How to choose a karate gi
The simplest way to get your new Karate uniform (Gi) is to ask your instructor. Most Karate schools (Dojos) have a supplier who looks after their equipment requirements and provides them with uniforms at a discount that is passed on to the student.
Some schools insist you purchase your Karate Gi through them and will not let you wear any other type of uniform. Thus it is very important to check with your instructor before purchasing a uniform by yourself.
Your instructor will probably be able to take one look at you and tell you exactly what size Gi you require and be able to have it ready for you to wear at your next class.
Some Karate schools carry stock of the uniforms they wear so you may be able to have your new Gi the very first day you begin your martial arts journey.
Uniform sizes / Gi sizes
Apart from the obvious requirement of choosing the uniform which your particular dojo wears, you need to get the right size to fit you.
Most uniform manufacturers use a size chart that corresponds numbers to height. However, this size system varies depending on manufacturer, country and origin. For example, Karate uniforms made for the American and Australian market are usually larger, whereas those made for the Asian market like Japan and Korea are slightly smaller, which is especially noticeable in the sleeve and pants length.
Typical Size Chart
| Size # | height/cm | height/ft |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 120 cm | 4′ |
| 0 | 130 | 4′4″ |
| 1 | 140 | 4′7″ |
| 2 | 150 | 4′11″ |
| 3 | 160 | 5′3″ |
| 4 | 170 | 5′7″ |
| 5 | 180 | 5′11″ |
| 6 | 190 | 6′3″ |
| 7 | 200 | 6′7′ |
kat said:
When put in the wash, how much will the gi shrink, because i am 5ft6 and am thinkin that the 5ft7 gi would be perfect if it shrunk by about 1 inch
Frank Johnson said:
Good service
Srika Sensei said:
It won’t shrink. Or you could try to grow a little bit and it would fit you perfect :)
Tony Villarreal said:
hello Kat the gi will shrink probably 1-2 inches if washed in warm or hot water and dryed on high heat. If you would like to discuss more karate rela […] more
katee said:
ok hey, umm i just started karate. i am 5ft4 and they gave ma size 3 karate pants…. it worked out and the pants were long, but i washed and dried t […] more
Skipper said:
You can always buy replacement trousers from online stores etc. I’m sure your club wouldn’t charge you much if you told them your situation ^_^ It […] more
dojo-joe said:
Do i need to be blackbelt to wear the Mokaido brand ?..this might sound dumb…but w/e. I am brown belt now, grading for a stripe soon, and wanted a […] more
Graham said:
My gi is huge! I thought it might shrink because it’s the lightweight cotton brand but it didn’t. I had to use wonderweb to stuck the cuffs up. My bot […] more
Charles said:
Be careful of those dojo who require you to purchase uniforms and equipment from thier dojo store. Also be mindful that the size chart above may no […] more
Lisa said:
What would you do if you weigh more than the size for your height indicates? (Besides lose weight LOL!) Buy online and you’re taking a guess - shoul […] more
J.P. López said:
I bought a KIME GI “Maestro” about five years ago from a friend of mine that traveled to Houston. I have been looking for an online store to buy […] more
devin said:
thier is nothing wrong with rolling the trousers and cuffs it can also leave you feeling less restricted
Jane said:
im 5f6 aswell but i dno boiut the washin thing
Jane said:
I think you should katee because i kno how u feel and i think u should it will be the only way to get new pants. By the way whats this guy like is h […] more
TJ said:
Not sure if anyone already answered you but I think you can still buy Kime Gi through Sensei Ramon Veras who has a dojo on the South side of Houston. […] more
ChrisR said:
Regarding the sizes (and the sizing charts for uniforms from other sites) should I pay more attention to the height or weight? I’m 5′10″ but currentl […] more
Tom said:
In reply to Kat, my gi started of around my knees and is now a perfect size. Although they only shrink in a 60degre wash. Hope that helps