Cheerleading is one of the most popular youth activities around. In fact, the number of participants is on the rise with almost 4 million cheerleaders in the United States last year. With so many cute outfits and spirited performances, not to mention the legacy of Bring It On, it’s no wonder so many kids are getting excited about cheerleading.
However, this world isn’t as easy to navigate as it looks. If you can manage to survive the cheer moms, crazy practice hours, and non-stop competition, you’re left wondering how to snag the perfect cheer outfit for your child.
Cheer outfits are a huge part of the sport, unlike other activities, so this is a serious thing to consider. If you’re the head mom or you’ve taken over the role of purchasing uniforms for the team, you have even more on your plate. Here are 5 things to think about when you’re shopping for your child’s cheer outfit.
1. Trends
If you’ve ever been to a cheer competition, you know all about uniform trends. Cheer outfits, like other fashion, tend to follow similar trends that come and go. One year it’s all about sparkles, the next everyone is wearing the same long-sleeves. You’ll come to find that it’s impossible to escape these trends.
Trends are an excellent way to try something popular. However, you don’t want to blend in with the crowd at a competition. The goal of competing is to stand out, and this starts with your uniform. If your team’s uniform looks just like the two others that performed before you, you’ll get lost in the crowd. The best way to avoid trends is to choose classic styles that always look great.
2. Dress the Part
If your child is trying out for cheer and this is his or her first time participating in the sport, try to look the park. Think of this try out like you would a job interview. You want to dress for success, of course. Research what the team has worn in the past, whether for competitions or even just daily practice.
Aside from tryouts, consider dressing the part for competitions. You want to look your best, and this means dressing your best. Come ready to conquer the other teams in both style and skill.
3. Personal Flair
Nobody wants to feel lost in a sea of other cheerleaders. There’s a lot to love about a uniform that’s cohesive throughout the entire team, but consider things that make each member unique. Perhaps you mix and match different colors, or you offer customizations like different cheer jerseys. Sometimes it pays to stand out.
Choose a style that represents your child and the team. Are your cheer routines more upbeat? Choose something fun that complements this. Are they a bit quirky? Add some of that flair into your outfit.
4. Fit
A proper fitting uniform is better than a perfectly designed uniform every time. The worst scenario is choosing a uniform that doesn’t fit or flatter the body. This is hard with children in particular since they’re always growing and changing. Consider purchasing a looser uniform and taking it in with a custom tailer to get the perfect fit.
When getting uniforms for a large group, make sure you’re taking proper measurements. This is why so many cheer programs get new uniforms every competition season. It’s not to waste money, but rather this is the best way to get the right fit every season.
5. Colors
Finally, pay attention to your color selection. Not every color looks great on every skin tone. If you’re purchasing your cheer gear online or through a catalog, it’s not always easy to determine if this color is a good match for your child. Consider purchasing swatches of the fabric in advance to make sure, or finding a dupe costume to try before you buy.
If you’re choosing uniforms for an entire team, you’ll need to be particularly careful with color. In general, you can’t go wrong with nuetrals that flatter everyone. Colors like nudes, pale pinks, and black are a safe option if you’re not sure where to being. It’s also worth researching the latest color trends in fashion to see what’s hot right now. Who said you can’t be inspired by the runway?
Choosing a cheer outfit for your child isn’t always simple. There are a lot of things to consider before you make a final choice if you want your child and his or her team to succeed. Remember, make sure you measure your child carefully and always check for proper fit before competition day. The earlier you’re able to start this process, the more time you’ll have to get it right.
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