Story: Archery, fencing, shooting and military re-enactment

Fencing equipment

The equipment used by fencers is shown here. The clothing – breeches, jacket, socks and plastron (an added protective layer worn under the jacket) – are known as whites, although they can be any colour other than black. Additional items include gloves, a mask, and, for women, a chest protector. 

The introduction of electronic scoring added electrically conductive clothing – a lamé worn over the jacket, and lamé or conductive elements on the mask. The lamé is sleeveless when using a foil, and has sleeves for sabre fighting. Masks worn when using a foil have a strip of lamé from under the chin to the bottom of the bib. The whole of the mask worn for sabre bouts is conductive.

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Archery, fencing, shooting and military re-enactment - Fencing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/40815/fencing-equipment (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 1 Jan 2015