need advice- doing fencing related school project!

[heidiblair]

Hey guys!

I am going into my final year of a fashion degree and I wanted to do for my final collection, technical base layer garments for fencing. (tops, shorts, pants made specifically for fencers and fencer body types).

I am sick of the t-shirts and shorts that we are stuck having to buy and wear. How do you guys feel about this idea? Would you actuallly wear something like this? I was thinking about adding a small layer of fabric/padding on the arms and thighs for when you get hit off target and bruise!

It would of course be breathable, lightweight to wear under the jacket and knickers, and versatile enough to wear while training and competing.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

[erooMynohtnA]

I think it's a great idea, and I'm typically the person telling people how stupid I think their idea is. As to whether or not I would use it, it depends entirely on pricepoint, style, color, size, padding placement, etc.

I don't know what your fencing background is, but Leon Paul is probably the best place to start for ideas or cooperation, as they are typically very style concious and always attempting to bring meaningful innovations into equipment through new materials and designs. Escrime USA might also be someone good to contact or browse for ideas.

In addition to things worn under protective equipment, you might want to consider their use as a stand-alone product, because a lot of fencers don't wear full gear for lessons, so something halfway between a jacket or plastron and a t-shirt might be a nice compromise.

[heidiblair]

thank you so much for your feedback, i really appreciate it! I am also glad you like my idea, I have been getting mixed reviews. BUT pricepoint is very important, it would definately be affordable, not cheap cheap but affordable.

I think if I go for the padding however I do decide to incorporate it, I would probably make tops specifically by weapon for padding. So foilists would have more padding on their arms because that is a common off target point. Not sure at all for epeeists but sabreists it would be one the collar bone area. What do you think?

From what i hear, the stuff would have to be extremely breathable, even with the dryfit stuff of today, I see the fencers still sweating like crazy... but with all those layers it is impossible not to sweat.

I really like your idea about the halfway practice jacket so you don't have to pull out the competition jackets that are now mostly made out of kevlar!
I was talking to people and they really don't like their knickers for practice and usually wear other pants, so maybe comfy practice knickers as well?

Any further comments would be amazing, thank you!

[Downtown]

I would like to see some sort of woman's t-shirt with padding above the chest protector. Should be right and left handed. Maybe with a 3/4 sleeve with a little extra padding (Adidas sock like) on the weapon arm.

My training partner is a petite female and she is always taking a shot one inch above the breast protector.

[I_luv_saber]

I really like your idea about the halfway practice jacket so you don't have to pull out the competition jackets that are now mostly made out of kevlar!
I was talking to people and they really don't like their knickers for practice and usually wear other pants, so maybe comfy practice knickers as well?

Any further comments would be amazing, thank you!

I probably wouldn't so much use a special T-shirt, however I would use some shorts/trainers. Admittedly, I never really wore knickers during practice (I know, I know...) due to comfort, heat, breathability, etc. I usually wore long trainers, sometimes shorts. One with some extra padding on the front leg would be useful...

I like the idea as well.

[SpiralGalaxy]

I don't fence any more (I referee now), but I remember getting lots of whip hits to the tops of my thighs back in the day. A foil point would catch briefly on my jacket/lame, then whip down fast to my leg. Shorts to wear under knickers with a bit of padding for the front thighs might not go amiss.

Good luck!

[yearsofwisdom]

make sure its not restricting on the weapon arm especially.

[yearsofwisdom]

also shots to the hip hurt like hell..... and sternum.

[heidiblair]

wow, thank u guys for the feedback. this is exactly what I need. please keep it coming!

[Fiat Slug]

Personally, I get adequate padding from my jacket so I don't feel a need for a padded base layer. If anything, I would appreciate an ultra-thin base layer that wicks the moisture away from my body.

On the other hand, it would be nice to have shorts that are padded so that I don't have to wear knickers during practice. Obviously, the shorts should be sort of long but doesn't have to be as long as knickers. Perhaps board shorts or Bermuda shorts length?

[yearsofwisdom]

mmm i think the fact that knickers are more protecting, should be a fact that they should be worn at all times. Several years ago, a student at a local fencing club was stabbed literally through the balls... so knickers are a must or possibly a cup....

[erooMynohtnA]

wow, thank u guys for the feedback. this is exactly what I need. please keep it coming!

Regarding padding, one thing you have to consider is that the more padded an area is, the more likely a glancing touch is to stick. In saber, not really an issue. In foil and epee, it can be a big issue (think mask bib flicks or a fat guy).

While comfort is a plus, you don't want to include something that would put the user at a competitive disadvantage.

Personally, I get adequate padding from my jacket so I don't feel a need for a padded base layer. If anything, I would appreciate an ultra-thin base layer that wicks the moisture away from my body.

Underarmour, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, everyone makes a wicking layer. What could make it fencing specific?

mmm i think the fact that knickers are more protecting, should be a fact that they should be worn at all times. Several years ago, a student at a local fencing club was stabbed literally through the balls... so knickers are a must or possibly a cup....

I do not believe you.

[I_luv_saber]

mmm i think the fact that knickers are more protecting, should be a fact that they should be worn at all times. Several years ago, a student at a local fencing club was stabbed literally through the balls... so knickers are a must or possibly a cup....

Myself, I always wore a cup, whether I was wearing trainers or knickers.

The knickers vs. without is a personal choice. Myself, I'm willing to risk the very off-chance of an injury to the legs in return for MUCH more comfort, less equipment to change out of, etc. Maybe I shouldn't, but it's my risk to take, and I'm really not that concerned about it.

In practice, the cost/benefit is up to each person....

[Dusie]

If we're talking about clothing to be worn under fencing gear... under my knickers I usually wear long spandex, the ones that go almost to the knee, because they don't bunch up like shorts do. I can understand that not everyone wants to wear spandex, but maybe shorts that are longer and somewhat form fitting so they don't bunch up!

[Dusie]

Oh, also, I second the comment about a little chest padding above the chest protector. When you're hit RIGHT where that chest protector meets your chest, it hurts!