Guide to choosing the right Karategi
The karategi is the traditional uniform used in karate practice, as well as in many other martial arts. This uniform comes in various models, with differences in cuts, materials, and fabric weight, which can sometimes make choosing the right karategi for your needs challenging. In this guide, we will explore the main characteristics of different karategis, providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and choose the model that best suits your practice and goals.
Experience of the practitioner
The practitioner’s experience, developed over time on the tatami, plays a key role in choosing the right karategi.
- For beginners and first competitions: If you’re just starting out or preparing for your first competitions, check out the section dedicated to Entry Level Karategis . Here, you will find models that offer a great balance between quality and price.
- For experienced practitioners: Karateka with more experience can explore our Top Range Karategi category. This section includes karategis for kumite, kata, and traditional models, perfect for those seeking the highest quality and performance.
Karategi Cut: Kumite, Kata, or Traditional?
The cut of the karategi depends on the discipline practiced and its intended use. On our website, each karategi is marked with an icon indicating the cut type. You can also filter products based on their characteristics.
Kumite Karategis
Designed for sport karate and combat, these karategis feature specific characteristics to ensure maximum freedom of movement and comfort, allowing the karateka to execute techniques with speed:
- Long sleeves and pants, covering the wrists and ankles.
- A jacket with a long skirt for a comfortable and fluid fit.
- Light or ultra-light fabric, ideal for fast and agile movements.
Kata Karategis
These karategis are designed for performing kata (forms) and emphasize precision and technique:
- Shorter sleeves and pants, ending at the mid-forearm and above the ankle to ensure visibility of the limbs.
- Medium to heavy fabric, producing the classic “snap” sound during techniques, accentuating every movement.
- Optimized cut to ensure precise technical evaluation during competitions.
Traditional Karategis
Ideal for those who prefer a traditional approach to karate, these karategis are perfect for those who value the martial aspect over the sports one:
- Long sleeves and pants, in line with the classic style.
- Heavy fabric, giving a sense of solidity and an elegant, robust appearance.
Choose the karategi that best expresses your technique and style!
Fabric Weight
The fabric weight of a karategi, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²), is a determining factor for its feel, fit, and suitability for specific types of karate practice. Depending on the fabric weight, karategis can be classified into different categories, each designed to meet the needs of kumite, kata, or a combination of both disciplines. On our website, for example, in the “Top Range Karategis” or “Entry Level Karategis” sections, you can filter products by fabric weight.
- Light and Ultra-light (≤ 230 g/m²): These karategis are made from extremely light and breathable fabrics, ideal for kumite. They offer maximum freedom of movement and comfort, making them perfect for intense training and competitions that require speed and agility.
- Medium-Weight (320-380 g/m²): These are a great option for those looking for a versatile solution. These fabrics balance lightness and durability, making the karategi suitable for both kumite and kata. They offer an ideal compromise for those who want a single karategi for hybrid use.
- Heavy (≥ 400 g/m²): Karategis with a higher fabric weight are designed for kata and traditional training. The heavy fabric ensures a more defined appearance and a solid feel, highlighting the techniques with the characteristic “snap” sound. Perfect for those who prioritize precision and form in their movements.
Choosing the right fabric weight depends not only on personal preference but also on the type of practice and level of experience.
Fabric composition of the Karategis
The fabric choice of a karategi is essential, closely tied to the specific practice for which it is intended. Kumite and kata require distinct technical characteristics reflected in the material composition. Below, we analyze the main fabrics used and their advantages.
Kumite Fabrics: Lightness above all
Karategis designed for kumite, the combat discipline, prioritize light and sometimes slightly stretchy materials to ensure maximum freedom of movement and comfort during techniques. For this reason, they are typically made from:
- Cotton-Polyester Blend: This combination offers an ideal balance between breathability and durability. Cotton absorbs sweat and ensures freshness, while polyester adds durability and lightness, preventing the fabric from weighing down movements.
- 100% Polyester: High-end models are made entirely of polyester. This material is particularly appreciated for its quick-drying properties.
These fabrics are designed to support karateka in fast, dynamic movements, offering the right mix of stretch and lightness.
Kata Fabrics: Precision and visual impact
For kata, the fabric plays a crucial role in enhancing movements with sound and visual impact. The most common materials are:
- 100% Cotton: Pure cotton is the preferred choice for high-level kata practitioners. This material is breathable and comfortable, and it produces the characteristic “snap” sound during rapid, precise techniques. This effect underscores the power and intensity of movements, making kata even more impressive and engaging.
- Cotton-Polyester Blend: Some models combine a small percentage of polyester to improve fabric durability without sacrificing weight or the “snap” effect.
The fabric of kata karategis is generally heavier than that of kumite karategis to ensure a structured appearance and greater emphasis on the movements.
The fabric composition of a karategi is not just a detail, it directly affects performance and comfort. Whether it’s for dynamic combat in kumite or a precise performance in kata, choosing the right material should be tailored to personal needs and practice level. A careful evaluation will allow you to find the perfect karategi to support your technical and sporting journey.
Guide to Choosing the right size
For adults
For kids
For kids, size selection is mainly based on current height, with the following guidelines:
- Height in between two sizes (i.e., 155 cm): You can opt for the next size up (160 cm) to account for natural growth.
- Slim body type: Choose the size that corresponds to their current height to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. For example, a child 150 cm tall should go for size 150 cm.
- Stocky body type: Consider going up half a size (if available) or selecting the next size up based on their current height. For example, for a child 150 cm tall with a stocky build, we recommend size 155 cm or 160 cm.
Importance of the Correct Size
A proper fit not only ensures comfort but also enhances the garment’s functionality during training and competitions. If you have any doubts, our customer service team is ready to help you find the perfect size for your needs.
Shrinkage after washing
Shrinkage after washing is a phenomenon mainly dependent on the fabric composition of the garment.
- Pure Cotton: Karategis made entirely from cotton may shrink more noticeably, up to approximately 4 cm in length, due to the natural properties of cotton fibers, which contract with moisture and heat during washing.
- Cotton-Polyester Blend or 100% Polyester: Karategis made from mixed fabrics or 100% polyester generally show minimal to no shrinkage due to the stability of synthetic fibers.
On our website, all sizes are calculated taking into account any potential shrinkage from the first wash to guarantee the most accurate fit right from the start. In the product size tables, we also provide specific measurements (such as the jacket width, pants length, or sleeve openings) to help you compare with garments you already own. These measurements, expressed in centimeters, refer to the garment before it’s been washed, accounting for potential shrinkage. This detail is always specified in the size charts available on the website.
To ensure the correct choice and facilitate returns, we recommend trying on the karategi before washing it. Please note that we can only accept returns for garments that have not been washed, worn or customized.
Support
Do you have any doubts or questions? Our staff, with extensive experience, is available to help you choose the right karategi and size.
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