You can’t properly practice karate without a good gi. The uniforms promote mobility and speed without sacrificing comfort. Lightweight karate gi options are particularly useful for those who want a more open garment they can use for at-home training or sparring sessions.
I am a hardcore athlete who has spent a lot of time around karate. Taking my own experience and blending it with additional research on the sport allowed me to go over the different gis covered throughout the following sections.
While there are many great lightweight karate gis on the market, my personal favorite is the Ronin Karate Gi for its premium construction and soft feel.
It’s not only extremely comfortable and free fitting, it has a surprising amount of durability. On top of that, the gi is adjustable and never rubs or restricts movement. You’ll be able to use it for years without any issues, no matter how much you train or sweat.
Regardless if you want the Ronin or are in the market for something similar, every karate student will enjoy the items outlined in this guide.
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Ronin Karate Gi
- Most Comfortable: Knockout Gi
- Most Stylish: PFG Karate Gi
- Best Budget: Century Karate Uniform
Who Should Get This?
The following uniforms are for anyone who trains in or practices karate. While some only come in a few sizes, all students of all ages will love to throw them on before going to practice or sparr. They are especially useful for those who want mobility, breathability, and need something less intrusive.
However, such options are not necessarily as well textured as heavier ones. The movements don’t look as clean during kata performance either. Even so, if you’re after something solid and lightweight, you won’t get anything better than the below choices.
Top Picks for Lightweight Karate Gi
Here, I break down each gi to show why they’re so perfect for karate lovers who need to wear something that doesn’t add a lot of weight to their ensemble.
1. Ronin Karate Gi
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Lightweight and free-flowing. Adjustable pants. Great fit. Soft, comfortable feel
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Color: Black or White
Students or teachers who want a solid karate gi that won’t weigh you down will love this model from Ronin. It’s a tough item that’s well made and comes fully prepped with quality materials. The 100 percent high quality cotton is extremely soft and feels great on your skin.
Another bonus of this one is that it comes in various sizes and has adjustable drawstring pants. That combination ensures you get the best possible fit. It’s also extremely durable for being a lighter option and won’t fray or tear with a lot of heavy use.
2. Knockout Gi
- Best For: Comfort
- Key Features: 3 included pieces (jacket, pants, belt). Durable. Wider pants for more mobility. Money back guarantee.
- Material: Polyester, Cotton
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Color: White, Black
If you’re someone who wants to train without worrying about annoying rubbing or discomfort, the Gi from Knockout is the lightweight option for you. Crafted with a special cotton and polyester blend, the garment feels great on your skin, is extremely breathable, and dries quickly.
That trifecta means you can use this karate gi time and time again without any issues. On top of that, you get three distinct pieces in the package, and the reinforced stitching at the pressure points adds durability to the entire design. The pants are also wide to allow for easier kicks and stances.
3. PFG Karate Gi
- Best For: Style
- Key Features: Bright, fun colors. Lightweight. Reinforced stitching and overlapping seams. Roomy. Comfortable materials and relaxed fit.
- Material: Polyester, Cotton
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Color: Blue, Red
If you’re someone who likes to shine in a crowd, the PFG gi might be the outfit for you. Where most high-end options give you the standard black or white color choices, this one offers a bright red or blue. That brings a fun twist to the standard design and helps you stand out.
However, this karate gi is more than its color. It also comes with reinforced overlapping seams and a double-stitch construction. Both factors provide excellent durability in key areas. It’s also extremely roomy for greater mobility, and the pants have a drawstring waist to add versatility.
4. Century Karate Uniform
- Best For: Affordability
- Key Features: Excellent fit. Soft cotton construction. Lightweight. Drawcord waistband. Plenty of size options.Traditional look.
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Color: White
If you’re someone who wants a straightforward, more traditional karate gi that won’t cost too much, look no further than this model from Century. Coming with a full set of jacket, belt, and pants, this outfit is strong, extremely soft, and will give you years of heavy use without slowing down.
Despite the lower price tag, this gi can do it all. Not only do you get the comfort and mobility of higher end options, you also get a fully adjustable waistband complete with a draw cord as well as fuller cuts. The cotton blend doesn’t rub, not will it cause any lasting discomfort.
Best Lightweight Karate Gi: What to Look For
This section covers important characteristics to consider when picking out a light weight karate gi.
Size
While it’s easy to assume that gi are pretty loose when it comes to exact sizing, you need one that fits your body type. Most manufacturers provide their own sizing charts, and you should always use them for reference when picking out your model.
Durability
You want your gi to be tough. Even if it’s lightweight. Most newer karate students get the first one they find or pick a gi that looks cool. While that can work out, you do not want to assume your gi (especially a lightweight one) will hold up. Go with premium materials when possible.
Price
As with any item you plan on using a lot, price matters. Some lightweight karate gi are easily affordable, while others cost a lot. Get something that comfortably fits in your budget, especially if you’re just starting out. If you do want to splurge, make sure to get a gi that’s durable.
FAQ
In this section I cover a few common questions about gi and explain their answers.
Why is The Choice of Karate Gi Important?
The gi is a traditional garment that has both physical and philosophical significance. Not only does the lighter, free-flowing design make it easier to train, but the color and shape also reflect on the discipline as a whole and show dedication to the craft.
Does the Weight of My Gi Really Matter?
In short, yes. Both heavy and light gis have their merits, and choosing the one that suits you is critical. If you get something that doesn’t match your wants or style it can lead to disappointment and hamper your entire experience.
Lightweight Karate Gi vs Heavyweight Karate Gi, What’s Their Difference?
Though all gi are similar, different weights go a long way. Lighter options are much less restrictive and allow you to freely kick or punch. On the flip side, heavy gis tend to be more durable and look better when performing moves. It comes down to what you want.
My Verdict
While all of the above gi are great in their own right, I believe the Ronin Karate Gi to be the best of the bunch. While the price tag is higher than similar options, the lightweight feel works wonders with the more open design. It’s also extremely durable and fully adjustable.