Evolution of Uniforms

The original uniforms for cheer consisted of skirts and long sleeve sweaters. It is very apparent that uniforms have evolved through the years, some may even say they are getting ‘skimpier’: however, they are just becoming more aerodynamic.

For competitive cheer the most common trend right now is crop tops, showing the stomach, with some elaborate design usually showing a shoulder or somewhere in the arm. This can be seen in the most elite gyms, Top Gun, Cheer Extreme, Cheer Athletics, ect. However, there are some teams who still wear the full length uniform tops such as Georgia All-stars.

The most controversial part of cheerleading right now in the uniform is the debate between spandex shorts or skirts. The skirts are more traditional and honestly more flattering on the girls who aren’t a size 0. The spandex, while they are more comfortable and you wouldn’t have to worry about your butt hanging out, they can also ride up. I also have noticed the shorts are not flattering on the bigger girls. I think skirts are tradition of cheer and shorts just seem like gymnastics or dance and we need to keep something traditional in the uniform.

What do you think shorts or skirts?

1960

2012