Sports Uniform Fiascos

It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to the thrill of spring and summer sports - peanuts, hot dogs, and the roar of the crowd. We all know how much training and practice the athletes go through to play the game. The same goes for cheerleaders, refs, and staff. We recognize the hard work and support teams by wearing the colors and merch. Some wear sports jerseys like those worn by the players. That brings me to the subject of sports uniforms.

Sports uniforms are an important part of any sport. They offer cohesiveness, camaraderie, and, well, they make the players look good. So, what happens when a sports uniform fits like a garbage bag instead of a well-oiled glove? You bring it to me.

Alterations for sports uniforms aren't unusual. In fact, it’s common to have a uniform that needs to be taken in, shortened, or requires patches. I’ve worked on many uniforms, including jerseys, ref uniforms, cheerleader outfits, martial arts attire, gymnasts’ leotards, ballet and dance costumes, and more. The tricky part is when uniforms get reused year after year. While it’s possible to alter uniforms, you can’t cut or permanently change them. Someone else will wear it next year.

One of my best stories involves Anna, a young girl preparing to be a cheerleader for the first time. Staff gave Anna a uniform that had been worn and altered multiple times. The coach kept giving her bigger sizes, saying that her body was too big in certain areas to fit the smaller uniforms.* I saw Anna in the outfit and determined why the uniform was so ill-fitting. I removed the previous alterations and refit the uniform. The original size was FIVE sizes too large. No wonder it was lumpy and stretched out. New alterations meant problem solved. It fit her like a glove, and she left with happy tears in her eyes.

But I digress. If your uniform doesn’t fit, we can make changes. Show your best self on the field so people watch YOU instead of poorly fitted clothes.

Book online, email avlstitchwitch@gmail.com or call with questions 828-620-2479. Discounts are available for multiple items.

Go team!

Pam the Stitch Witch

*I was furious when Anna told me what she’d been through. She was in perfect proportion for her size. No one should ever say a body is wrong. The clothes might be, and, unless the outfit is too small, it can almost always be fixed. I don’t believe in body shaming, especially when it’s a child.