Since the release of Netflix’s docuseries, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, we have not only been fascinated by the lives of the women who make up the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, but by the team’s impeccable outfits.
The troupe has stayed true to a similar, blue-and-white design since the 1970s, and despite a few tweaks, the DCC uniform is arguably the most famous in the NFL.
Naturally, there is plenty that goes into creating, refining and maintaining such an iconic look. Scroll on to find out the ways the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform has changed throughout the years, as well as a host of surprising facts about ensembles past and pre4sent.
They Have Been Using The Same Fabric Since The 1970s
Speaking to People, current DCC director and former cheerleader, Kelli Finglass made a surprising revelation about the fabric the uniforms are made from.
“We bought blue and white fabric in bulk in the ’70s,” she told the outlet. “We’re still using original bolts of white fabric! The blue we’ve had to source once since.”
Finglass noted that the original blue fabric was shinier than the one used today. She also disclosed that the modern-day pom poms that cheerleaders carry during games have been Pantone-matched to the fabric of the uniform, so they are the exact same shade of blue.
The DCC Shorts Briefly Lost The Belt
The belt with oversized buckle may be an iconic feature of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform but for a period, it was done away with.
After running with a belted, hip-hugger style in the ’70s and ’80s, the shorts were changed in the early ’90s. DCC briefly experimented with a belt-less, high-rise short with a V-shaped waistband, riffing off the aerobics fashion trends of the time.
The organisation returned to a belted short in 2002.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Haven’t Always Worn Cowboy Boots
Before the DCC wore cowboy boots, they had to sport slightly less comfortable footwear.
Up until the ’90s, cheerleaders had to dance in patent go-go boots, which were heeled and near knee-high.
1993 saw the first version of the famous, mid-calf cowboy style the squad still wear today.
The Boots They Wear Now Have Some Interesting Modifications
Those cowboy boots have had some upgrades since 1993, though.
Lucchese became the official boot partner of DCC in 2011 and with time, the shoe has been made easier to dance in.
“We expect the kicks to be higher and the dancing to be more joyful because these boots are a lighter weight with a softer sole,” Finglass told People. “We’ve removed the steel shank. Now that they’re more pliable that should enhance a pointed toe and a higher kick.”
There Are A Specific Number Of Stars On Each DCC Uniform
Every Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Uniform has exactly the same number of stars since the belts returned in 2002.
The DCC sport 15 stars in total on their garb. There are six on their vest (three on each side) and nine that are evenly spaced along their belt.
Todd Oldham’s Brother Designed The Belt Buckle
The stars aren’t the only iconic part of the DCC belt. The cheerleaders’ current uniform is anchored by an oversized, crystal-embellished belt.
Prior to 2006, dancers sported a simple, silver belt buckle but it was upgraded to add some glamour. The team turned to sculptor Brad Oldham—who is the brother of famed fashion designer Todd Oldham—to create the new, jazzed-up design/
Every Uniform Is Custom-Fitted
If you’ve wondered how all the uniforms look as though they fit like a glove, that’s because they are custom-made to the dancers’ measurements.
Ever since the early days of the organisation, each member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has had her uniform custom-fitted—including Finglass and Trammel.
Related:
- Striking Vintage Photos Of The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading Squad
- The Strict And Surprising Rules Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Have To Abide By
- How Much Money Do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Actually Make?
- The Biggest Scandals In Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders History
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
