I'm about to begin speaking with my admin about our need for new uniforms (ours are a little over 12 years old).
This will be my first time navigating the possibility of new uniforms. I was hoping to get some advice on pitfalls to avoid and ideas that have worked well for you in the past.
We are looking to do semi traditional uniforms-not the spandex tops but something more modern than the military style we have now.
What are some companies you recommend? What is an appropriate price range if you have done new uniforms recently?
Having just purchased a new set last year I can say that you need to be aware of the following: -Fabric quality and durability -If multiple companies are in the mix, get a sample from each and put it on a kid. Based on how it’s made consider how that uniform will fit your kids after 5 years -Don’t fall for the “Free Stuff” It’s never free, at this point that company is working a deal and not earn your confidence and business. - If your school district is going on cost alone, remember you get what you pay for.
DeMoulin made ours and was by far the better constructed uniform. I don’t know which company made your current uniforms but if they have lasted 12 years it might be worth sticking with that company. Best of luck!
Re: New uniforms advice
Posted by Richard Peters on 12/12/2022, 3:37 pm, in reply to "New uniforms advice"
Fred J Miller! The BEST! I have had 5 Different sets with 4 companies (some no longer with us) and FJM has been fantastic in every way. Great people and great uniforms.
Re: New uniforms advice
Posted by Just Got New Ones on 11/30/2022, 2:50 pm, in reply to "New uniforms advice"
Hey there,
We just got some new ones this year. We got them from FJM. In my opinion, they are by far the best. They have patens in their design that get their uniforms to look a certain way. They are going to be on the more expensive side though. If you are looking for top-of-line uniform, you'd be looking at around $600 per kid. I think ours were $550 per kid. That includes bibs, jacket, hip skirt, shako, and gauntlets. We did not do plumes as we are reusing our old ones. You can certainly get them cheaper if you go with another company or do non-custom. If you do custom, be sure to have them send samples and ask for a sample for any update you make no matter how many. I think we did 6 or 7 samples. Start the process early and get them ordered by February at the latest if you want them in the fall. Don't forget that you need a drum major option as well. Before they design something, be prepared to give them as much info about the band, school, and community as possible as it will help their inspiration in their design. Don't forget about your shoes. You probably won't order them from them (or maybe you will)but the pant color will decide what shoe color you'll go with. If your band isn't good at marching, then avoid any lines in the pants. Make them solid. Also, avoid emphasizing the waist. The Cadets have a gold sash that goes around their waist, that's good for them because they march well but not good for ensembles that don't march well. You want to emphasize the shoulders more than anything.
