Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2010 - (Page 15)

of spirit squads can affect how they wear their uniforms, which accessories they can have, etc. Those factors, in turn, affect how you decorate their uniforms and what you can offer as part of the sale. Uniform & Style Standards Schools, associations or teams usually dictate the uniform style, colors, materials and accessories that are worn. Compared to uniforms from other types of spirit squads, high school uniforms are pretty tame. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) states that high school squads must have a top that covers participants’ midriffs when their arms are by their sides. Most school-sanctioned squads have waist-length tops that only show the midriff when moving, jumping or bending. On average, skirts at both high school and the all-star levels are kept between 12 and 14 inches. Due to safety reasons, too much fabric can be a hazard when attempting gymnastic or tumbling moves. “My daughter’s Catholic high school follows strict guidelines in regard to the style of the uniforms,” says Peggy Dwyer of Great Garment Graphics, Flat Rock, N.C., a former cheerleading coach. “For example, the uniform shell may be sleeveless, but cheerleaders are required to wear long-sleeve bodysuits underneath. Our girls have to wear “spankies” (briefs made of Lycra spandex) under their skirts. The spankies are worn over the top of underpants.” Cheerleading uniform trends have been largely unchanged. They are made from 100% polyester or a polyester/spandex blend, which offers a little stretch. They usually are ordered in the same colors as the football or basketball teams and feature a logo or the school’s initials in tackle twill. Color trends for school cheerleading uniforms have slowly changed. In the last year or two, black uniforms with the school mascot or initials in the school’s colors have become extremely popular. This mirrors the fact that many teams also have switched to black football jerseys or basketball uniforms — a trend that started in professional sports. All-star cheerleading organizations do not have to follow the same dress code or requirements. They tend to wear l Spiritwear is a huge market for multimedia. Adding rhinestones to any other decorating method (screen printing, embroidery, transfers, etc.) can create a distinctive design that many cheer squads will love. more fashionable, hip-looking uniforms. Showing a little skin is fairly typical too. Many squads have tops with open midriffs that start at or below the bra line. Funky styles, such as halters, racerback tops and crisscross straps also are in high demand. Designs & Decorations Tackle twill is still the go-to material for decorating uniforms. Schools may stick with more classic colors of these decorations, while the all-star teams will glam it up with glitter and metallic threads, multiple colors of twill, distressed appliqué or sequins. The skirts that are part of these uniforms Use Info•Action #106 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction A Supplement to Impressions Use Info•Action #107 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction Fall 2010 • 15 http://www.dalcoathletic.com http://www.dalcoathletic.com http://www.boxercraft.com/sample http://www.boxercraft.com/sample http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2010

Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2010
Flexfit/Yupoong
American Apparel
Contents
Augusta Sportswear
A&E Robison-Anton Embroidery Thread
Trends in Team Decorating
Sportco Masters the Team Game
Stahls’ ID Direct
School or All-Star Spiritwear?
Boxercraft
Dalco Athletic
Transfer Express
Gear Bag
Digital Art Solutions
Pepco Poms
Hanes

Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2010