Buying your first karategi is often the very first concrete step that marks the beginning of an adventure in martial arts. For a child, it represents the transition from a simple trial to a real commitment. For an adult, it often symbolizes the decision to step out of their comfort zone and embark on a personal journey.

After more than thirty years of teaching karate, I have seen thousands of uniforms pass through. Some were perfectly suited, while others made the first training sessions much less enjoyable. Parents regularly ask me the same questions: "What size should I choose?", "Are all uniforms the same?", "Why do some cost more?"

Here are the main elements I recommend considering before buying your first karategi.

First, let's talk about the word "karategi"

In common language, many people use the word kimono to refer to the karate uniform. Although this term is widely used, it is technically inaccurate.

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment worn in daily life or during ceremonies.

The garment used for martial arts practice is rather called a dogi (literally "clothing of the way"). When practicing karate, it is more specifically called a karategi, or "karate clothing".

This distinction may seem trivial, but it reminds us that the karategi is not just a sports garment. It represents entry into a tradition where respect, humility, and discipline play an important role.

Understanding sizes: forget simple numbers

One of the biggest sources of confusion comes from the sizing system.

Many manufacturers simply use numbers:

• Size 0
• Size 1
• Size 2
• Size 3
• etc.

The problem is that these numbers are completely arbitrary.

For one manufacturer, a size 2 might fit a child of 150 cm, while for another, the same size might fit a person of 160 cm.

In other words, two uniforms with exactly the same number can have completely different dimensions.

That's why, at e-TAO and the Larry Foisy Martial Arts Centre, we favour a much simpler and more universal system.

We use a double identification, for example:

#0 / 130

The first number corresponds to our internal classification.

The second indicates the actual height of the practitioner in centimeters, measured from head to toe.

Thus:

• #0 / 130
• #1 / 140
• #2 / 150
• #3 / 160

This method greatly reduces the risk of error.

Should you buy a larger uniform?

This is probably the question I get asked most often.

For a child, the answer is generally yes, but in moderation.

Sizes generally progress in ten-centimeter increments.

Thus, a child who measures 136 cm can generally wear a 140 cm uniform.

This slight margin will allow the uniform to be kept longer without compromising comfort or safety during training.

However, choosing an excessively large uniform can quickly become uncomfortable:

• sleeves too long;
• trousers dragging on the floor;
• difficulty performing certain movements;
• increased risk of stepping on your pants.

The best compromise is therefore to round up to the next ten when the child is near the limit.

💡 Sensei's Tip: don't underestimate the importance of the pants!

When choosing a first karategi, all attention is often focused on the jacket. However, the pants deserve just as much attention as they will directly influence comfort during training.

My first advice is to choose pants with an elastic waistband, and ideally complemented by a drawstring. The elastic provides good everyday comfort, while the drawstring allows for a perfect fit, especially for children who grow quickly or whose body shape changes over time.

Then comes the question of length.

Many parents hesitate between slightly too long or slightly too short pants. My advice is simple: always choose slightly too long pants.

Why? Because it is very easy to temporarily shorten pants by making a small seam or a simple hem at the waist. Conversely, it is practically impossible to lengthen pants that have become too short.

Some people have the reflex to make a cuff at the bottom of the legs. In practice, I advise against it. From the first movements, kicks or changes of direction, the cuff gradually comes undone and quickly becomes uncomfortable during training.

My personal guideline is this: the pants should never end more than a hand's width above the malleoli (ankle bones). Shorter than that, the pants will quickly give the impression of being too small and sometimes limit comfort in low stances.

Conversely, slightly longer pants can accompany the practitioner for several months, or even an additional year for a growing child. This is a small detail that often helps avoid the premature purchase of a new uniform.

Respecting dojo standards

Not all karategi are identical.

Each school often has its own requirements.

Some require:

• an entirely white or black uniform;
• an official emblem;
• an embroidered logo;
• a particular cut with a wrist-length sleeve or an elbow-length sleeve;
• a specific belt.

Before ordering a uniform online because it is a few dollars cheaper, I always recommend checking your dojo's standards.

A uniform that does not meet the school's requirements may sometimes need to be replaced.

It is often more economical to directly purchase the model recommended by your instructor and to support the dojo where you are embarking on the path of karate.

What weight to choose?

Karategi are generally classified according to fabric weight, expressed in ounces (oz).

The main options are:

• 6 oz
• 8 oz
• 10 oz
• 12 oz
• 14 oz

For a beginner, I usually recommend an 8 oz karategi.

Why?

Because it offers an excellent balance of comfort and durability.

A 6 oz uniform is very light, but it can sometimes be thin enough to become slightly transparent under certain lighting or when wet with sweat.

Conversely, 12 or 14 oz models are often intended for more advanced practitioners or competitors looking for a heavier fabric and a particular sound effect when performing techniques.

For the vast majority of beginners, an 8 oz is therefore an excellent choice.

Why do some whites look different?

Another frequent surprise concerns color.

Many people think that a white uniform is... simply white.

In reality, there are mainly two shades.

Bluish white, which gives a very bright impression.

Natural white, slightly cream or beige.

No color is better than the other, but some schools still have standards, and you will stand out with wear and sweat.

The most important thing is to have a clean and well-maintained uniform.

100% cotton or cotton/polyester?

The choice of fabric is another often overlooked element when buying a first karategi. The two main options are 100% cotton and the cotton/polyester blend, usually made of approximately 65% polyester and 35% cotton.

100% cotton uniforms are appreciated by many experienced practitioners for their traditional look, natural texture, and excellent breathability. However, they require more maintenance. Cotton tends to shrink during the first washes, especially if dried in a machine, and it wrinkles more easily. It is therefore important to take this into account when choosing the size.

For a first karategi, I recommend a model made of approximately 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This type of fabric retains its size much better after washing, dries quickly, wrinkles little, and generally requires less ironing. It is also very resistant to wear, making it an excellent choice for children and beginners who train regularly.

In my opinion, the cotton/polyester blend offers the best compromise between comfort, durability, ease of maintenance, and value for money. It is also the type of uniform I recommend to the vast majority of my students for their first purchase. 100% cotton models remain an excellent option for more advanced practitioners who are looking for a more traditional uniform or a heavier fabric for kata practice.

 

Is the belt included?

This detail should be checked before purchase.

With most manufacturers, the white belt is included.

With others, it is sold separately. Especially for more advanced uniforms (competition style).

For a first purchase, make sure the contents of the set include:

• the jacket;
• the pants;
• the white belt.

This will avoid an unpleasant surprise during your first training session.

How to care for your karategi?

A well-maintained karategi can accompany a practitioner for several years.

Here are some simple tips.

Wash it after training to avoid persistent odors.

Use cold or lukewarm water.

Avoid bleach, which weakens fibers.

Hang it up quickly after washing.

If you use a dryer, be aware that cotton will shrink slightly during the first few drying cycles.

This phenomenon is normal and should be taken into account when choosing the size.

The karategi is more than just a uniform

In martial arts, we quickly learn that the karategi has a symbolic dimension.

When we put it on, we temporarily leave our daily lives behind.

In the dojo, regardless of our profession, age, or social status, we all become students again, seeking to progress.

A clean karategi also shows a form of respect.

Respect for one's partners.

Respect for one's instructor.

But most importantly, respect for oneself.

This simplicity is part of the philosophy of martial arts.

An economic and ecological approach

Children grow fast.

It is not uncommon for a uniform to become too small after just one or two seasons.

That is why some professional dojos now offer solutions promoting the circular economy.

At the Larry Foisy Martial Arts Centre, we have set up a used uniform buy-back program.

The principle is simple.

We buy back an eligible uniform for approximately one-third of its original value.

We then resell it for about two-thirds of its new price after checking its condition.

This approach has several advantages. It reduces costs for families. It reduces textile waste.

It allows new students to access a quality uniform at a lower cost.

It also reflects values that are important to us: responsibility, respect for resources, and mutual aid among our community members.

Personal Reflection: The Karategi Must Be Earned

At the Larry Foisy Martial Arts Centre, we have made a choice that sometimes surprises new parents. Unlike many schools, we do not require students to wear a karategi from their very first class. We generally prefer to wait a few weeks, often around a month, before recommending the purchase of the uniform.

Why? Because I like the first karategi to be earned rather than simply bought.

During the first few weeks, the child discovers the dojo, learns basic rules, develops their first habits, and confirms their interest in the practice. When the time finally comes to receive their karategi, it becomes a true reward. The child no longer sees just a white garment, but the symbol of their commitment and efforts. They generally take better care of it and are particularly proud of it.

This approach also offers a very tangible advantage for families. Not all children necessarily take to the first activity they try, and that's perfectly normal. By giving the child time to confirm their interest, parents are spared from immediately investing in a uniform that might end up forgotten at the back of a closet or in a garage sale a few months later.

In my eyes, the karategi represents much more than just sports equipment. It marks the beginning of a personal journey. That's why I prefer it to be associated with a first accomplished goal rather than a mere administrative formality. When a child puts on their first karategi with the feeling of having earned it, they cross an important threshold in their martial arts path.

 

In conclusion

Choosing your first karategi is much more than a simple purchasing decision.

It is often the first investment in an adventure that can last a lifetime.

By taking the time to choose the right size, an appropriate fabric, a uniform that meets your dojo's requirements, and by maintaining it correctly, you ensure you start your practice in the best conditions.

And remember that beyond cotton, seams, and sizes, the karategi primarily represents a willingness to learn. Every black belt once wore a white belt, and every great martial arts journey began with that first uniform carefully folded in a training bag.

Larry Foisy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should my child wear a shirt under their karategi?

There is no universal rule. However, it is customary for women to wear a shirt under their uniform, and traditionally, it should be the same color as their uniform.

Can a karategi be put in the dryer?

Yes, but with caution. 100% cotton models will tend to shrink more than cotton/polyester blends. If you wish to maintain the original size, air drying remains the best option.

What size should I choose if I am between two sizes?

I generally recommend choosing the larger size, especially for children. It is much simpler to temporarily shorten pants or sleeves than to lengthen a uniform that has become too small.

Why are competition karategi more expensive?

Competition models (especially for kata) often use a thicker fabric, a more refined cut, and higher quality materials. Some are also designed to produce a specific sound effect during the execution of kata techniques.

How long does a karategi last?

It depends on the frequency of training and the practitioner's growth. For an adult, a good karategi can last several years. For a child, it is often replaced because it becomes too small long before it wears out.

Can I use a judogi for karate?

Technically yes, but it's not ideal. Judogi are heavier, their sleeves are often wider, and their cut is designed for grappling. A karategi generally offers better freedom of movement for striking techniques.

Why are some karategi very heavy?

12 to 14 oz models are mainly for advanced practitioners and kata competitors. Their thicker fabric provides excellent hold and accentuates the snap of techniques, but they are less comfortable for a beginner.

Why are the pants sometimes so long?

Manufacturers allow a margin to account for the natural shrinkage of the fabric and to allow the practitioner to keep their uniform longer. Slightly too long pants are generally preferable to pants that are too short.

How do I know if my karategi has become too small?

As a general rule, the pants should not ride up more than a hand's width above the ankles. The sleeves should allow for freedom of movement while remaining compliant with your dojo's requirements.

Should I wash my karategi after each training session?

Yes. Like any sports garment, a karategi absorbs sweat. Washing it regularly helps preserve the fabric, prevent unpleasant odors, and show respect to your training partners.

Why do some dojos require their own uniform?

A common uniform fosters a sense of belonging and ensures a uniform image during activities, workshops, and competitions. It also ensures that the karategi meets the technical standards of the style taught.

Does a more expensive karategi allow for better practice?

No. Progress depends primarily on the quality of instruction, the regularity of training, and your commitment. A good uniform improves comfort, but it will never replace hard work and perseverance.

Can I buy a used karategi?

Absolutely. If it is in good condition, a used karategi is an excellent option for a beginner, especially for children who grow quickly. It is also a way to reduce costs and promote the circular economy.

 

About the author

Larry Foisy has been teaching martial arts for over 30 years. He is a 6th dan Shihan/Renshi in Shorinjiryu Karatedo and is also recognized as Shihan by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai of Kyoto, Japan. A kinesiologist by training and holding a master's degree in computer science, he combines scientific knowledge with traditional martial practice.

Founder and director of the Larry Foisy Martial Arts Centre and the specialized store e-TAO.ca, he daily teaches Karatedo, Iaido (Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, 3rd dan) and Iaijutsu (2nd dan KNBK), Koshiki — of which he is a former world champion, international referee, and organizer of the Canadian Open Championship —, Kudo, Kyusho-jitsu (2nd dan), Goshin-jutsu (self-defense) as well as Bukki-ho (traditional Okinawan weapons).

His journey also includes judo (1st kyu), Muay Thai, and aikido. He also practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Tai Chi Chuan. Driven by a deep passion for budo, he has chosen to dedicate his life to the study, practice, and transmission of traditional martial arts.

Through his columns, Larry Foisy aims to share not only technical, historical, and philosophical knowledge, but also the values of respect, rigor, perseverance, and personal development that constitute the true heritage of martial arts.