I probably will get beat up for opening this Pandora's box.
First - I know this thread is for show/drill and composers, so, this may appear slightly off topic. However, shows are complete packages and very often include integrated costume designs. I think the decision makers and designers are likely involved in color guard costume design in conjunction with drill design/selection.
Each year, I see a wide variety of color guard costumes/uniforms. Each year, I think, "why oh why did someone think that was a good choice?" I know most every parent has seen and thought the same thing. We may whisper it to our friend or spouse, but I bet we are afraid to speak in a larger forum about this topic out of fear of criticism. I guess I have no fear or possibly no filter. So here it is.
Folks, this is high school band. Kids come in all shapes and sizes. Color guard is inclusive of boys and girls. Why on earth are costume designers failing to consider these facts when designing uniforms and costumes? If I were a band director, I would never approve/buy anything for my band without investigating how it would look on all students. It seems that designers create and represent their concepts only as they would appear on an athletic physique and for guard only the female physique. Come on designers! Can you start with designing a costume that looks great on a plus sized student, a stick figure, and boys? Yes boys are in color guards. More each year. Designers consider starting your first concept for a boy, and then adapt it for a girl, not the other way around as an afterthought. Your uniform should look great on all students. You can do better.
While I'm already talking about this topic, I might as well ask for some dignity, too. Skin tight, extremely thin body suits requiring inadequate support undergarments? Really? I am grateful that my child chose a marching instrument. I would refuse to allow my student to wear some of these inappropriately fitting uniforms. Do any of the parents every complain or ask for better costumes for your kids? I get that the guard has morphed into dance, but skin tight is not the only type of garment which allows for dance moves. Let's demand more dignity for the students. I'll probably get called a prude, and I'm OK with that. Still, I think too many uniforms/costumes go too far past the "dignity" line.
Band Directors - I think you have the most power in correcting this concern. You should set expectations when contacting designers. You should give them clear "requirements" as to what is acceptable. You can reject designs and don't purchase from designers who fail to offer comprehensive, dignified costumes. You can drive demand for a better product. They design what they think will sell. Give them new thoughts.
So there it is. Out in the public space for discussion. Am I off the mark here or am I putting into words what you all have thought at least once each season?