A dogi or gi refers to a karate uniform that consists of canvas and doesn’t include buttons, zippers or any rigid fasteners.
But what are the best karate gi brands to choose from? I’m Span Chen and have been practicing Karate for the last six years. So, based on my experience and extreme research about the top karate gi brands, I’ve created this post to answer your question.
You can read about the brands below and I guarantee that choosing these brands for your future purchase of karate uniforms will be a wise decision.
10 Best Karate Gi Brands
- Tokaido
- Toyo
- Century
- Kwon
- Shureido
- Meijin
- Kamikazi / Tokon
- Jukado
- Mugen
- Adidas
Table of Contents
1. Tokaido
Tokaido is a well-known manufacturer of the best karate uniforms worldwide. Additionally, it is the oldest maker of karate gi. Tokaido’s headquarter is located in Japan and has been running its operation for around six decades.
Tokaido focuses mainly on the durability and quality of their Karate gis, as well as their karate uniforms are sewn from fabrics and hand-cut.
These gis are highly expensive because of their good reputation. However, Tokaido tournament gis may cost you above $200.
2. Toyo
Karate uniforms from Toyo ensure the finest quality. Toyo offers reinforced stitching on the uniform to endure durability and strength.
The best part is that Toyo karate gis are shrinking-proof so, any complaint about the cotton gi remains no more.
3. Century
If you need heavyweight or middleweight or lightweight karate gi, Century is the best karate gi brand for you. It uses a comfortable but non-traditional stretchy waist on a few of its karate gis. Century has polyester/cotton split and blend sizes too.
But I must mention that compared to the Japanese traditional gis, the Century karate jackets are shorter. These are mainly cut for the Americans. Century gis may cost you around $200 based on their features and quality.
4. Kwon
Before manufacturing Karate gis, this Company produced taekwondo uniforms.
Kwon is best to meet your needs of different karate gis such as traditional cut, Kumite, and kata gis. The karate gis from Kwon are manufactured from brushed cotton that is soft and crisp against your skin.
Kwon tournament karate gis are WKF-approved to wear. You can grab Kwon karate gis at around $100.
5. Shureido
Shureido is located in Japan. For traditional karate gis, Shureido is unparalleled. Karate uniforms from Shureido are the most sought-after choice for martial arts sessions.
In terms of high-end, quality and durability, you can find similarities between Shureido and Tokaido gi brands. Shureido gis are available in the $200 to $350 range.
6. Meijin
The newest brand in the karate gi industry is Meijin. Meijin karate gi has waistbands and underarm gussets that include cotton gauze to halt bunching.
Meijin gi comes in split sizes allowing karatekas to complement a jacket to another size of pants. Compared to Shureido and Toko, Meijin is not that popular.
However, it’s getting good reviews and feedback from customers. Meijin karate gis start from $100.
7. Kamikazi / Tokon
In Europe, Tokon is known as Kamikazi. It is one of the trusted and oldest German karate gi brands.
Compared to the conventional cut, Tokon’s tournament line tends to be somewhat more comprehensive.
Tokon has a specific line designed for different stances, such as Shito-Ryu and Wado-Ryu. The prices of Tokon karate gis can range between $100 to $250.
8. Jukado
Jukado gi brand offers the Dragon and Juka karate gi lines. Juka gi is highly expensive manufactured for the advanced karatekas. On the other hand, Dragon gi is manufactured for entry-level students.
You can get Juka gi in 12&14 oz brushed canvas. However, both these include tournament and traditional cuts.
Juka gi may cost you above $100, whereas Dragon gi may cost you no more than $100. Most amazingly, the Jukado karate gi brand offers gi for females known as Juka Diamond.
9. Mugen
Mugen Karate gi brand is most famous in Europe compared to in the USA and offers karate gis at a reasonable price. Mugen gis include 100% cotton that weighs around 12 ounces.
Their gis are made for use in tournaments and gis’ cut is similar to the Toyo gis. Mugen gis can be purchased for less than $100.
10. Adidas
Last but not least, the most popular brand reviewed in this post is Adidas, but it is not the best brand for traditionalists. However, the young karatekas will feel comfortable wearing the Adidas karate gis.
Master Kumite gis from Adidas are manufactured from lightweight material. These gis consist of 45% polyester and 55% cotton.
You will get an elastic waist in the gis with the Adidas logo imprinted on the chest (right side). Adidas karate gis are not traditional; however, they have attracted the attention of WKF.
Final Thoughts
Though the top karate gi brands mentioned above can impact your buying decision, it is wise to consider some other aspects before purchasing a karate gi.
Don’t just go for a cheap karate gi because you may end up buying a poor-quality gi. Also, I’m not suggesting you buy an expensive one.