MARCHING UNIFORM DESIGN - Part 2

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Gauntlets are a choice that helps create a uniform appearance of the arms and hands. The use of gauntlets is also helpful in solving minor sleeve length issues from year to year. Gloves complete the visual line of the arms by taking the color all the way to the ends of the fingertips.

The use of extended shoulder elements, found on many coat styles, helps make the waist and hips appear slimmer and creates a larger, more powerful image on the field.

The visual elongation of the legs and lower torso by continuing the trouser color onto the lower portion of the coat is a way to create the impression of more height. This can be further enhanced by a shorter than average coat length which makes the legs appear to be longer. A more tailored fit of the bib trousers and coat streamlines the silhouette of the body to help create a taller appearance, but requires more customized fitting from the organization’s uniform maintenance team each year.

Plumes are beautiful accessories that help complete the look of many different styles of uniforms. Carefully consider the color and style of plume selected to create the desired effect. Tall, white plumes are beautiful, but add an additional level of visual exposure that must be contended with from a marching execution standpoint.

Consideration of how a design appears when viewed from the back as compared to the front should also be taken into account. Beautiful visual effects can be created when there is a light to dark contrast from the front of the uniform to the back. Keep in mind that when a musical ensemble is facing away from the listener, the volume level is typically reduced. It is for this reason that a design with darker color placement on the back, and a lighter color appearance from the front, effectively interprets the nature of the audio presentation.

The choice of a shoe color that blends with the color of the trouser is desirable because it helps continue the line of the leg into the foot. The alternative is to visually expose the feet by selecting shoes that are contrasting in color to the trousers. Be aware that the choice of a contrasting shoe requires the ensemble to be very accomplished in the area of marching technique.

Life expectancy and quality of construction must be considered in the process of purchasing new uniforms. When selecting fabrics and construction methods, there are many choices; unconstructed, partially constructed, and fully constructed are some of the terms used to describe the various levels of tailoring available, and have a direct effect on the longevity of the garment. Be sure to select the construction quality level that fulfills your uniform life expectancy requirements.

Uniforms designed especially for the ensemble’s auxiliary units are also useful. Even though many of today’s marching productions call for a specifically themed costume for the color guard or dance ensemble, it’s always helpful to have a beautifully appropriate uniform for the visual ensemble to wear when appearing with the musical ensemble in parades or at football games!

Finally, rely on help from design professionals. There is nothing like the assistance of someone that has spent years analyzing the way something looks on the world’s largest stage … a football field!


Chad Duggan
Creative Designer
Demoulin Bros. & Co.