So excited about my Aesthetic Zero gi...

Disclaimer-- this is not a traditional review, I couldn't wait to wash and wear this sucker, so I didn't take shrinkage measurements, sorry!

Most of the time I don't buy gis unless they're vintage/used on ebay or facebook.  It just gets too expensive, and I already have twenty-something.  It's hard to justify.  I'm delighted to review gis (and then I usually give them to charity or a poor kid starting out.) But buying brand new gis for myself is a tough sell.

Last gi(s) I bought brand new were two gorgeous DFKC gis (Da Firma Kimono Co) and I sold them almost immediately on ebay.  Why?  Because they were super low-rise pants (on my too-full derriere) and the crotch gusset was made of the same thick weave as the jacket, which bunched up between my thighs and made me feel like I was wearing a diaper.  A full diaper.  Not good.

So I rather shame-facedly ordered this Aesthetic "Whiteout" lightweight gi while watching the Pan livestream.  I think it came up because I asked what gi someone was wearing, and my teammate Alex Glavin pointed me towards Aesthetic... I liked something really special about it.  The embroidery of the name is reversible!

Look-- here on the leg.  It says Aesthetic one way, and Jiujitsu the other!  You'll see it more clearly on some of the other photos.

• 350 GSM Premium Pearl jacket
• Ripstop pants
• Sublimated interior trim
• Double-layered cuff taping
• IBJJF approved
• Includes carry bag

The "White Out" is a lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi that doesn't sacrifice quality or durability, featuring their 350 GSM Premium Pearl weave and super comfy ripstop pants. A great Gi choice for competition or for daily training, teaching, etc. Throughout the top and bottom, all logos are embroidered in white, on white, for a unique and clean look.
The new and improved pants are, simply put, outstanding. Cut and stitched to maximize your movement and comfort while keeping excess fabric to a minimum. Shrinkage is also reduced when compared to previous Aesthetic designs. Other specs include full-length knee reinforcements, multiple drawstring loops, and a round stretch drawstring.
- See more at: http://www.martialartssupplies.com/aesthetic-whiteout-gi.html#sthash.XSbKB1eR.dpuf

• 350 GSM Premium Pearl jacket
• Ripstop pants
• Sublimated interior trim
• Double-layered cuff taping
• IBJJF approved
• Includes carry bag

The "White Out" is a lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi that doesn't sacrifice quality or durability, featuring their 350 GSM Premium Pearl weave and super comfy ripstop pants. A great Gi choice for competition or for daily training, teaching, etc. Throughout the top and bottom, all logos are embroidered in white, on white, for a unique and clean look.
The new and improved pants are, simply put, outstanding. Cut and stitched to maximize your movement and comfort while keeping excess fabric to a minimum. Shrinkage is also reduced when compared to previous Aesthetic designs. Other specs include full-length knee reinforcements, multiple drawstring loops, and a round stretch drawstring.
- See more at: http://www.martialartssupplies.com/aesthetic-whiteout-gi.html#sthash.XSbKB1eR.dpuf

I screwed up and let the string get pulled all the way through but that's easily fixed.  Anyway, I like the waist loop placement.  One bonus, this gi comes with two pairs of pants.  One nice soft twill pair (here) and one super light ripstop pair.  They have a double layer of knee reinforcement that goes midthigh to ankle all the way.

I'll be honest, I think I have been wearing the wrong size gi forever.  I am not an A1.  I am an A0.  I'm almost the heaviest I've ever been (140) and the ripstop pants are a little small on me for comfort, but the twill pants were fine especially after I squatted in them to teach them who's boss. But the gi top is not too long or too baggy, whereas most A1s are.  I just instinctively assumed my bottom half would be too big for an A0.  I wonder if Aesthetic (which is based in the UK) would consider selling them separately? But anyway...

Also I really like that the crotch fabric-- although gi top weave-- in no way possible feels diaper-ish.

This is the embroidery on the back of the collar.   Very low key and subtle.  The collar is incredibly stiff out of the bag (I'll photograph the bag later when I add pics of me in the gi because the bag is also super cool) and even after two washes and dries, it's still impressive.  It's covered in ripstop and feels very substantial.

 

 I uploaded the pictures from my phone and they're wonky, upside down, sideways, sorry.

Here's the interior bottom of the jacket, two nice contrasting patterns in the reinforcement and seam taping.  Not scratchy, at all. It's little touches that show attention to detail.

I really should re-upload, sorry.  This lining isn't exactly rashguard material, it's not stretchy, but it's mostly for looks anyway I think because it does not extend very far across the shoulders.

The gi top is SUPER light though, and does not stretch when wet and under tension unlike the Vulkan Ultralight.  I will weigh the gi and pants and get back to you with that data. The website says the top is 350gsm pearl weave.  It's delightful to the touch.

Embroidery on the top of the shoulder, as you look at the person...

And the same embroidery, upside down.  SO COOL.  I am enthralled.

So, I am super happy with this gi, and had to tell you about it.  

 

 This gi is 99 British pounds ($147US) and shipping was another $23 to Seattle. Moderately pricey, for me, but I say well worth it considering two pairs of pants plus the cute bag in which I will be toting stuff to class, seminars etc. 

The Whiteout is available here on their website with free shipping for UK customers, and they also point out it's available to US customers from two other sources (which I didn't even check on, like an idiot, so maybe my shipping could have been cheaper! but I was watching Leandro Lo killing people at the Pan so give me a break.)

If you buy it through MartialArtsSupplies.com as suggested, it's $149.99 with only ripstop pants, and free two-day-air shipping.

If you buy through RollMore.com as suggested, it's also $149.99 with only ripstop pants and free two-day shipping, but they offer custom embroidery for $9.99 and adding a patch for $9.99.  I have not looked into those options... anyone, anyone? The nice thing I can see about RollMore.com is they have a 60 day return policy that allows you to train and roll and wash and dry for two months and still return it!