Quick answer: a competition uniform is the fitted, team-specific outfit worn to perform - usually a top and a skirt (or shorts or trousers), made from stretch fabric that moves with stunts, tumbling and jumps. Competition rules set minimum standards for coverage, and ban jewellery on the floor.
What It's Made Of
Competition uniforms are made from stretch performance fabrics, reinforced at stress points and secured so nothing shifts during a stunt, toss or tumbling pass. Many include metallic fabrics, sequins or rhinestones designed to stand out under arena lighting. A uniform is normally worn with matching briefs, the team bow and cheer shoes.
What the Rules Say
Under the USASF All Star Cheer Rules (2026–27):
- Coverage: uniforms must adequately cover the athlete and be secured to prevent wardrobe malfunctions; appropriate undergarments must be worn.
- Skirts: briefs must be worn underneath, the skirt must fully cover the hips, and it must fall at least 1 inch below the briefs.
- Shorts: must have at least a 2-inch inseam.
- Tops: must be secured by straps or material over at least one shoulder or around the neck - no tube tops.
- Exposed midriffs: only allowed for Senior and Senior Open teams in the Elite tier, and the equivalent older international divisions - not for younger age groups, and never in Prep or Novice.
- Cover-ups: athletes whose uniform tops don't fully cover them must wear a T-shirt or other cover-up, except in warm-up, on stage, or while travelling as a group to or from warm-up.
- Jewellery: no jewellery of any kind while competing, including piercings, and taping over it isn't allowed. Medical ID tags are the exception. Rhinestones are fine on the uniform, but not on the skin or hair.
- Makeup, if worn, should be uniform across the team, age-appropriate and in neutral colours, with no rhinestones on the face.
Judges can give warnings or deductions if a team's overall presentation - uniform, makeup, hair and bows included - isn't appropriate.
Why Fit Matters
A uniform is worn through the most physically demanding parts of a routine, so fit is practical, not just cosmetic: a top that rides up or a skirt that shifts distracts the athlete and can get in the way in a stunt. Gyms are usually precise about sizing and fittings for this reason.
Team Identity
Competition uniforms are designed to match across the whole team, in team colours and usually carrying the gym or team name - and the uniform is often a big part of how a gym's brand is recognised at events.
Competition Uniform vs Practice Wear
Competition uniforms are kept for performances and aren't worn to everyday training - see Practice Wear for what athletes wear day to day.
Parent Questions
Do we buy or rent the uniform? It depends on the gym - some sell uniforms to keep, others lease them for the season. Ask early, as uniforms are often ordered months in advance.
Related Equipment
See Cheer Bows, Cheer Shoes and the History of Cheerleading Uniforms.