Fenom Kimonos, a dedicated women’s BJJ gi producer, has expanded their range to include a lighter weight white gi called Lotus to complement their Classic black kimono reviewed here. The Lotus is a beautiful new gi with an impeccably soft weave and subtle feminine styling; a great addition to any BJJ woman’s wardrobe.
Fenom Features
The Lotus gi is distinguished by its styling. Fenom’s gothic ‘F’ brand is embroidered in black on the sleeves and at the bottom of the right trouser leg, while a black lotus-flower patch is stitched at the bottom left of the jacket and at the top of the left trouser leg.
The Lotus is a lighter weight gi and weighs in at 1.5kgs on my scale (the Classic weighs in at 1.8kgs). While the Lotus jacket, a single piece crystal weave, has a normal weight, the trousers are a lighter weight canvas with reinforced areas around the knees and shins.
Fenom Fit
While the Fenom Classic gi jacket has a shorter skirt, the Lotus has a more conventional length and extends over the hips. The trousers include a more generously proportioned back panel than many gi designed for men, and the A1 measures 22cm from waistband to the top of the gusset. This can provide a more comfortable and pleasing fit that accounts for women’s hip to waist ratios better than gi aimed at male proportions.
Fenom Size
Fenom’s gi are not pre-shrunk. After a 60 degree wash, the Lotus lost a centimeter in the jacket and 2 in the length of the trousers.The Lotus is generously proportioned and remains a great fit after this minimal shrinking. Moreover, the cut of the gi is adaptable and the A1, as modeled below, works for women along its size spectrum (Charlotte is 153cm and 40kgs while I’m 163cm and 60kgs).
| Measurements | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| collar to cuff | 67.5cm | 66.5cm |
| shoulder to skirt bottom | 74cm | 73cm |
| waist to leg bottom | 89.5cm | 87cm |
Conclusions
The Lotus is a beautiful looking, soft feeling, well thought out gi. Fenom continues to excel in creating products cut and styled for a feminine consumer. If you’re in the market for lighter weight gi to weather your summer training or to keep you in your weight category, at the bargain price of $75, the Lotus is a real steal!
Addendum
As of 2011, the Lotus ships with riptsop trousers which are reviewed here. Ripstop trousers are also available to purchase separately for $25USD + shipping.
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.
Meerkatsu says
22 Jul 2010 at 9:07 amGulp! Seriously cool review Meg, nice to see Charlie too. Who took the photos, they are really cool. I very much admire the business and social ethos of Fenom as you know and I wish Triin and her company the very best of luck.
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 9:12 amThanks, Meerkatsu! Charlotte is absolutely ace and obviously looks way cooler in her Lotus than me with my Simon Cowell belt style! Charlotte's mum was kind enough to take the photos which I then doctored. Indeed, Triin is a an inspiration and the product really is outstanding and very reasonably priced. The dudes at the club are wishing their gi were as soft and well styled 😉
Dartford BJJ says
22 Jul 2010 at 9:58 amSparred with both these lutadora's last night…the Kimono's are as Tuff as they are! 🙂
Wide Eyed Browns says
22 Jul 2010 at 10:26 amGreat stuff Meg, nice to see Fenom growing whilst still maintaining their high standards. The softness is unreal. 🙂
André says
22 Jul 2010 at 10:32 amExcellent review. I too like the concept and aim of Fenom. Dunno if there's an antonym to schadenfreude but that's what I feel towards Fenom 🙂
When my gf gets into BJJ I'll just have to buy her one or two of these.
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 10:59 amThanks, Coach! We're tough cuz Dartford BJJ doesn't let up forges steel! 😀
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 11:02 amThanks, Andre! Does your girlfriend know about the women's open mats (in London)?! No experience necessary; next one is at Mill Hill in Sept – she'd be very welcome. They are super plush gi and very affordable.
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 11:03 amWide Eyed Browns, thanks fro visiting! Indeed, I was a little hesitant as I'm not normally a lighter weight gi fan, but these are lovely. Is such a great product to have on the; fingers crossed they get a line of women's MMA board shorts!
James says
22 Jul 2010 at 11:46 amNice review Meg! You need to start rocking the low slung belt like the cool kids do though 😉
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 11:53 amHi, James! Haha, you're absolutely right; I am a pure dork! I've got a high waist and a stumpy bod and get annoyed with it round the hips 😉
Laura says
22 Jul 2010 at 12:31 pmHey, we could start a club/support group for high waisted women. If I wear my belt any lower the darn thing slips off. Why not tie it around the skinniest part of your body?
That's why I really like the shorter skirt on the Fenom classic. I find it doesn't look quite so dorky with the belt so high.
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 12:35 pmAgreed, Laura! Indeed, the belts defo work better on folks without much differential between waist and hips and like you say around the skinniest part makes it most secure. Damn! I only occasionally act like a 12 year old boy, I don't have the body of one 😉 Seriously, though, that is one of the cool things about the Classic jacket, it flares and looks cute, rather than nerdtastic, with the belt round the waist.
Georgette says
22 Jul 2010 at 4:54 pmJealous, jealous. My husband might storm out if I get yet another gi, but I love the Lotus. I couldn't get a grip on Triin's when we drilled at a seminar lately. She says it's just fabric softener but I think the Lotus is woven with Jedi mind (finger?) tricks.
Meg Smitley says
22 Jul 2010 at 5:00 pmHa, ha, Georgette – priceless! I find that storage can be an issue with these bulky things, but, as you know, the Fenom are very reasonably priced so surely can be 'gotten away with' on that score 😉 The Fenom are defo my fav at the moment, and while I prefer the sleeve length on the Lotus, I do like the short skirt of the Classic; perhaps whatever is in store will have a combo of these features. I'm looking forward to the day I can get to Texas and roll with all you tough chicas in the Fenom heartland!
Meg Smitley says
23 Jul 2010 at 5:45 amSo I've been told, Anon, so I've been told. You should see me first thing in the morning, appalling! Happily, I make no claim to beauty and strive to be a courageous, capable, genuine and loving woman. Lucky, too, that while I fall short, a good gi serves me well, regardless 🙂 Apologies, brother, but I'll have to delete your comment in a day or two; your earthy language is lowering the tone. Thanks for reading!
Wide Eyed Browns says
23 Jul 2010 at 9:05 amahahahaa..oh Meggy, I'm jealous. I love the effort that Anon put in to their (lets not assume its a guy..) comment. I can see they thought long and hard about it and maybe even had to correct their use of "you're / your".
I've had more than my fair share of little hater people, thing I've learnt, they always stay little hater people whilst we foxy ladies rock on!!!
Meg Smitley says
23 Jul 2010 at 9:10 amWide Eyed Browns, I stand corrected, indeed, assuming gender is my bad!
For reals, haters make hate, while lovers make love 🙂
juliajohansen says
27 Jul 2010 at 4:07 pm@Meg hahahahaha I love the "So I've been told, Anon, so I've been told." That cracked me up so much. Your gentle touch is definitely appreciated and something I should strive for on the internet.
Meg Smitley says
27 Jul 2010 at 4:12 pmAww, thanks, juliajohansen. Can't take notice of anonymous vitriol, now can we? 😉
juliajohansen says
28 Jul 2010 at 2:56 pmVery nice review, btw. Much appreciated. I ordered the A3 and, as Triin suspected, it fit me comfortably around the waist but was far too long for me. I have both the white lotus and the black gi. The black one I had cropped a bit more conservatively–I had it cut JUST below the F on the pants, but the white one I went a little crazy, so now it's a skosh too short. Meh! I *HOPE* that the way things are going I'll have to order an A2 sometime in the not-too-distant future.
I also washed mine in 200 degree water to try to shrink it a bit. 🙂 It fits very nicely.
Meg Smitley says
28 Jul 2010 at 9:22 pmThanks very much for your comment, juliajohansen, really helpful to have another woman's experience with the gi recorded for posterity 😉
Megan says
7 Jun 2012 at 5:31 pmJust ordered one…it was on sale and I LOVE Fenom for offering A4/3…great review!
Meg Smitley says
9 Jun 2012 at 1:18 pmMany thanks, Megan. As you must know they’ve updated the gi to include ripstop trousers which is a great little upgrade. Excellent daily training gi; very much a staple of my own gi wardrobe 🙂
GiFreak says
8 Jun 2012 at 3:12 amThanks for this review! They’re on sale and I’m picking one up. Just added your review to our database too. http://www.gifreak.com/gireviews?field_review_maker_uid=All&keys=&field_review_reviewer_tid=246
Meg Smitley says
9 Jun 2012 at 1:18 pmAwesome! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing links with your readers. Much obliged 🙂