Equipment
Traditionally, the fencer’s uniform is white and the instructor’s uniform is black.
Fencing clothing has always been made of a flexible but durable fabric, such as sailcloth.
For safety reasons, the characteristics of the outfit are now strictly regulated.
At international competitions, the suit must be resistant to 800 Newtons. National requirements differ from country to country: the 350 N standard may be sufficient. To ensure the safety and proper functioning of electrical signalling, the material must be clean and in good condition.
In most competitions, the athlete must have their name and nationality written on the back of the vest. Each country determines its “national dress” (including the mask), a single design for all fencers of the same country participating in a high-level competition.
All colours are allowed on the clothing, except for black.
Gloves
Jacket
Plastron
Conductive vest
Socks
Shoes
Weapon
Mask
The regulation outfit consists of:
- a glove for the armed hand (with a conductive cuff to the sword)
- a white suit (jacket and breeches/knickers)
- a plastron, worn under the suit on the side of the sword arm
- a lamé conductive vest (foil and sword)
- a chest protector (for women)
- three-quarter socks
- shoes
The equipment is completed by:
- weapon
- a metal mesh mask
- in competition, body cords for the electric tuft control apparatus.
