SBO presents some of the latest uniform and footwear designs for marching bands and color guards from leading manufacturers.
This season it’s all about the print! Just imagine a cool beach scene, a mountain vista, or any geometric design coupled with a subtle mascot idea or other identifying school elements. Virtually anything you can dream of can now be printed directly onto the uniform fabrics and it’s 100% washable, cleanable and permanent. Dye sublimation printing has been used in the apparel industry for decades and has now taken a strong role in the design and making of apparel for the marching arts. Along with these new opportunities in design are the standard braids and trims that have always been representative of uniforms for the marching band. Direct embroidered logos, emblems and special trims still reflect the traditional uniform worn by most of America’s bands. Bright new fluorescent colors used with free flowing attachments such as drop skirts and creative shako wraps create the progressive look for those seeking a more edgy look on the field. New technology and improvements in all of the products gives the customer the best quality options ever available.
Marching seasons are hot and so are band uniforms. Bandmans now develops lighter weight, cooler uniforms that will allow you to more comfortably march in the heat while maintaining your professional uniform look. With a wide variety of new modern designs or vintage timeless ones, the selection is endless. Have a custom design? We can make it. So, out with the old hot wool and in with the new cool. Try Bandmans’ new cooler washable uniforms and never turn back.
Cousin’s Concert Attire’s Chloe Dress for girls and youth is made of wrinkle resistant, matte jersey stretch knit. This sweetheart neckline, floor-length, princess-seamed gown features a set-in-front empire waistband that turns into back fitting ties. Consider accentuating your soloists, seniors, or a special group with the same dress in a different color.
The pace-setting clients of FJM, Inc. are leaders in the marching music activitywho demand fresh, new designs that combine flexible, athletic fit with superior service. These directors seek the creativity of our exclusive designer Michael Cesario, and the singular fit and finish only FJM can provide. It’s no wonder that our repeat customers become friends who recommend FJM again and again. From the beginning, FJM changed the entire uniform industry, popularizing innovations like Multi-Print designs that add richness to your image; Adjusta-cuff no-sew sleeve and pant hems; Hip capes that add swagger and volume to
your appearance; Gemini uniforms that use both tailored and changeable stretch elements; and new Apollo headwear that’s light in weight, but ready for infinite variations. This season’s FJM custom performance wear uses handsome traditional elements to make a lasting impression, but “switches it up” with a zest for what’s next!
“A collection of unique musician’s attire that pays homage to the deep military roots of outdoor pageantry. Classic and customary militaria is represented here in sleek and graphic ways through the unlikely marriage of time-honored tailoring and advanced imprint technologies.” – designer Brent Becker
“Designed specifically for the Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band’s upcoming appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade, this uniform will be the first of its kind to feature genuine roses as part of the decoration. Conceptually, when creating this notion, I wanted to give each performer the appearance of being a bouquet of roses – in essence, the Honor Band becomes a marching musical floral arrangement. In addition to the very unique use of authentic roses, I’ve further connected the garment to this concept by incorporating a contrasting Victorian era-style digital print.” – designer Brent Becker
Rolled-Heel: Patented technology directs the foot into and through a perfect corps-style, “glide step.” Over and over, effortlessly, until it becomes automatic.
Achilles Tendon/Heel-Lock: Plush-Comfort Ankle Collar derived from high-end sports shoes, the heel lock and collar protect, secure, and stabilize the foot. Promotes flawless execution of complex drills.
Forefoot Hinge: Another unique innovation facilitates a more pleasing, “Toes- Up” visual-effect. Some band shoes fight the foot’s anatomy. This strategically placed “groove” complements it for a graceful, “ball of the foot” flex.
Gateway Shoes features shoes proudly made in the USA using it’s exclusive, direct attached soling process. The Perfomer Plus was developed with the input from hundreds of band directors and students. The shoes are available in men’s and women’s sizes starting at size 3 ½ and up to size 15. The black and white shoes are also available in wide width for those hard-to-fit students. Features include blister-resistant ankle padding, microcellular insoles, textile linings to keep the foot cool, and a lightweight thermoplastic elastomer sole for comfort and slip resistance.
Worn by the 2013 DCI World Champions Carolina Crown, the Velocity shoe features a slimmer look, thinner soles, better tread, and a stitched toe channel. DSI-brand shoes have a reputation for comfort and quality, and are strong enough to be used by 10 of the Top 12 Drum Corps.
Dinkles Marching Shoes are celebrating their 30th Anniversary since they defined the marching shoe industry with the flagship Vanguard in 1986. The Vanguard features an all-leather shoe with a chevron-patterned sole, allows marching bands and drum and bugle corps to march in comfort, style and safety.
Dinkles also features several other shoes to perfectly outfit your band from the affordable, vinyl Glide to the highly-polished, stylish Formal to the sporty athletic Edge. Dinkles has a wide selection of shoes for dancers and marchers along with low-cut and full-length boots. No matter your program’s needs, Dinkles has the right shoe for you.
You may also like:
Uniforms and Footwear: Maintaining Appearances
Pictorial: Style and Sound – Uniforms, Footwear, and Field Equipment for 2015
Meet Your Makers – Marching Footwear Made in the USA: Gateway Shoes LLC
Style and Sound: Band Uniforms and Footwear for 2017
Style and Sound: Band Uniforms and Footwear for 2018
