Colorful uniforms

[Army Fencer]

I know that one of the biggest topics of discussion on this board is, "how can we spruce up our sport?"

I propose that we need more color. If our uniforms where colorful and would attract attention, rather than having the same old white on white, it could draw the media a bit more. Nearly every other sport uses colorful uniforms to create a unique identity for their teams and attract attention to themselves.

Think of how it would look if each club had a specific set of colors for their uniform. Think of how it would encourage camaraderie between members and rivalry between teams. Think of how it would draw non-fencers to root for local teams!

It's just a thought.

[downunder]

there's already heaps of color in the sport, lames are colored, you can get colored masks, and i've seen colored jackets made... only the torso is required to be white on the jackets...

although the USFA has this bizarre pastel color rule or something... can someone explain it to me, and the merits behind it?

[KShan5[PrFC]]

You should probably check out how do you like colored lames?

It is in the armory section of the board.

[damianip]

Or this recent discussion:

http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthr...&threadid=6284

Paolo

[I_luv_saber]

Don't let Inq see this! ! I think color should be introduced a tad more. Team colors, club colors, I like the idea. I especially like the painted masks. Have a team with painted masks, like football and their helmets. Why not? The whole white clothes only thing I don't get.

[downunder]

Originally posted by I_luv_saber
The whole white clothes only thing I don't get.

but there isn't an FIE rule on this... you can have colored clothing!

[Duelist]

Why stop here. Lets allow costumes (as long as they follow regulation). Imagine Spider Man going at a Ninja with foils. Now that would increase the popularity of the sport!

[Inquartata]

Yes. How about capes and horned helmets as well? Big utility belts. Knee-high boots with high heels. Glittery gauntlets, with cuffs. Chaps. MESS thongs OUTside of your knickers...

Why don't we just go completely Las Vegas-transvestite? THAT would get us some "notice", I daresay.

[Army Fencer]

I agree, Inq, costumes would be a bit over the top. Conservative team colors would be enough, and it would do a lot!

[lochinvar]

Originally posted by Inquartata
Why don't we just go completely Las Vegas-transvestite? THAT would get us some "notice", I daresay.

Don't you love it when Inq gets on his "I Hate Color" soapbox? He's just so butch!

I think some color would be nice. Maybe not Spiderman costumes, though. I'd hate to see fencing become like professional wrestling.

Besides, Inq, the trend is going that way whether you like it or not. Get with the times won't you, Dearie?

[Inquartata]

I will not. Fine sort of curmudgeon THAT would make me!

As for the "trend", well..."All that is necessary for the triumph of color is for good men to do nothing".

[Army Fencer]

Out of curiosity, Inq, (and maybe you have revealed this in an earlier post) why are you so opposed to color?

[I_luv_saber]

Originally posted by Duelist
Why stop here. Lets allow costumes (as long as they follow regulation). Imagine Spider Man going at a Ninja with foils. Now that would increase the popularity of the sport!

I think there is a bit of a difference between asking for some color, and parading around in a spiderman costume! some people get so carried away! A little color in our lives will not hurt anything. And on my "white clothes only" remark, I meant people (hi inq )not the FIE.

[deadly lefty]

just for laughs i have my soccer number and my last name on the back of my jacket many peoplehave stolen my idea it looks like a jersey

[Inquartata]

Originally posted by Army Fencer
Out of curiosity, Inq, (and maybe you have revealed this in an earlier post) why are you so opposed to color?

You can do a search and find a plethora of threads on this topic, wherein I have expounded my sour opinion of colors and the reasons therefore. I would prefer not to cover the same old ground yet again---though if this thread continues long enough to get me into high dudgeon it may become unavoidable.

[lochinvar]

Inq--when has your dudgeon ever been low?

[Popper]

A uniform all in black would look kind of cool....

I want to be the black knight!

[fencingguy]

I REALLY like the idea of club colors. I realize that we have it now to some degree with the different warmups, and the various patches some people wear, but providing different color schemes and designs on Jackets and knickers based on your club affiliation would be really cool. I realize there are a million problems with this, including cost for people who have to switch clubs, but may not want to buy a new uniform, who will make them, fabric or paint colors, bad taste, etc...

BUT

Imagine an NAC full of people fencing in their easily distinguishable club uniforms. It could run the gamut from full color uniforms to more simplistic designs or patterns. Seeing large club logos on the back of jackets, underneath the name, might be the first step. Cool...

[Event Horizon]

I think there's already enough color. As someone posted earlier, one can buy different color lame's. It seems many people wear colorful socks. I've also noticed gloves now have color in them.

There has to be some control or it'll just get out-of-hand and pretty soon people are going to be wearing colorful costumes. How can you take a sport seriously when someone is wearing bright neon colors?

I also don't think that the sport should change solely for the reason to get a better chance to be on t.v. A sport should change only if it's going to better the sport not so everyone can get their 15 minutes of fame. I'm sure many of us didn't get into Fencing just so we can be on t.v.

Ok, I'm starting to digress. Everyone have a nice day.

[Peregrinus]

Event Horizon, two things:

Just because people wear colorful costumes doesn't mean their sport isn't taken seriously. Downhill skiing and speed skating come to mind. No one thinks those sports aren't serious.

The color in the uniforms/kit isn't for "getting on TV". I have no interest in getting on TV (the ratings wouldn't so much fall as plummet!). I just want a colored stripe on my sleeve or knickers or maybe a tasteful design on my mask. It's not for TV, it's for me.