OSS Kimono Review

If you haven’t read Meerkatsu‘s interview with OSS Clothing, the “About Us” blurb on their site goes like so:

Welcome to OSS Clothing, a premier apparel company born on the island of Oahu and spreading across the pacific. We believe that it’s the journey, not the destination that defines us and makes us who we are.

The name OSS is short for Oshi Shinobu. The first character “Oshi” means “to push,” and the second character “Shinobu” means “to endure.” Together they symbolize the importance of pushing, striving and persevering. To push yourself to your limit, when your body quits but your mind keeps pushing, when your mind is exhausted, but your spirit keeps you going, you endure the pain, you persevere, that is OSS!

OSS is a lifestyle brand designed by the people and powered by heart. We draw our inspiration from the indomitable spirit, we may lose the battle but we shall never be defeated! OSS!

This review is for the adult size A0 white kimono.

Style

This gi has a very modern, yet traditional feel. It’s very, very cool.

Features

The jacket features:

·         550 gram pearl weave one-piece jacket (no back seam)
·         Rubberized collar
·         Contrast grey stitching
·         Contrast grey cotton reinforcement at the skirt splits.
·         Tailored cuffs reinforced with cotton taping
·         Embroidered kanji “to push” and “to endure” on each sleeve
·         “OSS” embroidered at the back collar
·         “Persevere” embroidered in silver on the front jacket skirt

The pants feature:

·         8 oz cotton twill
·         Tailored fit
·         Reinforced, 550 gram pearl weave gusset
·         Padded knees with 6 rows of vertical reinforcement stitching
·         Tailored cuffs reinforced with cotton taping
·         Embroidered kanji at the right hip
·         Embroidered “O” with kanji at the back left calf
·         8 drawstring loops
·         Corded drawstring

Fit

I’ve used the Fushida Sports Corp measuring guide model for the measurements below.

My Measurements (in inches)		Gi Model	OSS	OSS
My Measurements (in inches)		Gi Model	Pre-Wash	Post-Wash
Height	5’0	Gi Size	A0 (in inches)
Arms Front: Wrist to Wrist	57	Sleeve Length	60.5	59.5
Arms Side: Wrist to Wrist	49	Jacket Height	26.5	26
Chest	33	Jacket Width	22	21
Bicep Circumference	10	Jacket Overlap	13	12.5
Forearm Circumference	8.5	Wrist Cuff	6	6
Shoulder to Wrist	19	Armpit	9.5	9
Waist	28	Pant Waist	20.5	19.5
Inseam	26	Pant Length	35	34
Thigh Circumference	17.5	Ankle Cuff	8	7.5
Calf Circumference	12.5	Crotch Depth	8.5	8
Hip to Ankle	31	Crotch Width	10.5	10.5
Weight	112	Gusset width	14	1.35

See how the gi fits me in the video below and keep watching for close-ups of the gi’s embroidery and stitching details. I am also wearing the Under Armour Heat Gear Compression short sleeve tshirt and Tatami vale tudo shorts; the shorts are the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever trained in.

Here is OSS’s posted size chart; as you will see in the video the gi would fit someone on the high end of the chart best.

Quality

Overall, the gi is very nicely made with quality embroidery and subtle patches. Both the jacket and the pants seem sturdy and able to stand up to hard rolling. Unfortunately, there were several areas inside of the gi that appeared to be fraying after several washes as well as loose threads. Also, the fabric began to tear a little at some of the belt loops and required mending. These flaws were minimal and only noticeable upon close inspection.

Utility

Aside from the size issue, I found the gi very comfortable to roll in once I folded the cuff of the sleeve to reduce the length. The fabric maintained its shape while wet and the lightweight fabric was a relief to wear in the hot weather. The drawstring did come undone but no more than other gi drawstrings.

Rather than selling the gi to someone else, I am having it tailored so I can keep it. It’s a very sharp gi and several of my teammates enjoy their OSS gis as well.

The white OSS Kimono currently on sale at www.ossclothing.comfor $60 with the black kimono at $70. Make sure you get yours before they’re all gone!