What to Wear to Karate Class
Start in comfortable athletic wear, then move to a clean, well-fitted gi when you commit.
For your very first class, comfortable athletic wear is fine. Loose track pants, a plain t-shirt, bare feet. You do not need to buy anything before you have decided this is for you.
Once you are committed, you will wear a gi, the traditional karate uniform. A gi consists of a jacket, pants, and your belt. It is designed to be durable, allow full range of movement, and withstand the grabbing, pulling, and sweating that comes with training.
When buying your first gi, don't overspend on the most expensive one. A clean, well-fitted mid-range gi will serve you well for years. What matters more is that it is the right size: not too baggy that it gets in the way, not too tight that it restricts movement.
Keep it clean. This sounds obvious, but in many traditional dojos, a dirty or crumpled gi is considered disrespectful to your training partners, to the dojo, and to the art. Wash it after every session. Never wear shoes on the mat.
How you present yourself in the dojo is part of the training.