The basic fencing equipment and clothing provides a fencer with the maximum protection compatible with the freedom of movement necessary for fencing.

Mask. A plastic material resistant to impact insulates the mask internally and externally. It is made with meshes (space between the wires) of a maximum 2.1 mm and from wires with a minimum gauge of 1 mm diameter. The bib of the mask is made with a highly resistant cloth.

Jacket. The lower edge of the jacket must overlap the breeches by at least 10 cm when the fencer is in the on-guard position and includes a lining making a double thickness of material for the sleeve down to the elbow of the sword arm and covering the flank up to the armpit.

Ladies’ equipment must, furthermore, include breast protectors made of metal or some other rigid material.

Plastron. An undergarment consisting of a protective under-plastron covering the vital upper areas of the body is obligatory.

Breeches. The breeches must be fastened below the knees. With breeches, the fencer must wear socks which cover the legs right up to the breeches, These socks must be held up in such a way that they cannot fall down.

Glove. The glove is slightly padded. The gauntlet of the glove must, in all circumstances, fully cover approximately half the forearm of the fencer’s sword arm to prevent the opponent’s blade entering the sleeve of the jacket.

Foil. The maximum length of a foil is 110cm and it weighs less than 500g. The blade has a rectangular section and is made of smooth steel and is no longer than 90cm. The point is blunted and has a plastic button that covers this to protect against any injury. The blade must be as straight as possible. Any curve of the blade must be uniform and the maximum bend must in any case be less than 2cm; this must be in the vertical plane and must be near the centre.