Cheerleading Uniforms

History of Cheerleading Uniforms

Cheerleading uniforms have changed drastically over the years to accommodate the change in attitude towards cheerleading. When cheerleading first began, it was an auxiliary program to whichever sport was being cheered for. Now, with tumbling stunts and dance routines, cheerleading is a sport unto itself and consequently, this change is reflected in today's cheerleading uniforms.

Early Cheerleaders

Cheerleading has its roots at Princeton University, a school that wasn't co-ed until the 20th century, So, the first cheerleaders were all men. When females finally did take over the role of cheerleading more prominently, they were still in the days of long wool skirts, cardigan sweaters and canvas sneakers. The letters of the school where sewn on the sweater, and girls wore turtlenecks or blouses underneath their cardigan sweaters.

In the 60's

The 60's saw the long wool cheerleader skirt of the past chopped in half, essentially yielding a substantially more comfortable skirt. The skirts were made of cotton and paired with a crew neck sweater. Generally, a design with the letters of the school set on a megaphone were placed somewhere on the sweater along with the squad member's name. In addition, girls generally still wore collared blouses underneath the sweater with the school's insignia on the collar.

In the 70's

By this point, cheerleading was more athletic. Cheerleaders wore sneakers as opposed to saddle shoes or Keds, and the uniform was made less bulky to allow for easier movement. There was also greater individuality for teams as sweaters, vests or shells and pleated skirts became popular. Pleated skirts were generally alternating colors, and sometimes they were reversible.

Present Day

Now that cheerleading is considered a competitive sport in its own right, the cheerleading uniform certainly reflects the need to allow for freedom of movement in tumbling, stunting, jumping and dancing. Today, uniforms are typically made of a blend of polyester and spandex.

A typical uniform consists of:

• A skirt generally no longer than 12"
• A vest or shell
• Briefs called "spankies"

Under current regulations for high school teams, uniforms must cover the midriff when a cheerleader's arms are down. However, professional teams and college teams do not have such regulations.

How to Make Uniforms Affordable

Uniforms for an entire squad can be quite expensive. Some squads opt to hold a fundraiser to offset the cost of purchasing uniforms. Other squads ask the members to purchase their own uniforms. There are a few other ways to make uniforms affordable for your team:

• If you're not competing, consider coordinated shorts and polo shirts. This is an excellent idea for a new squad, as it is much cheaper than ordering new uniforms.
• Purchase a school set of uniforms that are lent out every year. This would provide the squad members with uniforms at a low cost.
• Petition your school's booster club to hold a special fundraiser for the purpose of buying the cheerleading squad new uniforms.
• Win a competition. Squads that win in competition, are often able to secure funding for additional gear, uniforms, and training.

Resources for Ordering Cheerleading Uniforms

There are many resources for ordering cheerleading uniforms.

CheerDeals.com

CheerDeals.com carries a variety of practice uniforms, cheerleading T-shirts and basic uniforms. They also take customized orders. When price is an issue, this is a great place to get uniforms for a younger squad or a squad with a very tight budget.

The Cheerleading Company

The Cheerleading Company offers a variety of options for cheerleading uniforms. One particularly nice feature is their “Total Bow to Toe Cheer Pax.” If you’re ordering for a squad, you can choose from a variety of shells (that you can have customized), a traditional pleated skirt and other accessories. Each uniform costs about $150. The Cheerleading Company also offers other options including camp packages, practice uniforms and sundry accessories.

Team Cheer

Team Cheer offers in-stock as well as customizable traditional uniforms.

Elite Uniforms

Elite Uniforms offers three unique ways to achieve a team look. In addition to their traditional uniforms that are perfect for high school squads, they also offer customized uniforms for competition and a new line called eWear. The eWear line is filled with uniquely designed uniforms that differ from the traditional stripes and block letters. If your squad is going to competition, eWear is also an excellent option.