The karate gi is the first thing a parent buys when a child starts karate, and the first thing they get wrong. Almost every beginner gi is bought too small, because it is bought the way ordinary clothes are bought — to fit now. A gi is meant to be slightly long in the sleeve and leg when new, because cotton shrinks with washing and because the loose cut is functional.
This is a traditional white gi in breathable cotton or poly-cotton, supplied as jacket, trousers and belt, in the full range from toddler size 0000 up to adult size 6.
Karate gi size chart
Karate gi sizes are based on height, not age and not clothing size. Measure the student standing straight against a wall.
- Size 0000 — approx. 100–110cm tall
- Size 000 — approx. 110–120cm
- Size 00 — approx. 120–130cm
- Size 0 — approx. 130–140cm
- Size 1 — approx. 140–150cm
- Size 2 — approx. 150–160cm
- Size 3 — approx. 160–170cm
- Size 4 — approx. 170–180cm
- Size 5 — approx. 180–190cm
- Size 6 — approx. 190cm and above
Between two sizes, always go up. Cotton shrinks in the first few washes, children grow, and a gi that is slightly long can be turned up at the cuff for a season. One that is too short cannot be fixed.
How a gi should fit
The jacket sleeve should finish somewhere between the wrist and mid-forearm. The trouser leg should finish between the ankle and mid-calf. Both are deliberately short of full length so they do not interfere with blocks, grips or footwork.
The jacket should cross well over at the front with plenty of overlap and should not gape when the student raises their arms. Overall the fit is loose — a gi that fits like a tracksuit is too tight, and it will restrict the deep stances that karate depends on.
Washing and shrinkage
Wash a new gi cold before the first class. Cotton gis shrink, and you want that shrinkage to happen in a controlled way at home rather than gradually across a term.
Keep washing cold and hang dry — never tumble dry, which causes a second round of shrinkage that can render a gi unusable. Wash it after every session; a gi worn twice without washing is unpleasant for training partners and for the student. Complete the kit with a karate belt, and add a gum guard and mitts once sparring starts.
(1).png?tr=w-480,q-80)
