Uniform Care

Band uniforms cost $500 each.

Please follow these tips to care for your uniform so it will last.  

Like your instrument, you are responsible for taking good care of your uniform. Jackets zip up in the back. While it may seem awkward at first and you may have to ask for help, you will get the hang of it. Imagine yourself putting on a wetsuit. It’s a bit like that. Once you learn how, you can do it no problem.

To ensure your uniform stays in good shape, please hang your uniform on its hanger properly and keep it on a hanger when not in use. These are the recommended steps to follow.

1. Hang up the pants. Make sure all the seams are aligned at the cuffs and fold along the creases. To avoid having pants slip off the hanger, make sure the cuffs hang lower than the waist.
2. Hang your jacket, making sure the curved part of the hanger runs along the back of the jacket where it zips up. Always zip it up and hook the clasp so the jacket shoulders hang on the large hanger correctly.
3. Keep your shoes in your plastic bag inside your garment bag. It is your responsibility to also keep them clean. They can be wiped with a baby wipe.
4. Your hat should be stored in the hatbox provided to prevent it from getting damaged or dirty.

Your uniform needs to be exposed to the air for at least 24 hours after wearing. Never take the uniform off and immediately store it in a zippered garment bag, storage cabinet, car trunk or other airtight area. Instead, hang the uniform inside the garment bag with the zipper left wide open for the first 24 hours, then zip the bag the next day to keep it protected from the elements.

Should your garments become wet, hang it on a wooden or plastic hanger or drape it over a wooden chair in a well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours, until it is perfectly dry. If wet garments are not thoroughly dried, mildew will form and can permanently damage the uniform. Wet uniforms could also experience contraction and puckering.

If your uniform trousers become muddy, do not dry-clean them immediately. First, let the mud dry completely, then brush it off. lf wet mud is rubbed into the pores of the fabric, it could leave a permanent stain. All uniforms are professionally dry cleaned at Village Cleaners 3212 Broad St. in SLO (see map below). Cleaning is done once a year during the summer and paid for by the band boosters. It is YOUR responsibility to keep your uniform clean. If it becomes dirty and needs to be dry-cleaned, notify the uniform coordinator Andrea Surfleet atsurfleet@gmail.com or 805-458-7764 or band director immediately. Please do not attempt to launder them yourself as improper cleaning voids the warranty!

Uniform Guidelines for Competitions

Hair must not touch the collar of your uniform. Wear it up and inside your hat. Pants are not to touch the top of the shoes. They should hang straight down, no “bunching” at the bottoms. Any wear and tear from pant legs scraping the ground will not be  covered by the uniform warranty.

Jewelry is not allowed. That means no necklaces, rings, earrings, watches, bracelets, etc.

Jackets must be buttoned and zipped at all times, unless given permission by the band director. Make sure the collar is clipped.

Black socks and black marching shoes must be worn.

Hats are to be worn low at ear-top and eyebrow level, not tilted back. Chin straps should be buckled and snug so the hat does not move around while marching. Do not eat while wearing your uniform and drink only water.

Take pride in your appearance in the uniform. This means taking your time to put it on, making an effort to wear it properly, and taking good care of it so that it will look good on you and last for others.

Important:
Please write your initials near your name on the uniform roster to indicate that you have read and understand the “Uniform Care Tips” and the “Uniform Guidelines for Competitions.”