Q&A for How to Dress for Cheerleading Tryouts

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.

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.

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.

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.

You don't have to but it is sometimes preferred to show your school spirit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wearing colors viewed as competitive aren't as important as letting your school spirit show by wearing your school's colors.

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.

It is not advisable, because they could break and cause injury to yourself and others.

No, not always. Sometimes they have cheerleading uniforms that you can wear but not always.

Ask a cheerleader. They have the same tryouts for boys as they do for girls.

Yes, although you will look more experienced with cheer shoes. The coaches don't typically pay attention to your shoes though.

Sure, it's never too early to start practicing. You will have plenty of time to get flexible.

No. The most important thing is your athletic ability and your enthusiasm.

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.

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.

Preferably white, lightweight athletic shoes.

You can clean them. There are many ways to clean tennis shoes, and you can find tutorials online.

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.

Nylon outfits let cheerleaders move freely, do splits, stretch, and tumble with ease.

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.

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.

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.