Jackets for bigger fencers

[fencelikeagirl]

I started fencing and have decided to take up the sport and am having trouble finding a jacket that fits! It is very frustrating and I was wondering if anyone had any leads on companies that offer jackets for women who are not a B-cup! Is it okay to buy a man's jacket and just get a strap-on breast protector or is there a true difference in the cut between women's and men's? I've also seen on some sizing charts the phrase "cotton + "6, or stretch + "4 ". Does that mean you add that many inches to your chest size? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

[achilleus]

I know some that actually look for different companies. The German and Hungarian companies tend to be built for stockier folk, whereas the French and Chinese companies seem to assume everyone is tiny...

Many of the well endowed fencers that I know prefer a men's jacket.
On the subject of breast protectors, most competitors prefer a chest plate which does not require a gender specific jacket.

Although, the same well endowed fencers who favor men's jackets, don't use the chest plate. They find them a bit...tight, and in such cases slip the protectors in their bra, or between two bras...

Hope that helps.

[Strytllr]

Another thing you might try to do is actually call the vendor and discuss your situation with them. I know that, for instance, Triplette can often modify their jackets to your specific considerations (such as with me, where I need a size 48 jacket, but only have a size 44 or 46 arm length). If the vendor actually manufactures their own equipment, they will probably not mind too much.

As far as chest protectors... I have seen them up as far as a D cup and from heresay, would recommend them over the the simple cups that can be placed in the jacket. There are some vendors that I believe offer kinds that are like a sports bra, but with more properly shaped inserts.

On the USFA's website is a nice listing and website link to most of the fencing equipment providers. I would suggest going down their list, compare things and do some calling.

Hope you get what you need. I would hate to see someone not fence simply because they can't easily find the equipment they need!

Strytllr

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by Strytllr

As far as chest protectors... I have seen them up as far as a D cup and from heresay, would recommend them over the the simple cups that can be placed in the jacket. There are some vendors that I believe offer kinds that are like a sports bra, but with more properly shaped inserts.

I know all coaches and vendors I know always reccommend the chest plate.

However, if it doesn't fit, it isn't good. And they don't always fit correctly. So use common sense.

[CvilleFencer]

We only use and sell the chest plate in our salle. The hubcap style cups shift to easy and do not provide any coverage for the top/bottom/sides of the breast or for the sternum. There are several style of "sports bra with hard insert" type rigs out there if the normal plate does not work. Also keep in mind there is some difference in the fit of the plates between manufacturers.

As to men’s and women’s jackets the differences are mainly: a taper, usually by two lines of darted material running down the sides beginning just under the breasts and flaring a bit at the hips for a more hourglass shape, the hubcap pockets on the inside (which at beast seem to positioned to fit about 25% of women), and the fact that it is a couple of sizes smaller usually. How much depends on the manufacturer.

Best of luck!

[D'Artag-NOT]

Phoning the vendor is an excellent idea. I had good success using e-mail exchanges with Cole at American Fencers to get my uniform. It's really helpful to the vendors if you can supply them with your measurements.

Physical Chess carries the chest protector in larger sizes. Definitely go with the full-plate chest protector, especially if you are substantially blessed in this area. The little plastic plates don't cover much and may cover the wrong places. The full plate also covers the center of your chest. You just feel much better protected with it.

[wpotere]

For extra, Uhlmann will tailor one to your size. Good fit is important for safety and comfort.