Cheerleader Uniform Top S

Cheerleader uniforms were first worn in the early 1900s and included elements that represented the school’s colors, mascot and name.  The first letter of the school’s name along with a megaphone was often sewn onto the front of the uniform, usually on a sweater or fitted knit shirt. 

Originally cheerleading was an all-male activity starting in 1898 at the University of Minnesota.  Male cheerleaders often wore sweaters with school color coordinated trousers.  Females began participating in cheerleading in 1923, due to the lack of female sports at colleges and universities, and wore the same tops as males along with modest ankle-length wool skirts. Saddle oxfords were worn with uniforms from the early days up until the 1980s. 

One of the first manufacturers of cheerleader uniforms was Cheerleader & DanzTeam, of Dallas, Texas which was founded in 1948 by Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer.  Herkie was also one of the founders of the National Cheerleading Association and the inventor of the “Herkie” cheerleading jump.  Other famous producers of cheerleader uniforms over the years include Dehen Official, Satoria and Varsity Spirit Fashions of Memphis, Tennessee.

As fashion and skirt lengths changed, so did cheerleader uniforms.  Shorter, pleated skirts were introduced in the 1960s, as were short sleeve sweaters.  In the 1970s, more athletic and functional elements and materials were used such as V-necks and no shirt underneath the top or sweater.  Top styles also expanded during this period to include vests and shells, often decorated with stripes.

The current modern style of cheerleader uniforms was developed in the 1980s.  The uniforms are often made of a polyester-spandex fabric, with short skirts and fitted long sleeve or sleeveless shell tops. Additional elements of modern cheerleader uniforms include undergarments such as bodysuits, lollies (or spankies) that are worn under skirts as well as hair ribbons displayed in the team’s colors.