finding Whites that fit

[little_old_me]

Ok, here's the deal. I currently have an Absolute Nylon uniform. Jacket size 38, knickers size 30. I absolutely (no pun intended) love the way this uniform feels. The only problem I have is that the sleeves are too short by about an inch and a half. This isn't a problem on my weapon arm, because of the glove. I have, however been hit in the off wrist a couple of times.

In the possibly near future, (If I make enough money during my internship) I may be investing in a set of FIE gear.

I guess my question is where would be a good place to look for an FIE uniform that is soft, stretchy, and cut long and thin? By long and thin, I'm 6'2" and 140 lbs. Usually, if I can find a jacket that fits my body, the sleeves are way too short. Any suggestions?

I've heard that Estoc is cut thin, but otherwise I know nothing about them.

Thanks in advance.

ps. I fence Epee, by the way. If that matters...

[rcmatthews]

Most companies offer a tall size on their uniforms. I know that Uhlmann and PBT do this for sure, and most of the others do as well.

[KD5MDK]

Leon Paul will custom tailor your gear for an additional charge, although that brings it into the tropospheric price range . You best bet would be contacting the vendors directly and asking about their sizing options.

[rcmatthews]

The tall sizes from Uhlmann don't cost any extra as far as I can remember. A custom fit uniform from the costs 15% extra, so you basically pay the price that is on their website plus shipping (because you get to subtract the 17.5%VAT)

[RITFencing]

If you go to a NAC or some other big tournaments (Duel in the Desert springs to mind) or if you can show up personally at a showroom, the vendors will let you try on their uniforms. I'd really recommend the NAC or Summer Nationals if you can; that way there'll be loads of vendors so you can compare different items.

[Linkthealmighty]

A quick fix might just be an offhand glove. Not sure if there's any legal issues with this though

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Try Negrini or Estoc. Negrini is cut for rail thin people, and estoc is a little bit wider, but not much.

[little_old_me]

ok, I didn't even think about checking at Summer Nationals. It'll probably be around then before I have the cash for FIE gear anyway. Thanks guys.

[Craig]

If you take your measurements and send them over, adding a couple of inches of length to the sleeve shouldn't really alter the price. If you are interested in the Leon Paul FIE gear, send an email with your measurements to sales at fencing.net and we'll check with the factory for both timing to make as well as if there will be any additional charge.

Craig

[KD5MDK]

A quick fix might just be an offhand glove. Not sure if there's any legal issues with this though

Can't think of any. Referee might watch you a little closer to make sure you're not using your off-weapon hand.

[Mergs]

6'2" and 140!!?!?!?!?! Just wait, that'll change and you won't have a problem. Un-natural, that's wot it is, bloody un-natural! Sin against God and nature, it is.

[KD5MDK]

Where are you located? Estoc is a good brand from all I hear, and the US vendor (Swordmasters) is great.

[little_old_me]

@ Mergs: Heh, what can I say... Yay for metabolism. I eat a lot, but don't seem to gain any weight. Makes wrist picks harder for opponents :-)

@ KD5MDK: I'm in South Carolina. The closest vendors (actually, the only ones that I know of in driving distance) are Triplette and PBT USA. I haven't heard much good about Triplette and PBT is just crazy expensive.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Ya know, PBT used to be almost reasonable. You could get a 350n jacket for like, $80. Expensive, but it was a nice jacket. Now, they charge about $130, for the same jacket. Its a really bad deal. Their non-fie masks are $130ish also... $130 for a non fie! I payed $130 for my prieur FIE which is not likely to break in my lifetime. It would be different if they were selling it for the old prices, but they're selling non FIE stuff for the FIE price. Ridiculous.

[telkanuru]

I'm 6'1" and 155lbs, and I have Estoc size 44 jacket and 44 knickers. Probly could live in a size 40 knickers, but it's just the waist measurement. For reference.

[little_old_me]

yeah, my actual waist measurement is 28". I had to get a 30" pair of knickers for them to be long enough when I got my first set.

I'ts sounding like Estoc could be the way for me to go. Hopefully Swordmasters will be at Summer Nationals. That would be nice.

[KD5MDK]

I'd email them and ask. Among other things, Scott is going to France next weekend and can make sure to have a set in your size if he might not otherwise.

[Orestes]

Out of curiosity, has anyone noticed a disparity between waist size and thigh circumference w/ their knickers? In order to cram my rear into my knickers, I had to get a waist size that fits like clown pants. Sort of compliments my fencing...

Also - I can vouch for the L-P stretch FIE. The jacket, at least, as that's all of the kit I have at present. If you're already going to shell out $200ish, might as well throw in a few more bucks for a -sweet- piece of equipment.

[Mergs]

Out of curiosity, has anyone noticed a disparity between waist size and thigh circumference w/ their knickers? In order to cram my rear into my knickers, I had to get a waist size that fits like clown pants. Sort of compliments my fencing...

The most prominent muscle groups in fencing are the quads, next being the glutes. Given the basic anatomical norms that drive clothing sizes, and because manufacturers of fencing clothing haven't insisted changes to accomodate these differences from their standard clothing manufacturers, you get clothing based on two primary measurements: waist and inseam. Which don't translate to the fencing population.

[mrbiggs]

I've heard that Estoc is cut thin, but otherwise I know nothing about them.

It's cut thin more than long. I'd suggest trying it on before buying, just to make sure. I'm guessing that the sleeves will be a nice fit widthwise, but will still be a few inches short.

Having looked, I can tell you that it's difficult to find uniforms with long arms, which is weird seeing as that so many fencers are built that way. The Estoc is decent, though.