6/190, 7/200
• Price: AUD $130.00 (all sizes same price)
• SKU: 16OZCGI
• Package weight: 2.0 kg

Features Summary

• 100% cotton heavy canvas — breathable, durable, softens with wear
• 16oz weight — produces sharp, audible technique snap
• Pre-shrunk — stable sizing after washing
• Heavy-duty double stitching throughout
• Generous cut through shoulders and chest for full range of movement
• Full gusset in pants for high kicks and deep stances
• Elasticated waist with internal drawstring
• Suitable for karate, taekwondo, and some jiu-jitsu training
• Recommended for instructors and experienced practitioners
• Free shipping on Australian orders over AUD $150

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the belt included with this gi?

No — 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, saving you a separate delivery.

The gi feels very stiff when I first wear it. Is that normal?

Completely normal for heavy canvas. 16oz canvas is a dense, tightly woven fabric and it will feel quite stiff straight out of the bag. After several washes and training sessions the fabric relaxes and moulds to your body. Most practitioners find it becomes very comfortable after the break-in period — it’s worth persisting through those first few sessions.

Will this gi shrink after washing?

This gi is pre-shrunk, so the sizing is stable. You don’t need to buy a size up to account for shrinkage. Wash in cold or warm water and air dry to keep it in the best condition.

Can I use this gi for Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

Yes, for training. The heavy canvas and double stitching handle BJJ grip work well. However, if you’re competing in BJJ tournaments, check the specific gi regulations — some competitions require gis built to IBJJF specifications. For general BJJ training, this gi is a solid option.

How do I know which size to order?

Use the size chart images on this page as your guide. The second number in the size code (170, 180, 190, 200) corresponds to your height in centimetres. If you’re between sizes, go up — heavy canvas has less stretch than lighter fabrics and a slightly larger gi is much more comfortable to train in than one that’s too snug.

Is this gi suitable for competition?

Yes, this gi is WKF approved. The professional appearance and sharp technique sound that heavy canvas produces make it a popular choice for competition and grading. If you’re competing, check your specific organisation’s uniform requirements to confirm there are no restrictions on gi weight or style.