IT’S BACK

The classic Cadets Uniform returns to the field for 2021

An icon in the DCI community, The Cadets Uniform demands excellence. The dignified maroon jacket with hand-stitched white knots gives performers a strong, powerful upper body. The cream pants draw attention to every inconsistency, and when The Cadets take the field with clean drill and excellent technique, the effect is dazzling. The Cadets Uniform is worn with meticulous attention to detail and treated with utmost respect at all times. A Cadet never lets their Uniform touch the ground, and they carry it either hanging, facing forward, or precisely folded and tucked under their shako.

STANBURY UNIFORMS

Cadets Arts and Entertainment, Inc., is excited to announce a renewed partnership with Stanbury Uniforms for the 2021 season. With creative designs by the legendary Greg Lagola, Stanbury will provide uniforms and costumes for The Cadets.

Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Brookfield, MO, Stanbury Uniforms draws from over 100 years of expertise to provide some of the most highly regarded uniforms in the activity. Over the years Stanbury has expanded to three production facilities in Missouri, ensuring that all uniforms are made proudly in the United States. This past year, Stanbury became a proud member of the Varsity Spirit family and continues its mission of elevating the student experience through Varsity Performing Arts. More information about Stanbury Uniforms can be found at stanbury.com.

ABOUT THE UNIFORM

THE SHAKO AND PLUME

Since 1938, The Cadets have worn a maroon and white shako with a silver eagle. A white plume adds a full foot of height, making the corps stand tall and proud. To ensure the proper angle, Cadets measure two fingers between their nose and the shako’s brim. The chin strap rests just below the performer’s bottom lip. When it is not being worn, performers carry their shakos respectfully and always upright, with three fingers centered under the eagle.

THE BUCKLE

Every Cadet’s crossbelt is worn at the same angle with the top corner of the buckle fastened just below the second silver button so that it is uniformly centered on the chest. Worn close to the heart, a Cadet’s buckle is the most personal element of their uniform, and they traditionally keep the same buckle throughout their years in the corps. Before every performance, Cadets wish each other a great show by knocking twice on each other’s buckles and giving a sincere hug.

THE CHEVRONS

White knots and pronounced silver buttons add a vintage feel to the stately maroon jacket. The white accents on The Cadets Uniform are all precisely hand-stitched to achieve a clean look between performers. A Cadet’s sleeve has three white, knotted Vs which served as the inspiration for the corps’ modern chevron logo.

THE GOLD CUMMERBUND AND DROP SASH

The gleaming gold cummerbund and drop sash complete the uniform. Cummerbunds are uniformly worn with crumb-catchers down, and the drop sash is precisely positioned with the tassel centered on the pin stripe of the left pant leg. Despite more modern designs that incorporated Velcro, The Cadets continued the tradition of “pinning in” — meaning a Cadet could only close their cummerbund with the help of a fellow Cadet who would safety pin it shut to ensure it would never come open in the intense physical demands of a show.

THE PINSTRIPE

The most telling element of The Cadets Uniform is a stark, maroon pinstripe down the outside each pant leg. It accentuates any variations in the straight-leg marching technique and proudly emphasizes perfection. Every year, The Cadets learn the technique from scratch in order to eventually achieve a uniform look. This begins with the corps’ trademark right-foot step-off which was first introduced by George Zingali. Looking back to 1985, the right-foot lead was used to break rookies’ old marching habits, help with odd-numbered-count sets, and bring some dance elements into militaristic marching.