Best jacket material?

[Bugaboo]

It's about time to upgrade/replace my fencing jacket, so I'm investigating what's available on the market now.

Considerations:
* I perspire more than average, and even against my best intentions I often wipe my face on my left jacket sleeve.
* I've recently started taking epee lessons, so I've started getting more dirty weapon smudges on my right (target) arm.
* I prefer to wash my jacket at home myself, fairly frequently if possible.
* I fence three times per week, plus occasional weekend competitions.

So what would you suggest as a good sturdy, stain-resistant jacket in the mid price range? I want it to last a while, but I can't afford to invest in the top top of the line.

[neevel]

Well, just about any jacket is going to tend to pick up smudges-- white is white, and there's not much you can do about that. I'd say go for a good nylon jacket, since they hold up to repeated washings better than all-cotton and hang-dry overnight (compared to possibly a couple of days for cotton). Nylon is probably a bit better about not holding stains than cotton, too. What do you mean by mid-range, in terms of price?

-Dave Neevel

[HilandDoug]

So are you going to compete in epee? If so, go with Neevel's suggestions. If you need a lame, spend the extra $$ and get the Infinity. Everyone I know who has one is in love with it's strength and durability.