How to find the right karate suit
The term gi for a karate suit originally comes from the Japanese term keikogi, which is the Japanese term for tracksuit. The Japanese term for a training suit specifically for karate is dogi. In European countries in particular, this was then changed to e.g. karate-gi and thus to the short form gi, depending on the martial art. As a rule, this consists of a jacket (uwagi), trousers (zubon) and a belt (obi). The cuts and fabrics vary depending on the discipline. As a rule, cotton fabrics are used, but there are also suits made of mixed fabrics due to their lighter nature. The material is specified in ounces per square metre of fabric. One ounce (OZ) corresponds to approx. 33.9 grams per square metre.
Karate suits are usually available in three different cuts.
Traditional cut
In this type of karate suit, the sleeves of the jacket go down to the wrists and the trouser legs to the ankles. These suits are usually made of cotton or a blended fabric with a high cotton content.
Kata cut
Here the sleeves of the jacket are cut shorter and usually only reach to the centre of the forearm. The trouser legs are also cut shorter and should reach to around the middle of the calf, while the skirt, i.e. the jacket itself, is cut longer and usually reaches just above the knee.
Kumite cut
In a karate suit with this cut, the sleeves of the jacket extend to the wrists and the trouser legs to the ankles. These suits are usually made from a blended fabric with a high percentage of polyester and a low percentage of cotton. This makes the suit light and easy to move in.
