10/13/2021

Caring for Band Uniforms

Once again, I am this year’s middle school cross country coach.  Over the summer we met  every Monday morning at 7:30 to train for an hour; still at 7:30 a.m. in July it can be warm, and at one practice I had one kid nearly puke.  During the first week of school, we started practicing from 3:15-4:15, basically in the heat of the day.  I try doing things like bring popsicles and keeping them in the shade, but their little faces are always so pink.

While I did worry (and continue to worry) about my runners, I truly worried more about the band members.  During summer break, they would practice and march for hours, daily, and in the heat of the day.  Thankfully they were in shorts and t-shirts, not those incredibly hot band uniforms.

Their hard work has paid off, and now we are enjoying football games along with the halftime shows.  Band uniforms are very expensive and require special care.  Below are a few tips to help you keep your band uniforms (and your musical star) looking great.

• Most band uniforms are made of wool or a wool and synthetic blend.  Check the care label because many times they require professional cleaning.
• They are susceptible to damage from perspiration, so wearing a t-shirt underneath helps absorb some of that perspiration.
• Given the nature of where they are worn, common stains include ink, food, sugary drinks, grass, and mud.  As with all stains, the sooner you address them, the more likely they can be removed.
• Rubbing under the armpit area tends to occur during marching.  Monitor the area for chaffing and repair problems as soon as they arise. 
• Uniforms should be cleaned as soon as possible after each use (usually between football games) to prevent any stains from setting and to avoid attracting insects, which especially prey on wool fibers.

If your band uniform proves to be a challenge, remember that A Cleaner World is always here to help with difficult stains or with items that need professional care.