Behind the Uniform Design-- Blending Old and New

​In the drum corps world today one of the most exciting—and sometimes controversial—parts of the off-season is the reveal of new uniforms. Uniforms are more than just clothing; they are symbols of identity, performance tools, and in many ways, the visual heartbeat of our show. In recent years, there has been a dramatic shift in how the activity thinks about corps uniforms. Some groups even go as far as to directly call them "costumes". No longer the heavy wool garments built to last decades, today’s uniforms are lightweight, athletic, and often designed for a single season. Over the past decade, the drum corps uniform has undergone a transformation that has taken time for the seasoned drum corps fan's pallet to catch up with, yet there are compelling reasons behind this evolution.

First and foremost, the lighter materials used in modern uniforms offer enormous benefits in terms of performer comfort and safety. Our members perform in the blazing summer sun, pushing their physical limits to extreme heights. Older, heavier uniforms were not built for that kind of strain, particularly as our climate continues to get hotter. Today’s performance wear uses moisture-wicking fabrics, mesh paneling, and athletic cuts that promote airflow and reduce overheating. This has a real impact on endurance and health—and ultimately improves the quality of performance on the field.

Another major advantage of seasonal uniform design is the creative flexibility it allows us. Every year, our show tells a new story, often with a completely unique aesthetic. Being able to tailor the visual design to the theme—from color palette to silhouette—elevates the storytelling potential of the entire production.

That said, at Northern Lights we feel that there is a balance which can be struck between old and new. We’re not interested in reinventing our look each year to the point of losing who we are, being a season-to-season corps without ever building an image. As a corps, we take immense pride in our heritage and the fact that we got to build this corps from grassroots with traditions that resonated with our community in the moment! This idea was forefront of mind when coming up with a uniform pattern where the design may change from year to year, but we make sure to incorporate signature elements of our logo, color scheme, or historic design motifs for a lifelong continuity. Every member who takes the field with the corps will have worn our aurora "swoosh" on their chest, which is also designed to look like a classic sash.

When a uniform becomes an extension of the set and concept, it blurs the line between costume and corps identity, enhancing the overall visual cohesion of the program as well as a "style" from year to year.

Navigating this balance between innovation and tradition is part of the art and challenge of designing a drum corps uniforms today. We want to honor the past without being bound by it. Our alumni should see a piece of themselves on the field, even as we move in bold new directions. That kind of continuity is essential—not just for branding, but for fostering a sense of legacy and pride among our members and fans alike.

At the end of the day, uniforms are not just about looking good—they’re about feeling empowered, staying safe, and telling a story. As the Corps Director, my job is to make sure that every element of our design supports those goals. And as we head into another competitive season, I’m proud of how our uniform continues to evolve—lighter, smarter, more expressive—while still keeping the spirit of our corps close to heart as we continue to write the next chapter of our young history.

We are so thankful for partnerships with Harmonics Uniforms by Adam Cummins and Orefice LTD to bring this idea to life.

Take a look at some of the attached images on this post to see some of the year-to-year design elements in action.