How to buy a fencing jacket (and plastron)
Sizing, ratings and why you also need an underarm protector. · Typical price $70-130
The jacket plus a plastron (underarm protector worn beneath it) are your fencer's main body protection.
- Rating: 350N for club, 800N for competition.
- Fit: room to lunge and extend, but not baggy. Front-zip jackets are easiest for kids to get on.
- Handedness: jackets zip on the non-weapon side, order left- or right-handed to match your fencer.
- Plastron is mandatory, don't skip it; it's a safety requirement at tournaments.
Where to buy
1
ShopUSAFencing (official USA Fencing kits)
Official beginner starter kits by weapon, built with Absolute Fencing Gear. The safe default.
2
Absolute Fencing Gear
The biggest US supplier. Deep starter-set range from basic practice to competition-legal.
3
Morehouse Fencing Gear
One-stop shop with discounted starter bundles for foil, epee and sabre.
4
Blue Gauntlet
Discounted beginner sets for kids and adults.