The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
                     The Evolution of the Cheerleading 
Uniform
In the 1960s, cheerleaders were more athletic, so 
cheerleading uniforms became more comfortable. 
Sweatshirts and cotton shirts took the place of 
heavy sweaters, and cheerleaders wore pants and 
skirts with pleats. The sport became more popular 
among girls than boys, and uniforms changed to 
include tighter knit sweaters and tennis shoes. 
Today's uniforms are more similar to those of the 
1980s.
The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
The first company to market cheerleading uniforms was Jean Lee Originals. The 
company was started by Jean Marie Harter, the daughter of Arthur V. Harter. 
Harter owned the House of Hohner Sporting Goods, the largest sporting goods 
store in the Midwest and Indiana. The company made custom cheerleading 
uniforms for high school squads and cheerleaders. It also produced its own 
cheerleading shoes.
The earliest cheerleading squads wore saddle shoes or flat canvas sneakers. 
Their uniforms consisted of high dress socks and skirts that were tailored to the 
shape of the athletes' bodies. The styles of cheerleading uniforms from that 
time period remained the same until the early 1970s. The modern version of 
the traditional uniform features a tighter fit, more colorful top and skirt, and 
more coverage in the middle.
The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
Today's cheerleading uniforms are less like a costume and more like bathing 
suits. The sport used to be more about pumping up the crowd with chants 
and cheers. While cheerleading still looks strong in modern attire, it's 
important for the girls to be given a little more autonomy in choosing their 
look. You can also expect the uniforms to be more functional than trendy.
The evolution of cheerleading uniforms began in the '80s. During that time, 
the skirts became shorter and the torso grew longer. In the '90s, 
cheerleaders started standing on each other's thigh. In the 1990s, they 
embraced the use of unisex clothing. In the '80s, this became known as the 
Thigh Stand. This dance requires no tumbling skills and requires the 
cheerleader to be flexible enough to stand on the thigh of her partner.
The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
In the 1980s, cheerleading uniforms were waist-length button-down vests with a 
turtleneck under them. Later, teams changed their uniforms to make them look 
more feminine. The modern day counterparts of cheerleaders wear a midriff-
revealing dress. In the 1990s, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders introduced a 
more revealing costume that featured a white boot.
In the 1990s, cheerleading uniforms evolved from saddle shoes to athletic 
sneakers. This allowed the athletes to be more flexible and athletic. The 1990s 
uniforms were more athletic, sleek, and functional, with an A-line skirt and 
slouchy socks. But these changes were gradual, and cheerleading has continued 
to adapt to the changing times. However, it is important to remember that the 
style of the youth cheerleading uniforms has always been an important element 
in the game.
The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
The evolution of the cheerleading uniforms is ongoing, and it is a 
constant change of uniforms. During the 1950s, men's cheerleading 
uniforms were made of leather and featured large, colorful letters. 
By the 1970s, the uniforms were more athletic and more 
comfortable, and the slouch socks and A-line skirts became 
popular. By the 1990s, most of the cheerleading outfits were form-
fitting and fitted.
The 1980s cheerleading uniforms were waist-length button-down 
shirts with a turtleneck underneath. The 1990s had skirts that were 
mid-thigh-length. This was a sign of the time when cheerleading 
was more competitive and fashionable. Then, the trend of wearing 
the same color became a tradition and a part of everyday life. And 
now, women's uniforms are just as important as the men's.
The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform
The 1990s cheer uniforms were similar to those of today, 
but they also had some notable changes. For example, 
the uniforms included slump socks, canvas sneakers, and 
t-shirts with a hood. The new decade also saw the rise of 
the A-line skirt, replacing the pleated skirts of the 
previous decade. This decade was also characterized by 
the introduction of a range of new trends in cheerleading 
apparel.
 
Thank You