Jackets#
HEMA jackets are not the same as Olympic jackets. The average HEMA jacket has thicker material, is accommodating of hard protectors through arming points, and crucially comes in a wider variety of styles and colours.
Tailoring#
There’s not much that can be done to tailor a jacket after-the-fact. These jackets are made from heavy materials that tend to break regular machinery. Occasionally someone finds a tailor who’s willing and able to add zippers to the sleeves, but significant alterations are simply not possible. Many jackets have an adjustable strap on the back to tighten the waist, but that’s about it.
Custom sizing might be important if:
- You present as a woman
- You have somewhat unique proportions
- You’ve been betrayed at some point by a “unisex” t-shirt
Tailoring is a case where the “pink tax” tends to assert itself. Women and femme-presenting fencers will often have to opt for more expensive jackets, pants, and chest protectors unfortunately, as “standard” fits are often designed with male-presenting bodies in mind.
Fencers who present as male or otherwise have very rectangular bodies can sometimes get away with off-the-shelf sizes. If you’re unsure about custom tailoring (or you’re really sure you need it), consider opting for it at order time just in case. It’s better to pay a little more upfront to get something that fits, instead of waiting several months for something that doesn’t. Jackets that take several months are usually custom, but this can vary depending on stock.
Recommendations#
We have a lot of options. The recommendations below are not exhaustive, and you can find jackets from many other sellers.
Keep an eye out for “arming straps” when picking a jacket. Arming straps are short, heavy-duty loops of fabric on the upper arms and elbows that can be used to secure some brands of hard protectors. Though arming straps are not necessary, if you are comparing two otherwise identical jackets, one with arming straps and the other without, always pick the one with arming straps. Arming straps keep your options open even if you don’t need them right away.
Superior Fencing#
Superior Fencing Jackets are inexpensive, decent quality, and come in a lot of different styles. Custom sizing is offered at no additional charge which you should really take advantage of. Some fencers have reported poor fitment from Supfen jackets recently, so you should only consider one if cost is a primary motivator, or if they have a jacket style you can’t find anywhere else. Measure carefully, err on the side of a relaxed fit, and make sure you can raise both of your arms over your head with the jacket zipped up when you receive it.
Supfen jackets are made to order and can take 3-6 months for production and shipping.
SPES#
SPES jackets are some of the best jackets you can get though you will pay for it. They come in several styles, and can be heavily customized and tailored for an additional charge. Some jackets are also offered in a “light” variant made from thinner materials. Light jackets are more forgiving in the summer months, but the reduction in padding means you will bruise more easily.
SPES jackets usually take 3-4 months for production and shipping. If you don’t need custom sizing and want to roll the dice, you can also check out their outlet section.
Swordshop#
The whitelabelled Ultralight Padded HEMA Jacket is an interesting jacket that lives up to its name. Our sabre instructor, Matt, has one, so you should talk to him if mobility is what’s most important to you. As this is an off-the-shelf jacket, custom sizing isn’t possible. This jacket is more suited to smallsword and rapier, should not be used for longsword, and might be suitable for sabre only if you have a high pain tolerance.
This jacket is not made on-demand, so if it’s in stock, it will ship right away.
Swordshop stocks a number of other jackets, which appear to be Supfen models. These too will ship quickly when in stock.