Karate Practitioners wear a light, medium or heavy weight white cotton suit. The club badge or a combination is usually worn on the left side of the jacket. The white trousers have drawstring waist and it is important to ensure you have the right size for comfort, practically and safety. Protective equipment is used in karate by both men and women, especially in sparring (controlled fighting practice) and competition. Practitioners must be clean and tidy at all times, as a sign of respect to the art, teacher and fellow practitioner.