Women are also required to wear a plastic or metal chest protector under the jacket. I strongly recommend that guys wear a cup. Since the legs and feet are valid target areas in ep e, your are also required to cover your legs and feet. Wal-Mart sweat pants are cheap and do a good job of protecting you. You can also wear knickers or pants.
Jeans are hard to fence in, but they're okay.
If you are practicing, doing drills, or otherwise not fencing with electrical equipment, you may leave the jacket off and wear just a plastron. All this stuff can be a little uncomfortable, and it can get really hot, but it is necessary. If you have a weapon in your hand, keep it pointed towards the ground if you are around other people. Never hit anyone with your weapon unless she has all the protective equipment on, including the mask. Even if you hit slowly, the foil could bounce up and hit your opponent in the face.