
Fenom Kimonos burst on to the BJJ gi scene in the new year of 2010; I was delighted to wear one of the first two Classic Fenom kimono to arrive in the UK! Since launching, Fenom has gone from strength to strength and consolidated and grown its position as the women’s BJJ gi brand. While its initial product range was launched after extensive product research, Fenom hasn’t rested on its laurels and in addition to adding childrens gi and a choice of three adult women’s gi to its range, Fenom have sought to refine and update their offerings in line with the latest trends in ‘gi technology’. Hence, Fenom now offers its while ‘Lotus’ lightweight gi with ripstop trousers. The Fenom Lotus retails for $75USD and pants are available separately for $25USD + shipping. This review is of the A1.(1)
Lotus Ripstop Features

Fenom is known for its understated, feminine but tough styling and the new ripstop trousers include a revised use of embroidered patches. While the original Lotus trousers included a stylised lotus flower patch on the left thigh and an ‘F’ logo on the bottom of the right leg, the new trousers have been updated to have a larger flower patch on the right thigh and no Fenom logo ‘F’ on the lower leg. The knees are reinforced and there are two drawstring loops.
Lotus Ripstop Fit
The canvas trousers shipped with the original Lotus were a good fit through the seat and legs, but shrunk-to-fit a bit too short to end several inches above the ankle bone. The dimensions of the new ripstop trousers are slightly different, including increased length in the leg, and, as they’re ripstop, they are pretty much impervious to shrinking even after a warm 60° wash. While the length of the Lotus trousers has been increased (and is comparable with those gi such as the Break Point and Fuji which have the best length for me) there’s been other tweaks to reduce the generosity of the cut through the thighs. I am near the top end of Fenom’s A1 spectrum but tend to hold my weight in my middle and be slim through the hips and thighs, and as the gi are shrink-to-fit, it may be advisable for women of a thicker set in the bottom and legs to consider going up a size if they are borderline; this might also help to ensure the best sleeve length as these come up a bit short on me after a warm washing (check out this review for pictures).
Measurement | Ripstop (cm/in) | Canvas (cm/in) |
---|---|---|
E | 50/19.7 | 50/19.7 |
F | 26/10.2 | 28/11 |
G | 92/36.2 | 87/34.3 |
H | 20/7.9 | 18/7.1 |
Credits
Big thanks to Fenom for sending through the new ripstop trousers for review. Join them on Facebook!
Disclaimer
All reviews are based on my independent observations. I have no formal qualifications, I am not sponsored by any company and I do not endorse any one brand. If you chose a gi based on my review, please let the manufacturer know that MegJitsu persuaded you. This will not benefit me financially, but can help me to get more gi to review. As always, thanks for reading.
(1) For reference, I am 163cm/5’4.5″, 60kgs/130lbs and have bust, waist and hip measurements of 86.4cm/34″, 68.6cm/27″ and 91.4cm/36″; this review is of the A1.
Fenom Lotus: Women’s BJJ Gi Review | MegJitsu
17 Dec 2011 @ 6:14 pm
[…] of 2011, the Lotus ships with riptsop trousers which are reviewed here. Ripstop trousers are also available to purchase separately for $25USD + […]
22 Dec 2011 @ 1:26 am
I totally agree with what you said about going a size up — I have an hourglass figure, my waist is smaller but my hips and behind are bigger. I originally got the blue gi with ripstop pants and the A1 fit OK, but I felt because my behind was fuller, the gi pants sat a little lower on my hips and despite wearing compression shorts underneath, it made me feel a bit self-conscious.
I ordered a pair of A2 ripstop pants, and it was absolutely perfect! Granted, it was a little large, but I could just tie it tight on my waist instead of it sitting on my hips!
By the way, glad to hear you’re back on the mats : ) ♥
26 Dec 2011 @ 7:20 pm
Thanks for your comment, Sky! Always great to have insights from other perspectives and I’m glad you got Fenom to fit.
Thanks very much! Look forward to sweaty sparring, but drills are good for now 🙂
Fenom Lotus Ripstop Trousers Review | bjj
26 Dec 2011 @ 8:04 pm
[…] Source: https://megjitsu.com/fenom-lotus-ripstop-trousers-womens-bjj-gi-review/ […]
9 Jan 2012 @ 6:58 pm
Great Review Meg!
11 Jan 2012 @ 9:35 am
Thanks, Brendan! Appreciate you reading and commenting 🙂
Fenom Lotus Ripstop Trousers Review | ju jitsu
23 Jan 2012 @ 4:56 pm
[…] Source: https://megjitsu.com/fenom-lotus-ripstop-trousers-womens-bjj-gi-review/ […]
Fenom Lotus Ripstop Trousers Review | ji jitsu
19 Feb 2012 @ 9:00 am
[…] Source: https://megjitsu.com/fenom-lotus-ripstop-trousers-womens-bjj-gi-review/ […]
23 Dec 2012 @ 11:21 pm
I just bought the blue fenom Gi and love it! The weight and feel is perfect. I am 5’7 and 135 lbs. I got the top and bottom in A2 and the fit is perfect.
2 Jan 2013 @ 5:29 pm
Great feedback, Lisa, thanks! Fenom is a wonderful brand with great gi at competitive prices. Love how they keep adding to their range.
24 Aug 2013 @ 9:41 am
I thought I would share my experience with FENOM. I purchased a Gi from them on the 10th when it didn’t arrive after 10 days I called. I was told it was out of stock and they were not making more. I asked why they had kept my money (PayPal) and not contacted me and was told they were hoping someone would return one so they could ship my order. I’m so disappointed. Not sure if it was just total lack of competence or lack of ethics.
24 Aug 2013 @ 4:24 pm
Hi Barbara, what a shame! Really sorry you’ve had that experience. I cannot speak for Fenom and can only say that I’ve always been impressed with their customer service, not to mention their everyday support for women in BJJ.
24 Aug 2013 @ 7:59 pm
Hi Barbara,
The most difficult part of reading a comment like yours is that you’re right. There’s no other way to put it — we simply failed to make your purchase experience a positive one. We try really hard to balance affordable pricing while maintaining responsive customer service and contributing to women’s BJJ. It’s been a difficult road to travel as a small business but we recognize we have a responsibility to you as a customer regardless of the situation. You parted ways with your hard-earned money and I appreciate you.
I would like to speak with you on the telephone if you’re willing… my hope is to figure out a way to make you a happy Fenom customer. Please contact me at randy@fenomkimonos.com.
Thank you sharing.
Best,
Randy San Nicolas
25 Sep 2013 @ 4:53 am
Hi there,
I got a new GI as my anniversary present and a blue belt so my signature didn’t sweat off.I LOVE IT! I am 5’10 and the top and pant fit amazing and gose so well when rolling. I would love another pair of some. Friendly fight shorts . Please email when there’s new stuff out especially if you get shorts .Thank you so much for making a women friendly GI .
Z
27 Oct 2013 @ 4:37 pm
Hi Meg! I love reading your blog! I have read most of your blog and facebook page. I am wondering if you have reviewed any Gi’s lately? I am also wondering if you have an opinion on which Gi has remained the most soft after several washes and held it’s color the most?
Thanks for your opinion.
P.S. Have you had a chance to try out the Green Gi?
28 Oct 2013 @ 9:26 am
Hi Andrea, thanks for reading and glad you like the blog so much!
You can see all my gi reviews, in order of most to least recent, if you click this link (which is the same as the Gi subcategory link in the right sidebar): https://megjitsu.com/reviews/bjj-gi/. There you will find the sum total of my experience of gi.
I couldn’t say, in complete fairness, which gi has held its colour or stayed softest as there are a variety of factors at play. E.g. I hang my gi outside in the summer and if they get hit with direct sunlight they can get really stiff and rough, but that is not the fault of the gi or fabric, but my own ‘user error’. Likewise, the sun can effect colourfastness.
Sorry to be ambiguous, but I don’t want to make unfair pronouncements. I offer what insights I can in the reviews and from there the reader must make up her own mind.
Hope you find a great gi!