What should I wear to my first fencing lesson?

Comfortable athletic clothing that covers the legs, such as loose track pants (no yoga pants or tight leggings), a t-shirt, and closed sports shoes with decent grip. Tie back long hair and bring a water bottle.

Can I wear shorts to fencing?

Long bottoms are better. The protective gear is designed to be worn over full-length trousers, and long pants protect your legs from scrapes during lunges.

Do I need special fencing shoes?

Not for a first lesson. Any supportive, closed sports shoes with good grip on a smooth floor will do.

What to Wear to Your First Fencing Lesson

Not sure what to wear to your first fencing lesson in Singapore? Here is a simple, practical guide, no special gear to buy.

For your first fencing lesson, wear a comfortable t-shirt, loose long track pants (no yoga pants or tight leggings), and closed sports shoes with grip. Tie back long hair and bring water. The trial needs no protective gear, and once you join we lend you the mask, jacket and blade, so you do not need to buy anything special.

A lot of newcomers hesitate to try fencing because they picture full metal masks, padded jackets and long blades, and assume they need to arrive kitted out like a competitive fencer. That is simply not how it works here. If you are still deciding whether to come in, our guide on what to expect in your first fencing lesson covers the rest of the experience. This one is just about your outfit.

What clothes should I wear?

Fencing is an active sport that involves lunging, quick footwork and turning side on, so treat it like any other athletic activity. Choose clothes that let you move freely without restriction:

A comfortable t-shirt or athletic top, nothing too loose or baggy
Loose track pants or jogger style bottoms that cover the legs fully (no yoga pants or tight leggings)
Socks that sit comfortably inside closed sports shoes

Avoid jeans, stiff fabrics or anything that pulls tight when you bend or lunge. You will be moving forward and backward along a strip repeatedly, so freedom of movement matters more than looking sharp.

Why do I need long trousers?

Shorts and skirts are best left at home. Fencing involves a deep lunging position that exposes and stresses the front leg, and the protective gear you wear after joining is designed to be worn over full length trousers, not bare skin. Long track pants or leggings:

Sit comfortably under the fencing gear you will wear once you join
Protect your legs from minor scrapes on the floor or equipment
Keep you covered as you lunge, retreat and recover repeatedly

If you only own shorts, do not worry. Ask us beforehand and we can advise on what is available, but planning ahead with a pair of long pants makes the session more comfortable.

What shoes should I wear?

Fencing footwork is quick and precise, with sudden lunges and pushes off the back foot. Your shoes matter more than you might expect.

Wear closed, covered sports shoes such as trainers or indoor court shoes
Make sure they have decent grip on a smooth floor
Avoid sandals, slip on shoes, or anything without a back strap

Special fencing shoes are not needed for a first lesson. Any supportive pair of sports shoes already sitting in your cupboard will do the job well.

What else should I bring or remove?

A few small habits make your first lesson noticeably smoother:

Tie back long hair so it does not get caught inside the mask
Bring a water bottle, fencing is more physical than most people expect
Remove dangling jewellery, watches or bracelets before you start
Bring a small towel if you tend to warm up quickly

What does the club provide?

Most beginners are surprised by this part. The trial needs no gear, and we lend you the mask, jacket and blade once you join, for the first 8 lessons in a group class, on a membership of 8 weeks or longer (on a 4-week membership, the loan covers those 4 weeks), or for the first 10 lessons in private coaching with a 10-lesson pack (the first 5 with a 5-lesson pack or single lessons), so there is nothing to purchase before you arrive. Once you join, our coaches will fit you with gear that suits your size and the weapon you are trying, whether that is foil, sabre or épée, and talk you through how each piece works before you put it on.

This is deliberate. We want the only decision you need to make before your first class to be showing up. Your registered coach talks you through each piece of kit on the day.

When should I buy my own gear?

We lend the mask, jacket and blade once you join, for the first 8 lessons in a group class, on a membership of 8 weeks or longer (on a 4-week membership, the loan covers those 4 weeks), or for the first 10 lessons in private coaching with a 10-lesson pack (the first 5 with a 5-lesson pack or single lessons), and your coach then helps you choose your own. Many fencers buy their own mask, glove or jacket for fit and hygiene. There is no rush, and it is entirely your call once you know fencing is something you want to stick with.

If you do reach that stage, our detailed fencing equipment guide covering what you actually need walks through the options without any pressure to buy more than necessary, and caring for your fencing equipment once you own it keeps it lasting well.

Who is this for?

Complete beginners are welcome from age 7 in group classes, with private lessons from age 3 for younger children. At 8 or 80, the only preparation required is comfortable clothes, covered shoes and an open mind.

A trial lesson is a low-pressure way to explore the sport, and our coaches at Fencing Masters are used to guiding complete beginners through their very first steps with a blade in hand.

Request a trial lesson, wear something comfortable, and bring closed shoes and a water bottle.