Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball

Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball

Highlights

  • Dragon Ball‘s character designs evolve over time with each arc, showcasing the passage of time and character progression in the series.
  • Martial arts uniforms like Goku’s gi play a key role in character identification and symbolize transitions in character arcs.
  • Different outfits like Goku Black’s dark gi and Goku’s GT gi offer unique twists on traditional designs, adding depth to character development.

As a long-time fan of Dragon Ball, I have to say that the iconic outfits in this series are as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. Each outfit tells a tale of growth, transformation, and dedication to the martial arts.


Unlike most shonen series released around the same time or after it, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series had unique character designs that were consistently revised to reflect the flow of time within the story. As a consequence, even minor changes in a character’s appearance correspond to specific chapters, sagas, and arcs in the franchise, making it easier to distinguish between different installments and timeframes.

A consistent feature across the entire Dragon Ball series is the frequent appearance of martial arts garments, often referred to as gi, dogi, or keikogi, which are worn by characters like Goku, Gohan, Krillin, Piccolo, and more. Regardless of whether it’s Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, or Dragon Ball Super, the primary characters have donned various costumes over time, and here are some of the most impressive ones.

6 Goku’s End Of Dragon Ball Z Gi

Playing Off Goku’s Original Gi For A Touch Of Nostalgia

Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball
Manga Debut Dragon Ball Chapter #518 “10 Years After”
Anime Debut Dragon Ball Z Episode #289 “Granddaughter Pan”

Even though the gi worn by Goku during the finale of the Dragon Ball manga and Dragon Ball Z anime was only around for a short time in the entire franchise, it carries a deep sentimental significance. This gi marks the final design update for Goku by Akira Toriyama in the original comic series, echoing back to Goku’s very first outfit at the beginning of the series.

As a longtime fan of Dragon Ball Z, I find the iconic outfit worn by Goku during the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament to be a poignant symbol of his character arc. Having grown up watching this series, I’ve seen Goku evolve from a student to a teacher and mentor, mirroring my own journey as an educator. The sleeveless teal tunic, white obi belt, and greenish-blue pants he wore in those episodes, ten years after the defeat of Majin Buu, served as a powerful reminder of his growth and the lessons he imparted to Uub. This outfit represents not only Goku’s transformation but also serves as a testament to the enduring impact of martial arts on both characters and audiences alike.

5 Goku Black’s Gi

Combining Zamasu’s Design With Goku’s For A Dark Twist

Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball
Manga Debut Dragon Ball Super Chapter #14 “SOS from the Future”
Anime Debut Dragon Ball Super Episode #47 “SOS from the Future: A Dark New Enemy”

The updated versions of the classic gi worn in Dragon Ball fit particularly well on Goku Black, as his intricate design and darker color scheme complement his ominous persona. His outfit is composed of a long-sleeved black turtleneck under a grey kimono, which is tied at the waist with a red obi.

Goku Black combines black pants and white boots to create an understated yet intimidating appearance that easily sets him apart from the original Goku. Interestingly, the muted colors in his design beautifully accentuate his later transformation into Super Saiyan Rosé, characterized by pink hair and a multi-layered halo of dark red and pink.

4 Goku’s Dragon Ball GT Gi

Goes Well With His Designs As Both A Child And Adult

Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball
Manga Debut N/A
Anime Debut Dragon Ball GT Episode #1 “A Devastating Wish”

In the fresh beginning of a new phase for Dragon Ball, the story was brought back to its foundations, and Goku’s attire in Dragon Ball GT reflected this by incorporating aspects of his original design while introducing subtle modifications that resulted in an iconic appearance. To put it simply, Goku’s garments in Dragon Ball GT consist of a blue gi with a white waist sash and pants of a vibrant yellow hue.

In stark contrast to many of his grown-up redesigns, this ensemble abstains from the use of an undershirt and employs vivid color contrasts to boost its visual allure. The gi and pants are complemented by red wristbands and black footwear, a combination that surprisingly suits both child Goku and his adult version flawlessly.

3 Goku’s Original Gi

A Classic Look That Has Been Revisited Many Times

Best Gi Uniforms In Dragon Ball
Manga Debut Dragon Ball Chapter #1 “Bloomers and the Monkey King”
Anime Debut Dragon Ball Episode #1 “The Secret of the Dragon Balls”

Originally, Goku’s gi from the initial arc of Dragon Ball was quite modest compared to later, more colorful designs. Consisting of a simple blue sleeveless tunic and matching pants, both held together by a white obi belt tied in a bow, this outfit is straightforward and understated.

As a lifelong fan of the Dragon Ball Z series, I can confidently say that Goku’s iconic outfit is more than just clothing – it embodies his spirit and dedication to martial arts. The red wristbands and kung fu shoes are not mere accessories, but symbols of his journey as a warrior. From the original design, which has stood the test of time, to subsequent redesigns that followed, Goku’s outfit remains an integral part of the series’ legacy. As I reflect on my own life experiences and the lessons I’ve learned from watching this anime, I am constantly reminded of the importance of perseverance and never giving up, much like Goku himself.

2 Demon Clothes

Piccolo And Gohan’s Signature Look

Manga Debut Dragon Ball Chapter #143 “Goku vs. The Demon King”
Anime Debut Dragon Ball Episode #109 “Goku vs. King Piccolo”

Originally, Demon Clothes – a unique type of martial arts garb – were designed for the Demon Clan by King Piccolo and Kami. The initial attire comprised an indigo tunic and pants, adorned with their respective kanji symbols on the chest. Additionally, it included a purple sash belt and shoes resembling those of Namekians. Over time, King Piccolo’s son, Piccolo, adopted a similar outfit that eventually had the symbol removed. As we progressed through the Saiyan and Namek Sagas, Piccolo’s clothing evolved to a dark purple gi with a blue belt.

Initially, Gohan donned the outfit during the Saiyan Saga following his training sessions with Piccolo. Notably, his version of the attire had a white headband and red bracelets. Similarly, Piccolo adorned a weighted white cloak and a white turban along with his traditional garb. In his epic fight against Perfect Cell, where he famously unleashed his first Super Saiyan 2 form, Gohan switched to a purple gi, complemented by Namekian footwear, a blue sash belt, and blue bracelets.

1 Turtle School Uniform

The Outfit That Has Defined Dragon Ball For Decades

Manga Debut Dragon Ball Chapter #33 “Hard Work Pays!!”
Anime Debut Dragon Ball Episode #109 “The Tournament Begins”

For over two decades, this costume has been closely associated with the “Dragon Ball” series and, more specifically, Goku’s character, as it debuted during the Tournament Saga. The original design includes a loose-fitting red or orange shirt paired with matching baggy pants tied by a blue or black obi belt. Accompanying this are white socks, blue wristbands, and blue shoes. The Turtle School emblem was emblazoned on the back of the shirt, with a smaller version placed on the left side of the chest. Over time, Goku added a weighted blue undershirt and blue boots to his attire after training under Kami. When engaged in intense battles, he typically removes these accessories from his outfit.

After my time under King Kai’s tutelage, I donned a revamped version of the training suit, adorning the kanji for “Kai-o” at its back. In the Frieza Saga, this symbol transformed into my personal one, read as “Go,” signifying that I had outdone all my mentors. The iconic uniform from the original Dragon Ball Ball comic and anime later lost these symbols and added a blue sash belt for a sleeker appearance, which was showcased throughout the Cell Saga and Majin Buu Saga. Characters like Krillin, Gohan, Goten, and even Pan have worn adaptations of this uniform over time. In Dragon Ball Super, I momentarily wore the Turtle School Uniform, bearing Whis’ emblem on its left chest side.

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2024-07-31 06:34