Q&A for How to Dress for Cheerleading Tryouts

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  • Question
    Are really short shorts okay to wear?
    Community Answer
    It depends if there is a dress code at your school. You don't want to give off the wrong idea, but wearing spandex shorts that fit correctly is okay.
  • Question
    Do I have to be a certain weight?
    Community Answer
    No! Cheerleading is perfect for every shape and size! If you don't make the team ask the coach what you should work on to get better.
  • Question
    Why do most cheerleaders wear black shorts in tryouts?
    Community Answer
    Most teams have the whole team match, so when they pick the color for tryouts, they pick the simplest one so there are no complaints. Black is the most common and basic shade.
  • Question
    Do I need pom poms for tryouts?
    Community Answer
    No. Most of the time, pom poms will just get in the way. If you do make the team, your school should supply you with pom poms that are your school colors. In some schools, they might ask you to buy them if you do make the team.
  • Question
    Should you wear a cheer bow?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to but it is sometimes preferred to show your school spirit.
  • Question
    Should I try out of my teeth are really messed up?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter if you have messed up teeth or a skin condition--if you want to try out, do it. You might just be an amazing cheerleader who is way better than your peers with perfect pearly whites.
  • Question
    Can I wear leggings?
    Community Answer
    Usually, yes. You should wear something comfortable. Just in case, I would suggest bringing a pair of Nike Pros or wearing them under your leggings.
  • Question
    Would if you don't have clothes like the article suggests?
    Community Answer
    Well it wouldn't matter what you wear because it is only tryouts. Don't wear baggy clothes though. You want to wear clothes that are just right.
  • Question
    Can I still try out if I've never done gymnastics before?
    Community Answer
    Yes. They would rather have a girl with no experience with a good attitude than a girl with lots of experience with a bad attitude. Just do your best.
  • Question
    Can I wear a sweatshirt?
    Community Answer
    This is not recommended. You will be moving a lot, so you will want to stay cool and comfortable. Bulky clothing will cause you to overheat; they also will be less comfortable to move around it.
  • Question
    If someone has stretch marks, are they allowed to tryout?
    Community Answer
    Of course, stretch marks are part of being a human. It is completely natural to have stretch marks and no one should be ashamed of them.
  • Question
    What color reflects being competitive?
    Community Answer
    Wearing colors viewed as competitive aren't as important as letting your school spirit show by wearing your school's colors.
  • Question
    What if they ask me to tumble and I can't?
    Community Answer
    Tumbling is a pretty big part of cheerleading, so if you can't do it, I recommend taking classes before trying out. Otherwise, just be honest with the coach about what you can and cannot do at the tryout and they will take that into consideration.
  • Question
    Can I wear fake nails during cheer?
    Community Answer
    It is not advisable, because they could break and cause injury to yourself and others.
  • Question
    Do you always have to wear dresses?
    Community Answer
    No, not always. Sometimes they have cheerleading uniforms that you can wear but not always.
  • Question
    How can boys make the cheer squad?
    Community Answer
    Ask a cheerleader. They have the same tryouts for boys as they do for girls.
  • Question
    Can I wear Nike's to cheer tryouts?
    Community Answer
    Yes, although you will look more experienced with cheer shoes. The coaches don't typically pay attention to your shoes though.
  • Question
    If you're not flexible, would it be okay to start practicing about 2 years early?
    Community Answer
    Sure, it's never too early to start practicing. You will have plenty of time to get flexible.
  • Question
    I have very, very short hair that barely goes past my ears. Will that be a problem?
    Community Answer
    No. The most important thing is your athletic ability and your enthusiasm.
  • Question
    I'm trying out for a team not at my school, should I wear their colors?
    Community Answer
    You can wear anything you feel comfortable in, if it's not a school team, they're probably not really concerned about what colors you're wearing.
  • Question
    What if I don't have white shoes for cheer?
    Community Answer
    Nike, Adidas, and Sketchers are all great. Sketchers are probably the cheapest. Check thrift stores if money is an issue, or ask friends if they have any white shoes they don't wear anymore.
  • Question
    What shoes should I wear if I don't have cheer shoes?
    Community Answer
    Preferably white, lightweight athletic shoes.
  • Question
    What if I don't have cheer shoes and my tennis shoes are messy?
    Community Answer
    You can clean them. There are many ways to clean tennis shoes, and you can find tutorials online.
  • Question
    I have cheer clinics, should I wear makeup there, or would it that make a bad impression?
    Community Answer
    Don't do a full glam look, but maybe apply a small amount of foundation/concealer. Use a light-colored eyeshadow if you want (nude colors are best), and add some mascara.
  • Question
    Why do cheerleaders wear nylon to cheer?
    Community Answer
    Nylon outfits let cheerleaders move freely, do splits, stretch, and tumble with ease.
  • Question
    It is also helpful but how do I do the dance steps with pom poms?
    Community Answer
    Just dance normally, but don't snap or clap or do anything like that with your hands. Hold the pom poms firmly and do not drop them.
  • Question
    Do I have to wear cheer shoes to try out?
    Cheerlife
    Community Answer
    You do not have to wear cheer shoes to try out, but if you have them, wear them. If not, tennis shoes (not Converse or Vans) in black, gray, or white will work. If you have some in your school colors, those would work as well.
  • Question
    Do you need to be able to do the splits in order to be a cheerleader?
    Leah
    Community Answer
    No, although it is good to be flexible. Try stretching your splits, but make sure not to pull a muscle. It’s not usually required, though.
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