How to Get Marching Band Uniforms

Listening to a marching band is invigorating, but these outfits don’t have the same impact without matching uniforms. Whether you’re looking for a standard uniform or something custom-designed, plenty of companies are available to help enhance a marching band’s overall appearance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Marching band uniform catalogs
• Size charts
• Measurements of individual band members

1. Buy books with information about what kind of uniforms are appropriate for marching bands, such as “The Marching Band Handbook” compiled by Kim Holston.

2. Request catalogs from companies that sell marching band uniforms, such as The Bandmans Company or Band Shoppe. Having several catalogs to look through will help you compare prices and decide where to order uniforms. Along with your catalog, some companies will also send you swatch samples to compare colors and material textures.

3. Browse online catalogs when print catalogs aren’t available. Ictus Limited and Stanbury Uniforms both have detailed catalogs on their Web sites along with other useful information on sizing, pricing and color choices.

4. Determine which company offers the best uniforms in your price range, but remember cheaper is not always better and the most expensive isn’t always necessary.

5. Make a list of each marching band member’s sizes or get their measurements so you can compare them to a sizing chart. Uniform companies usually have charts to determine which size will fit best, but if they don’t, request more information on how to choose the correct sizes.

6. Raise money to purchase uniforms. Unless the marching band’s school or other athletic organization is paying for the uniforms, fund-raisers are good sources of money for marching band uniforms.

7. Order the band’s uniforms once you've found what you want and raised the required money.

Tips & Warnings

• Check each company’s return policy prior to making your final decision on which company to use. If your order arrives and it’s incorrect, you want to know in advance if the company will be willing to work with you to remedy the problem.
• Be precise when measuring individual band members to ensure uniforms will fit properly.
• Have band members try their uniforms on immediately to see if there are any problems with sizes or defects in the garments.
• Factor in shipping costs when budgeting for uniforms. Shipping costs will vary depending on where your shipment is coming from and what shipping company and method is used.
• Remember shipping time will vary depending on how your items are shipped. If you need the uniforms quickly, pay the higher fee for faster delivery.

[oldbanddirector]

on 11/3/2009 Another great tip on this is to look at the area you are in and get the right coat construction for your kids. I am a retired Florida band director and I have always had trouble with just how HOT the kids get in the heavy uniform coats. So, we found a company www.ictuslimited.com that made use a light weight coat and man in 32 years the light weight coat made the biggest difference. Just be sure to keep your weather conditions in mind when getting those new uniforms. I hope this helps.