Ripstop is a woven fabric technique in which extra reinforcing threads are added at regular intervals to form a fine grid pattern, often visible as faint squares on the material. The reinforcing threads stop a small nick or tear from spreading across the fabric, which is where the name comes from.
In martial arts equipment, ripstop is most often found on the pants of a karategi or taekwondo dobok, since trouser fabric can be lighter than jacket fabric while still needing to resist tearing during kicks, drops and repeated stretching movements. It is also used on some bag material for equipment such as gear bags, where resistance to snagging matters.
Ripstop fabric is generally lighter than a comparably durable plain weave, which is part of why it suits trousers designed for freedom of movement rather than heavy gripping. Like any fabric, its lifespan still depends on care, and following washing guidance helps ripstop keep its strength over time. See our gi care and washing guide for maintenance advice.
