The key to ordering cheerleading uniforms without stress is starting early. Custom uniforms often take several weeks to a few months to produce, so most programs begin planning four to six months before they need them. Set a clear budget, choose a reputable vendor, take careful measurements using the vendor’s own size chart, and confirm every detail in writing before paying the deposit. Build in extra time for try-ons and exchanges so athletes have uniforms well before the first game or competition.
Uniform ordering timeline
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 months before | Set the budget, compare vendors, request catalogs and choose a style |
| 3 to 4 months before | Finalize the design, measure athletes and submit the order with a deposit |
| 1 to 2 months before | Receive uniforms, run try-ons and request exchanges or alterations |
| Season start | Distribute uniforms with care instructions and a sign-out record |
Production times vary by vendor, season and how custom the design is. Late spring and summer are busy periods for many cheer suppliers, so orders placed then may take longer. Always ask for an estimated ship date in writing.
Setting a budget
Start by deciding what the uniform package includes. A full cheer look often goes beyond the shell and skirt. Consider:
- Shell (top) and skirt, or a one-piece uniform
- Briefs or liners
- Body liners or undershirts for warmth or coverage
- Warm-ups such as jackets and pants
- Bows or hair accessories
- Cheer shoes
- Bags and practice wear
Prices vary widely by vendor, fabric, embellishments and quantity. Get written quotes from at least two or three suppliers, and ask about shipping, rush fees, taxes, and the cost of reorders or single replacement pieces later in the season. Decide early who pays for what: the school, a booster club, the athletes’ families or a mix.
Choosing a uniform style
| Option | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and skirt | Classic look, easy to mix sizes top and bottom | Two pieces to fit and track |
| One-piece | Clean, modern lines | Harder to fit athletes with different proportions |
| Stock designs | Lower cost, faster delivery | Less unique, limited customization |
| Fully custom | Unique design, school specific details | Higher cost, longer lead times |
Whatever you choose, make sure school colors, logos and lettering are approved by your school. Pick fabrics with enough stretch for stunting, jumps and tumbling, and consider how the uniform will look and feel in both hot early season games and cold late season nights. Modesty and coverage policies differ by school, so check them before finalizing a design.
How to take accurate measurements
- Use the vendor’s size chart. Sizing varies between companies, so never rely on another brand’s sizes.
- Measure over light clothing. Have athletes wear fitted practice clothes, not bulky layers.
- Use a soft tape measure. Keep it snug but not tight, and level around the body.
- Take the listed measurements. These commonly include chest, waist, hips and sometimes torso length.
- Have one person measure everyone. This keeps measurements consistent across the squad.
- Record everything clearly. Use a spreadsheet with the athlete’s name, each measurement and the chosen size.
- Use sample sizes if available. Try-on kits help confirm sizes before ordering.
Choosing a vendor
Look for vendors with experience in cheer uniforms, clear size charts, reliable delivery dates and good customer service. Ask other coaches in your area which suppliers they trust. Before placing an order, confirm:
- Production and delivery timeline in writing
- Exact colors, fabrics and trim, ideally with swatches or a digital proof
- Logo, lettering and embellishment placement
- Deposit amount, payment schedule and refund policy
- Exchange and alteration policy for sizing problems
- How to reorder matching pieces for new athletes later
Paying for uniforms and fundraising
Uniforms are one of the largest expenses for many cheer programs. Common funding options include school athletic budgets, booster club support, athlete fees and fundraising. Popular fundraisers include car washes, sponsorship banners from local businesses, spirit wear sales, youth cheer clinics and online donation pages. Planning fundraisers early in the year gives you time to raise money before the deposit is due. Many programs also plan uniform purchases on a rotation, replacing them every few years rather than every season, to spread out costs.
Receiving and managing uniforms
When the order arrives, check every piece against the invoice right away. Look for correct sizes, colors, lettering and quantities. Schedule a try-on session within a few days so any exchanges can be requested quickly. Keep a sign-out sheet recording which athlete has which uniform and its condition, and share written care instructions. Many programs require uniforms to be returned clean at the end of the season so they can be reused.
Uniform care tips
- Follow the vendor’s washing instructions, which often call for cold water and hanging to dry.
- Turn uniforms inside out to protect lettering and embellishments.
- Avoid bleach and high heat, which can damage fabric and colors.
- Store uniforms on hangers or in garment bags rather than folded in gym bags.
- Report tears or loose embellishments early so they can be repaired.
Planning for new members and growth
Squads change during the year. New athletes join after tryouts, others grow a size, and some leave. To avoid scrambling mid season, many coaches order one or two extra uniforms in common sizes. Ask your vendor how long it takes to reorder a single uniform in the same design, since dye lots and fabrics can change over time and a later order may not match perfectly. If you plan to keep the same design for several years, ask whether the vendor will keep your pattern and artwork on file.
Involving athletes and parents
Communication prevents most uniform stress. Share the timeline, costs and measurement dates with families early, ideally in writing. Explain what the fee covers, when payments are due and what happens if a uniform is lost or damaged. Letting athletes give input on design choices, within school guidelines, can build excitement and pride, but set a firm deadline for decisions so the order is not delayed.
Common uniform ordering mistakes
- Starting too late and paying rush fees or missing the first game.
- Using another brand’s size chart or guessing sizes.
- Not confirming colors, logos and lettering on a proof before production.
- Forgetting accessories such as liners, bows and warm-ups in the budget.
- Skipping the try-on session and discovering sizing issues too late.
- Not tracking who has which uniform.
- Ignoring the vendor’s exchange deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I order cheer uniforms?
Many programs start planning four to six months ahead and place the order about three to four months before they need the uniforms. Ask your vendor for current production times, since they vary by season and design.
How do I choose the right uniform size?
Measure each athlete carefully and compare the measurements to the specific vendor’s size chart. Use try-on samples when available, and when an athlete falls between sizes, ask the vendor for guidance.
How long do cheer uniforms last?
With proper care, many programs use the same uniforms for several seasons. Lifespan depends on fabric quality, how often they are worn and how carefully they are washed and stored.
