Marching band uniforms are designed to make an impression on the field, but how do they affect the musicians wearing them in the Texas heat? 

Supported by a grant from Texas Christian University’s Roach Institute of Athlete Engineering, the six-month study brings together the College of Fine Arts’ School of Music and Department of Fashion Merchandising faculty, combining expertise in music performance, textile science and materials design to test how uniform fabrics, layering and construction affect heat retention, airflow and moisture management. 

“I think the thing that we hope to learn from this is, not just from a design standpoint or from an aesthetic standpoint, but whether there are better ways to do what we're doing to get a traditional look, but to also make sure that it's safe for the students,” Drew Dickey, director of athletic bands.  

Using TCU's new Athlete Equipment and Materials Design Lab, the team plans to compare traditional uniform materials with alternatives, examining how fabric composition, construction and garment design affect airflow, moisture management and thermal comfort. 

“Marching band uniforms represent tradition and school identity, but they must also perform under demanding environmental conditions, particularly the extreme heat we experience in Texas,” said Charles Freeman, chair of fashion merchandising and director of research and creative scholarship for the College of Fine Arts. “Our goal is to identify materials and design improvements that enhance student safety and performance without compromising the traditional appearance of these uniforms.” 

The collaboration will also involve undergraduate researchers from each department, giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real-world challenge at the intersection of textile science and music performance. 

Fashion merchandising launched the Athlete Equipment and Materials Design Lab, a new research and testing space focused on the products people rely on in extreme and demanding environments. Reaching far beyond the College of Fine Arts, the facility supports projects connected to athlete performance, rehabilitation, wearable health technologies, protective equipment and NASA-inspired soft goods research. In addition to space suits, the lab has work underway with prosthetics, defense gear and more. Future work may also include recovery products, wound care materials, adaptive equipment and smart integrated gear for military personnel, first responders and industrial workers. 

The band uniform study is expected to conclude in March 2027, with researchers aiming to develop practical recommendations that could help marching band programs make more informed decisions about uniform design and student safety. 

-McKenzie Campbell