Uniforms...the final word?

After some discussion with the "committee", I've come to a decision of sorts. The IDC does have a uniform. Officially speaking we have a Practice uniform and a Formal uniform.

For everyday training in class, a "Practice uniform" could consist of the following:

Shoes should be comfortable athletic shoes-- trainers, fencing shoes, or equivalent so long as they are flat soled.

Trousers should be some sort of athletic or workout pants (i.e., combat trousers, jogging pants, etc...)

A T-shirt should be worn at practice.

I know what your thinking: "but that's what I'm already wearing to class" yes exactly, you were doing it right all along...you clever thing.

However for special events (demos, etc), a "Formal uniform" could consist of the following:

Shoes should be comfortable athletic shoes-- trainers, fencing shoes, or equivalent so long as they are flat soled.

Trousers should be basic black--any sort of athletic or workout pants (i.e., combat trousers, jogging pants, etc...)

A club or plain black T-shirt should be worn at practice.

That's not too bad is it...cheap, cheerful and uniform.

Now if you want to take thing a step further...a classic fencing uniform is equally acceptable in situations requiring a formal uniform. For good measure I would encourage the choice of black breeches and black master's jackets.*

This will, I hope, fulfil our need for something that is truly uniform, it allows for good motion, it doesn’t impede martial intent, it has been shown to be serviceable and durable, cost effective, and it is a taken reasonably seriously by other parties.

*As far as I am concerned there are no modern masters in our art today, and to paraphrase the slogan on a friend's T shirt: "You are your own master."