6 Best High Quality Cheerleading Uniforms For Athletes That Coaches Recommend

That first email with the season’s cheerleading budget can be a real eye-opener, especially the line item for the uniform. It’s easy to wonder why a simple top and skirt can cost so much more than other sports jerseys. But a cheer uniform is more than just a costume; it’s a piece of high-performance athletic equipment crucial for your child’s safety and confidence.

Choosing Uniforms for Safety and Performance

When your child first starts in a tiny tot or recreational program, the uniform is mostly about team spirit and fun. But as soon as they begin stunting—lifting and catching other athletes—the uniform’s job changes dramatically. It becomes a critical piece of safety gear designed for a physically demanding sport.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t send a soccer player onto the field in flimsy shoes. Similarly, a cheerleader needs a uniform made from durable, four-way stretch fabric that moves with them without riding up or getting loose. Seams must be reinforced to withstand the pulling and stress of basing or flying, and the fit has to be precise. A top that is too baggy can get caught on a teammate’s hand during a stunt, creating a dangerous situation for everyone.

This is why coaches are so specific about uniform brands and fits. They aren’t just focused on looks; they are ensuring the gear can handle the athletic demands of tumbling, jumping, and stunting. For younger athletes in introductory programs (ages 5-8), the focus is on a comfortable fit that allows free movement, while for older, more competitive athletes (ages 9+), the technical specifications of the fabric and construction become paramount.

Varsity All Star Fashion for Elite Competition

You’ve seen them on the competition floor—teams in dazzling, intricate uniforms that look like they belong on a fashion runway. That’s the world of Varsity All Star Fashion. This is the pinnacle of cheerleading uniform design, and it’s reserved for highly committed, elite-level all-star programs.

These uniforms are an investment, and they reflect a team’s brand and a program’s legacy. The cost is driven by premium materials, complex construction, and often hundreds (or thousands) of hand-applied crystals. For athletes at this level, typically teens who have dedicated years to training, the uniform is part of the performance package. It’s designed to capture the judges’ attention and project an image of confidence and precision from the moment the team steps onto the mat.

If your child is on a novice team or just starting their all-star journey, this level of uniform isn’t necessary. However, if they are on a path toward elite levels and major national competitions, you can expect the uniform to be a significant part of the financial and competitive commitment. This is a purchase for the dedicated, long-term athlete.

GK Elite: Top Custom Sublimation Uniforms

When a competitive team wants a truly unique look without adding heavy, sewn-on layers, they often turn to GK Elite. GK is a powerhouse in the gymnastics world, and they bring that same expertise in athletic apparel to cheerleading. They are particularly known for their mastery of sublimation.

Sublimation is a printing process where dye is infused directly into the fabric. This allows for incredibly detailed, vibrant, and complex designs that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time. More importantly for a cheerleader, the design is weightless and doesn’t change the texture of the fabric, ensuring there’s nothing to snag on during a stunt.

GK offers a fantastic balance of high-performance athletic construction and limitless design possibilities. This makes them a top choice for both high-level school teams and all-star programs that want a custom look that is built for athletic performance. It’s a step up in quality and customization that matches an athlete’s growing commitment to the sport.

Rebel Athletic: High-Fashion Couture Looks

If Varsity is the legacy brand, Rebel Athletic is the bold, fashion-forward innovator. Seeing a Rebel uniform for the first time is a memorable experience. They are known for pushing the boundaries of cheer fashion with unique necklines, unexpected cutouts, and luxurious detailing.

Rebel specializes in couture-level uniforms that make a powerful statement. Their focus is on creating a show-stopping "look" that becomes synonymous with a team’s identity. This level of design and detail comes with a premium price tag and is almost exclusively found in the elite all-star world. These are programs competing at the highest levels, where the overall visual impression is a key component of their competitive strategy.

For most families, a Rebel uniform will only come into play if their child reaches the upper echelons of competitive all-star cheer. It represents a massive commitment from both the athlete and the family, signaling that cheerleading is their primary, year-round focus.

Chassé Performance: Quality for School Squads

Now, let’s talk about the Friday night lights. School cheerleading has different demands than all-star. The season is long, the athletes are cheering outdoors in all kinds of weather, and the uniforms need to be durable, classic, and affordable enough to outfit an entire squad. This is where a brand like Chassé shines.

Chassé is a go-to for middle school, high school, and recreational programs because they deliver reliable quality that holds up. Their designs often feature traditional shells and liners, classic braid detailing, and durable polyester fabrics that can withstand a full season of games, pep rallies, and community events. They offer a timeless, spirited look that perfectly represents school pride.

For the parent of a school cheerleader, Chassé represents a practical, smart investment. You’re getting a uniform that is built to last the season (or longer, allowing for program reuse) without the high-fashion price tag of the all-star brands. It’s the right tool for the specific job of a school spirit leader.

Omni Cheer: Reliable Team Uniform Packages

For the team parent or coach tasked with outfitting 30 athletes on a tight budget and timeline, the process can be overwhelming. Omni Cheer is a lifesaver in this scenario. They specialize in simplifying the team ordering process by offering complete, budget-friendly uniform packages.

Omni is known for its "in-stock" options, which means you can get quality uniforms quickly without the long lead times of custom orders. A typical package might include the shell, skirt, briefs, socks, and even poms and a bow, all for a single price per athlete. This logistical simplicity is a huge advantage for school, sideline, and introductory-level all-star programs.

The quality is solid and dependable, designed to meet the needs of most cheer teams. While you may not get the intricate custom designs of the elite brands, you get a sharp, cohesive look that fosters team unity and stands up to the rigors of a season. It’s a pragmatic choice that respects the program’s budget and the parents’ wallets.

Under Armour Teamwear for Athletic Performance

Many parents know Under Armour from other sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse. The brand brings that same athletic-first philosophy to its cheerleading teamwear. When a team chooses Under Armour, they are making a clear statement: we are athletes.

UA uniforms prioritize function over flash. They feature the brand’s signature performance fabrics, known for their moisture-wicking properties, durability, and compression fit. The look is often sleek, modern, and athletic, focusing on clean lines and team colors rather than heavy rhinestones or intricate cutouts.

This is an excellent choice for teams that want to emphasize the strength and athleticism of cheerleading. It’s a great fit for school programs or all-star gyms that cultivate a powerful, athletic culture. For parents, it’s a familiar brand with a trusted reputation for quality athletic gear that is built to perform.

Sizing and Care for Your Uniform Investment

That moment of panic when you’re told to order a uniform two sizes bigger than your child’s street clothes is a rite of passage. Trust the process and always attend the official team fitting. Cheer uniforms are not sized like regular clothing; they are designed for a snug, athletic fit to ensure safety. The sizing experts know exactly how each brand and style should fit to allow for growth through the season without compromising safety.

Once you have this expensive piece of gear, caring for it properly is essential to making it last. The golden rules are: wash it inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, never use fabric softener (it breaks down the stretch fibers), and always hang it to dry. The heat from a dryer can destroy the fabric, melt adhesives on lettering, and cause rhinestones to fall off.

Proper care not only keeps the uniform looking great for competition but also protects its resale value. Many gyms have buy/sell groups where you can recoup some of the cost once your athlete outgrows their uniform. Investing in a quality brand and taking care of it makes this a much more likely and profitable option.

Ultimately, the right uniform is the one that keeps your athlete safe, allows them to perform their best, and fits the goals and budget of your team. It’s a tangible symbol of their hard work and a key part of their athletic journey. By understanding the options, you can feel confident that you’re making a smart investment in their passion.