Many southern states have been experiencing extremely hot summers lately with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in many places. In order to stay cool in this hot weather when you go outside, it is important to dress cool. However, this can be quite difficult to do if you are a member of the marching band and are required to perform at your school’s football game in your uniform. Marching band uniforms are traditionally very heavy and hot. The good news though, is that there is now a new uniform available for bands that is great for battling these scorching hot temperatures.
Traditionally, these uniforms were always made of a heavy wool fabric. The wool fabric was used because it is a strong fabric that could last for many years. It was also a great fabric to use for color-dying, as it retained a nice bright color. Technology and times have changed now though, and with it many of the standards in the marching band uniforms industry are changing too. Aware of the fact that these uniforms are extremely hot to wear in the summer and early fall months, band uniforms manufacturers have started creating uniforms using 100% woven poly gaberdine fabrics. These fabrics are just as durable as the wool fabrics, but they are not nearly as heavy as them. Uniforms made of this fabric have a 10 year life guarantee through most manufacturers. They also retain color just as well as the wool uniforms and are much less expensive.
For schools that are situated in warm climates, many of the bands would wear alternative uniforms, which generally consisted of pants and a t-shirt for the hotter months, and then switch to their marching band uniforms around the middle of September. Requiring alternative uniforms is a negative for two main reasons. Firstly, it is expensive to have to buy the entire band a second uniform. Secondly, the marching band uniforms are much more eloquent than the alternative uniforms and give your team a better sense of pride as they show off your school’s colors.
So, for schools that are located in warmer climates and are looking to purchase new uniforms for their band, the band directors in charge of ordering the new uniforms should consider buying uniforms made of 100% woven poly gaberdine fabric. They are extremely durable and much lighter weight, and they will surely make the band members much happier and more comfortable during their performances.