Whether it’s the preparation for the new season of the campus cheerleading team or the image upgrade of the commercial performance team, choosing the right cheerleading uniform can always double the vitality of the team. But with a wide variety of cheerleading uniform styles, fabrics with different functions, and complex customization processes, many buyers and team leaders find it difficult: Where to start? This article combines 10 years of sportswear procurement experience, from basic cognition to practical skills, to help you understand all the key issues of cheerleading uniforms at once.
1. Determine the style first: How to choose the style and version so as not to step on the thunder?
The style of the cheerleading uniform directly determines the first impression of the team, and the adapted styles are very different in different scenes and team styles. For example, campus competitions pay more attention to youthful vitality, while NBA cheerleaders tend to be fashionable and dynamic.
Among the common basic styles, cheerleading dresses are suitable for group performances by small and medium-sized teams, and can enhance the sense of fashion with one-shoulder or navel-baring designs; The cheerleading split suit is more suitable for difficult actions, the top can be a vest, short sleeves or long sleeves, the bottoms are paired with an A-line skirt or pleated skirt to show vitality, and the professional team prefers to use hip-hugging skirts to highlight the capability.
When they helped a high school cheerleader purchase last year, they originally chose a tight dress, but after trying it on, they found that the high leg lifting movement was limited, and finally changed to a fake two-piece split suit, the top was integrated into the school color with a splicing design, and the bottom was paired with a pleated skirt with fringe decorations, and the effect was particularly brilliant during the competition. In addition, gradient colors and sequin designs are very popular in 2025, with simple printed patterns or striped elements, which are highly recognizable in the light.
2. Core considerations: fabric technology determines comfort and durability
There are many jumping and rolling movements in cheerleading performances, and the uniform fabric should not only be good-looking, but also take into account functionality. Choosing the wrong fabric can lead to stickiness after sweating, limited movement, and even skin discomfort.
Here is a list of cost-effective fabrics that I have compiled, covering different demand scenarios:
Fabric type: | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
Four-sided elastic fabric + lycra elasticity | High elasticity recovery, fit the body shape, and the movement is unrestrained | Professional competitions, difficult skills performances |
Moisture-wicking fabric + quick-drying technology | 30 minutes of quick drying, say goodbye to stickiness | Summer training camps and outdoor performances |
Eco-friendly recycled polyester | Antibacterial and deodorizing, in line with the concept of sustainability | Campus team, long-term use |
Bamboo charcoal fiber + mesh breathable fabric | Breathable and skin-friendly, suitable for sensitive skin | Children’s cheerleading, daily training |
Special reminder that when purchasing, be sure to ask about the fabric parameters, such as nylon high-density fabric wear-resistant and pilling-resistant, suitable for frequently used school teams; Crystal super soft milk shreds are pleasant to the touch, but slightly less durable and more suitable for short-term performances.
3. The key to recognition: color and team identification design
The color and logo design of the cheerleading uniform are the core of showing the team’s characteristics. A good design can make the audience remember at a glance and enhance the sense of belonging of the team members.
First of all, determine the main color, which is best to fit the attributes of the team: the campus team recommends using the school Pantone color, such as a university using the school color navy blue with gold, with a three-dimensional embroidered school emblem, solemn and energetic; Commercial performance teams can try gradient contrasting colors or fluorescent colors, combined with digital sublimation technology, which has a strong visual impact.
The logo design should pay attention to details: it is recommended to use flocking process for the school name letter printing, which is good to the touch and not easy to fall off; The school team logo can be made of reflective material, which is more eye-catching under the light; Embroidery of team members’ class numbers or names can enhance the personalized experience. When we designed a CBA cheerleading team before, we added reflective numbers to the cuffs to meet safety needs and make the overall look more layered.
4. Fit to look good: size and customization skills
Cheerleaders vary greatly in shape, and a well-fitting uniform can make the performance effect twice as effective with half the effort. Blindly purchasing according to the standard size is prone to misfit.
First of all, it is necessary to clarify the size range: children’s cheerleading uniforms should reserve room for growth, and it is recommended to choose a style with an elastic waistline; Teenagers and adults need to be subdivided, women’s slim fit should take into account comfort, and men’s loose fit is suitable for power movements; For special body shapes, plus-size cheerleading uniforms and petite petite sizes need to be customized in advance.
Don’t overlook these details when customizing: adjustable shoulder straps can be adapted to different shoulder widths, removable chest pads are easy to change and clean, and hidden zippers are beautiful and do not affect movement. If the budget allows, tailor-made is the best choice, although it is about 20% more expensive than semi-custom, but the fit is significantly improved.
5. Safety first: sports protection and certification standards
Cheerleading sports have certain dangers, and the safety design of uniforms is crucial. When purchasing, be sure to look for relevant certification standards to avoid inferior products.
Basic safety design is indispensable: non-slip shorts or bottom safety pants are essential to prevent exposure during movement; sports bra support can protect the chest and is suitable for jumping movements; The non-slip silicone of the shoulder strap prevents slipping and improves stability. In terms of fabrics, environmentally friendly dyes and skin affinity testing are basic requirements to avoid triggering allergies.
Certification standards should be kept in mind: children’s models must comply with CPSIA certification, and adult models are recommended to choose products that have passed OEKO-TEX certification to ensure that there are no harmful substances; If it is an outdoor performance, the UV resistance and flame retardant standards must also meet the standards. I have encountered a team that purchased inferior uniforms before, and the team members had skin rashes, which could only be replaced in the end, which increased the cost.
6. New trends in 2025: sustainable and intelligent customization
With the popularization of environmental protection concepts, there are many new trends in the cheerleading uniform industry in 2025. It is not only in line with green development, but also can enhance the image of the team.
In terms of sustainability, eco-friendly recycled polyester and recycled yarn have become mainstream fabrics, and a well-known brand’s uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles not only have good texture, but also reduce carbon footprint; Waterless printing technology saves 80% of water compared to traditional processes, making it particularly suitable for campus team purchasing.
Intelligent customization is also gradually emerging, and 3D fitting AR can allow team members to try on online and improve customization efficiency; Blockchain traceability traces fabric origin, ensuring product compliance. In addition, the rental subscription model and old uniform recycling service can reduce procurement costs, making it suitable for teams with limited budgets.
Yigu point of view, a purchasing consultant
As a Sourcing Agent who has been deeply involved in sportswear procurement for 12 years, I recommend prioritizing the combination of “fabric + craftsmanship + service” when purchasing. In the domestic supply chain, Xiamen’s sportswear supply chain has the highest professionalism, with a proofing cycle of only 7 days and a stable delivery time of 30 days; Guangzhou medium and large noodle accessories market can provide one-stop procurement, MOQ as low as 50 sets, suitable for small and medium-sized teams. When customizing, be sure to take the fabric sample card and garment sample first, focusing on checking the flatlock stitching and fabric elasticity to avoid receiving defective products.
FAQ FAQ
- Q: How much does it cost to customize a cheerleading uniform? A: The basic semi-customized is about 80-150 yuan/set, tailor-made 200-400 yuan/set, imported fabrics or complex craftsmanship will be higher, and the average price of international brands such as Varsity is more than 500 yuan.
- Q: What are the core differences between children’s cheerleading uniforms and adult models? A: Children’s models focus on safety and comfort, need to comply with CPSIA certification, mostly use loose fit and elastic fabrics; The adult model emphasizes slimming and functionality, and will add quick-drying, support and other designs.
- Q: How can I tell if the fabric meets safety standards? A: Suppliers are required to provide OEKO-TEX or CPSIA certification reports, check the formaldehyde and heavy metal content in the fabric test report, and give priority to products with skin affinity test certificates.
- Q: How long does the customization process typically take? A: The regular process is: confirm the demand (1-2 days)→ design proofing (7 days)→ sample confirmation (1 day)→ mass production (30 days)→ quality inspection and shipment (2 days), and urgent orders can be compressed to 30 days.