Cheer Equipment & Culture

Quick answer: competitive cheer has its own distinctive kit - a fitted competition uniform, cheer shoes, a large decorative bow, and a practice wardrobe worn to training rather than competition.

The Core Kit

Most competitive cheerleaders' gear includes a competition uniform (a fitted, team-specific top and skirt or set), cheer shoes (lightweight shoes built for grip, support and shock absorption across stunts, tumbling and jumps), and a bow, a large decorative hair accessory that's become one of the most recognisable parts of cheer culture.

Practice Wear

Outside of competition, athletes typically train in practice wear - team-branded shorts, sports bras or fitted tops, and sometimes a "practice uniform" distinct from the competition uniform, chosen for comfort and freedom of movement rather than performance appearance.

Bags and Travel

Cheer bags are usually large enough to carry uniforms, shoes, grooming items and personal belongings to and from the gym and competitions, and have become something of a culture object in their own right, often decorated with pins, bows and team spirit items.

Pom-Poms

Pom-poms are one of cheerleading's oldest and most recognisable pieces of equipment, used to add visual sharpness to motions and dance sections of a routine.