Not pre-shrunk 10oz and 12oz Canvas gis

Description

10oz and 12oz Canvas Karate Gi — More Durable Than a Beginner’s Gi, More Comfortable Than Heavy Canvas

If you’ve worn out a lightweight poly-cotton gi and want something that lasts, or if you’re ready to step up from an 8oz uniform without jumping straight to the weight of 14oz or 16oz canvas, this is the gi to look at. These 10oz and 12oz canvas gis sit at the lighter end of the canvas range — tougher and more structured than a beginner’s uniform, but easier to move in and more comfortable for long sessions than heavy canvas.

Both weights are made from 100% cotton canvas. These gis are not pre-shrunk, but that doesn’t mean you need to size up. The manufacturer builds a shrinkage allowance into the sizing. Order your regular size, wash in cold water, and the gi will settle into the correct fit.

Why Canvas, and Why These Weights?

Canvas is a dense, tightly-woven cotton fabric. That density is what makes it so much more durable than a standard cotton or poly-cotton gi — it resists the fraying, thinning, and seam splitting that lighter uniforms develop over time. A canvas gi gets better with use: the cotton fibres gradually soften without the fabric losing its structure.

The 10oz and 12oz weights give you the durability of canvas without the stiffness and heat of a heavier uniform. Here’s the practical difference between the two:

• 10oz — the lighter option. More flexible, better in warm conditions, and easier to move in during long sessions. Good first canvas gi for most students.
• 12oz — slightly more body and structure. Holds its shape a bit better when you’re moving fast, and produces a more noticeable snap on sharp techniques. A natural next step if you’ve trained in 10oz canvas before.

One important thing to understand about these weights: they’re rated using the traditional linear measurement for canvas, not the per-square-metre figure used for many modern uniforms. In practice, that means they feel lighter on the body than the number might suggest. A 10oz linear-rated canvas gi wears more like a medium-weight uniform than a heavy one.

Construction

The jacket is cut in the European style — generous through the shoulders and chest. This matters because a tight upper back limits arm movement in punching, blocking, and throwing techniques. The cut here gives you the range of motion you need without excess fabric getting in the way.

Multiple lines of stitching run through the collar, cuffs, and all stress points. The collar and sleeve edges take constant punishment during training — gripping, pulling, repeated friction — and that reinforced stitching is what keeps them intact through years of regular use rather than months.

The pants have a full gusseted crotch. The gusset is the additional fabric panel sewn into the inner seam that allows free leg movement in all directions. Without it, high kicks and deep stances put direct tension on the seam. With it, you can kick freely at full height without the pants fighting you.

The waistband is elasticated with an inner drawstring, so you can fine-tune the fit to your waist regardless of the size you’re wearing.

Who This Gi Suits

These gis work well for:

• Karate students and instructors who want a durable daily trainer that handles regular washing and hard training
• Taekwondo practitioners who want more substance than a lightweight poly-cotton gi provides
• Jiu-Jitsu students who need a tough training uniform for striking and kata work
• Anyone who has gone through multiple lighter gis and wants something built to last

These gis are not suitable for grappling-heavy training. BJJ and Judo involve constant gripping, pulling, and throwing stress on the collar and lapels. A dedicated BJJ gi has significantly more reinforced stitching at the collar and shoulder seams to handle that specific stress. For grappling arts, see our BJJ gi range.

If you specifically want the stiff, structured feel and sharp technique sound of heavy canvas, the 14oz canvas gi is the better choice. The 10oz and 12oz are more forgiving and flexible by comparison.

Sizing — Read Before You Order

The size code works by height: the second number is your height in centimetres. Size 3/160 fits approximately 160cm, 4/170 fits approximately 170cm, and so on.

Because these gis are not pre-shrunk, they will feel about one size large when you first try them on. This is normal. After washing in cold water, the canvas shrinks into the correct fit for the size you ordered. Do not buy a size up to compensate — the allowance is already built in.

If you’re genuinely between two sizes, go up. Canvas has less stretch than lighter fabrics, so a slightly larger gi is much more comfortable to train in than one that’s a little too snug.

Check the size selector above for currently available sizes.

Care Instructions

• Wash cold after every session — cotton absorbs sweat and canvas holds odour more than synthetic fabrics if left unwashed
• Air dry where possible — repeated tumble drying on high heat degrades the canvas weave over time
• Don’t leave it wet in a bag — canvas takes longer to dry than lighter fabrics and will develop odour quickly if sealed in while damp
• No bleach — it degrades cotton threads and shortens the life of the fabric
• No fabric softener — it coats the cotton weave and reduces breathability

Canvas softens with wear and washing. After a few months of regular training, the gi will feel noticeably more comfortable than when new — without losing the structure that makes canvas worth wearing.

What’s Not Included

Belt is sold separately. These gis include the jacket and pants only. Belts are available in all colours and sizes — the size of your gi corresponds to the size of your belt. If you’d like to add a belt when you order, contact us and we’ll sort it out.

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% cotton canvas
• Weight: 10oz or 12oz (linear-rated)
• Colour: White
• Cut: European
• Pre-shrunk: No — shrinkage allowance built into sizing, order your regular size
• Jacket: Generous shoulder and chest cut; multiple lines of reinforced stitching at collar and cuffs
• Pants: Full gusseted crotch; elasticated waistband with inner drawstring
• Includes: Jacket and pants
• Belt: Sold separately
• Suitable for: Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu (striking and kata — not grappling)
• Price: $50.00
• Shipping: Free Australia-wide on orders over $150

Frequently Asked Questions

The gi is not pre-shrunk — how much will it shrink, and what size should I order?

Order your regular size. The manufacturer builds a shrinkage allowance into each size, so after your first cold-water wash the gi settles into the correct fit. Before washing it will feel about one size large — that’s expected and intentional. Don’t size down thinking you’ll avoid shrinkage; the allowance is already accounted for. Always wash in cold water to keep shrinkage predictable.

What does “linear weight” mean, and how does it affect how the gi feels?

Linear weight is the traditional way canvas fabric is measured — by weight per linear yard rather than per square metre. In practice, a linear-rated 10oz or 12oz canvas gi feels lighter on the body than a modern uniform with a similar number measured per square metre. You still get genuine canvas durability and structure, but the gi is more comfortable and easier to move in than you might expect from the weight rating.

How do the 10oz and 12oz compare to each other — which should I choose?

The 10oz is lighter and more flexible — a good first canvas gi for most students, and the better choice for warm training conditions or longer sessions. The 12oz has a bit more body and structure, produces a slightly sharper technique sound, and suits students who’ve trained in canvas before or who want a bit more substance. If you’re unsure, the 10oz is the safer starting point.

Can I use this gi for BJJ or Judo?

No — not for grappling. BJJ and Judo involve constant gripping, pulling, and throwing stress on the collar and shoulder seams that requires a specifically reinforced gi construction. These canvas gis are built for Karate, Taekwondo, and striking-focused Jiu-Jitsu. For grappling arts, you’ll need a dedicated BJJ gi with the collar and shoulder reinforcement that grappling demands.

Is this gi suitable for grading and competition?

For most club-level gradings and general Karate competition, yes. The white canvas and clean construction meet the requirements of most organisations. If you’re competing at a specific tournament, check the event’s uniform regulations — some have requirements around weight or approved brands. For training and the vast majority of gradings, this gi is appropriate.

Does the belt come with this gi?

No — the jacket and pants are included, but the belt is sold separately. Belts are available in all rank colours and sizes. Your belt size corresponds directly to your gi size: a size 4/170 gi takes a size 4/170 belt. Contact us when you place your order and we can add the belt at the same time.