Another unitard thread

[Grimaldi]

I was browsing through various fencing vendors' websites and came across the Triplette unitards. Searching the forums, it seems like there hasn't been much discussion about these for several years.

I'd imagine they are comfortable and easy to move in, but I don't think I've ever seen one in actual use. Is it a quality issue? Style? I've got to imagine that more top-level fencers would use them (or other brands would make unitards) if they were as free to move in as I assume, so maybe there's a problem I'm overlooking?

Any thoughts or experience from the fnet community?

[SJCFU#2]

There's a reason why you don't see them very much. In fact, there are several reasons, all of which lead to little demand for the product, which is why no one else bothers to make them (I suspect it's been years since TCA even managed to sell one).

[InFerrumVeritas]

There is one person in our state who used one (I havn't seen them around at a tournament in a while). Let's just say this: picture somone who looks good in a unitard. Picture the opposite of that without athletic support. Yeah.

[Grimaldi]

This is what I was assuming...it sounds like mostly cosmetic/fashion reasons, and not so much performance. But if that were the case, elite athletes in good condition could wear them, look fine and get an edge with a more comfortable uniform...except they don't use them, so either A: fashion matters a lot or B: there are disadvantages to wearing a unitard aside from the fashion statement.

[InFerrumVeritas]

This is what I was assuming...it sounds like mostly cosmetic/fashion reasons, and not so much performance. But if that were the case, elite athletes in good condition could wear them, look fine and get an edge with a more comfortable uniform...except they don't use them, so either A: fashion matters a lot or B: there are disadvantages to wearing a unitard aside from the fashion statement.

It could just be that standard uniforms are comfortable and provide ease of movement. I wouldn't say that there are disadvantages, just no advantages. When that's the case, most people would prefer the norm. Personally, I'd think a unitard would have less movement rather than more, because of the fabric pulling from the torso to the legs.

[fencerchica]

Unitard tailoring would be a lot more finicky than that of a normal uniform, IMHO. Whereas with a 2 piece uniform, a long armed, short legged person can easily get the equivalent of a custom fit by mixing and matching their jacket and breeches sizing, they'd need a really specific size and cut for a unitard. So, it seems inefficient (too many sizes/cuts needing to be stocked) and prone to being ill-fitting (if you don't stock enough variety in sizes/cuts).

Couple SN's ago I saw a guy wearing a unitard. Though an older guy, probably V-50, he was in quite respectable shape. The unitard still didn't look good though!

[TBean]

Unitards work for dancers because they are completely stretch in all directions and most dancers can wear them well. Given the stretch in lycra there is more forgiveness in terms of something fitting all over the body - shoulders, torso, legs etc.

Even with the newer stretch fabrics for the top of the line uniforms, assuming you wanted to make this FIE, it won't be enough stretch. If an athlete is long through the torso the crotch on the unitard will be short - what fun. If they are short through the torso the uniform will be baggy. There is no way to adjust this, you have to be the perfect size for the uniform or move up/down a size and risk the rest of it not fitting properly.

It is far easier to get a reasonably good fitting uniform with two pieces.

[Pescados666]

I'd rather not wear something with 'tard' in it. Wouldn't it make it harder to take off since it's one piece? It'd be kinda awkward going to the restroom or something.

[swordsen]

I know one guy who wears one and a girl who used to. Fit is hard to get right. Incidentally, she looked good in hers and he refers to his as his clown suit fairly often.

[KD5MDK]

I know a good fencer who wore one. She doesn't now.

[telkanuru]

If you wear a unitard, people may think you are unitarded.

If you do end up getting one, get a nice piratical bandana and a black glove to complete the effect.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

That's the thing... pirate bandannas go with everything.... even a <shutter> a unitard.

[Fencergrl]

I can't imagine why everyone isn't wearing them. If you were standing across the piste from this fellow, I am certain you would be quivering so hard it would be difficult to have good point control. http://www.thechurning.com/images/unitard2.jpg

[fatfencer]

would look smokin hot in a custom unitard

But it has to be custom. I would love it it Triplette would make a unitard where the top was FIE and the bottom was stretch 350N which stretches alot more.

The reaon everyone hates uni is that only trackstars look good in them. They are in shape.

Imagine ME in a uni...bwahahahahahaha. If only I could get in good enough shape to wear one.

Fatfencer

[CaptainShakespere]

That's the thing... pirate bandannas go with everything.... even a <shutter> a unitard.

Oh please. Those awful things are so out of fashion. A silk cravat would be so much more the thing. Very tres you.

[fatfencer]

[QUOTE=Fencergrl;703006]I can't imagine why everyone isn't wearing them. If you were standing across the piste from this fellow, I am certain you would be quivering so hard it would be difficult to have good point control. http://www.thechurning.com/images/unitard2.jpg[/QUOTE


Wow...he's got a camel toe.

FF

[W. Richmond]

http://www.thechurning.com/images/unitard2.jpg

This is the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.

[Fencergrl]

Now are you glad unitards aren't more popular??? Let this be a warning to others who are considering wearing them... unless you are looking for notoriety for sending your opponent into such a state of giggles that he is defenceless against you.

[chefencer]

Actually, I'm unitarded and have been for a while now. I find it comfortable. It does require a certain shobieness, confidence or perhaps disregard, but that's not been a problem for me. I find it practical in most ways except in the previously mentioned trips to the bathroom. That does require proactive scheduling, but it's manageable.

I don't know if it's Practical Utilitarianism of Utilitarian Practicality, but hey, if my opponent is giggling too hard to parry, I'm all for it. It is interesting that in a sport full of 'Unique Individualists' there would be such an outcry against them, 'cus it does set you out from the rest of the Crowd in White. It's certainly no worse than some socks I've seen...

[Meteoric Iron]

A loooong zipper is sexy: but not so
tired suspenders / linty velcro.
Forego the thongy crotchstrap
Never have to "mind the gap"
or measure your personal ( Ch 2 m.25 4.a) overlap.
Uncover your inner unity,
And wear your 'tard with impunity!