Cheerleader Costume
Bring the team spirit with a classic, high-energy cheerleader look.
The classic cheerleader is a timeless, high-energy costume choice perfect for Halloween, pep rallies, or themed parties. It is incredibly popular because it is comfortable, easily recognizable, and highly customizable to any color scheme. The look consists of a matching pleated skirt and shell top, athletic sneakers, a high ponytail with a bow, and a pair of fluffy pom-poms.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Cheerleader
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What you need for a Cheerleader costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cheerleader costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Shell Top
A sleeveless, V-neck athletic top in a bold color like red, blue, or green, featuring white and black sporty stripes along the collar.
DIY: Use a solid color tank top and fabric paint or ribbon to add athletic stripes along the neckline.
Pleated Skirt
A matching high-waisted pleated mini skirt with contrasting colored panels or stripes.
DIY: Wear any solid color pleated tennis skirt.
Pom-Poms
A pair of metallic or plastic fluffy pom-poms with baton handles, matching the outfit's color scheme.
DIY: Cut thin strips of colored plastic tablecloths or tissue paper and tape them tightly around a cardboard handle.
Hair Bow
A large, stiff grosgrain ribbon bow attached to a hair tie, worn at the base of a high ponytail.
DIY: Tie a wide satin or grosgrain ribbon into a large bow and bobby-pin it into your hair.
Athletic Socks
Classic white crew socks or knee-high socks, sometimes with sporty stripes at the top.
DIY: Use plain white crew socks.
White Sneakers
Clean, classic white athletic shoes or canvas low-tops.
DIY: Use any clean white tennis shoes you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cheerleader costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the matching cheerleader shell top and pleated skirt.
- 2
Pull your hair up into a high, tight ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic.
- 3
Attach the large cheer bow directly above or around the ponytail elastic so it stands upright.
- 4
Put on the white crew or knee-high socks and lace up your clean white sneakers.
- 5
Apply simple, bright makeup like a touch of glitter on the cheekbones and a swipe of pink lip gloss.
- 6
Grab a pom-pom in each hand by the handles and fluff them out before heading out.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a high, sleek ponytail secured with a large, matching bow. Keep makeup bright and fresh with a touch of face glitter on the cheekbones, light mascara, and a cheerful pink or red lip gloss.
Cheerleader for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a football player wearing a matching jersey, helmet, and black eye paint.
- group
- Form a full squad with matching uniforms in different colors, or go as a zombie cheer team with fake blood.
- kids
- An adorable option using a comfortable, stretchy one-piece cheer dress and smaller, soft pom-poms.
- Plus size
- Look for high-waisted pleated skirts with elastic waistbands and stretchy knit shell tops for a comfortable, flexible fit.
- pet
- A lightweight, step-in dog dress styled like a cheer uniform with tiny plush pom-poms attached to the front paws.
Tips
- Wear spandex shorts or bloomers under your pleated skirt for comfort and coverage while moving around.
- Opt for supportive, broken-in white sneakers if you plan on walking, dancing, or standing for long periods.
- If dressing up for cold weather, layer a long-sleeved white turtleneck or bodysuit underneath the shell top.
- Shake out and fluff your pom-poms vigorously before your event to give them maximum volume for photos.
Cheerleader costume FAQ
- What do you wear under a cheerleader skirt?
- It is best to wear matching spandex shorts, boy shorts, or athletic bloomers underneath for comfort, coverage, and ease of movement.
- How do you make a DIY cheerleader costume at home?
- You can pair a solid-colored tank top and a matching pleated tennis skirt, then use fabric glue to attach colored ribbon stripes to the collar and hem.
- What kind of shoes go best with a cheerleader costume?
- Clean, classic white athletic sneakers or canvas low-tops are the most authentic and comfortable footwear choice.
Did you know? While modern cheerleading is dominated by women, the activity actually began in the late 19th century as an all-male sport, with United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower among its early participants.