What to wear to cheer tryouts
For cheer tryouts, wear fitted athletic clothing such as a tank top or fitted tee with shorts or leggings, plus supportive athletic or cheer shoes, and pull hair back tight and out of the face. The goal is clothing that lets coaches see your body lines and movement clearly while you tumble, jump, and stunt safely. Comfort and freedom of movement matter more than anything fancy.
Last updated July 10, 2026
What clothes should I wear to a cheer tryout?
Wear fitted, flexible athletic wear that stays in place when you move. Loose or baggy clothing hides technique and can get in the way during tumbling and stunting, so fitted is better than flowy.
Good options for a cheer evaluation include:
- •A fitted tank top or moisture-wicking athletic tee.
- •Athletic shorts, spandex, or leggings that allow a full range of motion.
- •A sports bra for older athletes, for support during tumbling.
- •Nothing too loose, no jeans, no zippers, and no rough seams that could scratch during stunting.
What shoes are best for cheer tryouts?
Wear cheer shoes if you have them, or clean, supportive athletic sneakers if you do not. Cheer shoes are lightweight with good grip and support, which helps with jumps and stunting, but a first-time athlete does not need to buy a pair before an evaluation.
Avoid running shoes with thick, bouncy soles, which can feel unstable for tumbling, and never wear sandals, boots, or bare feet unless the gym specifically requests it. Whatever shoes you choose should be secure, closed-toe, and comfortable enough to jump and land in.
If you are unsure, plain white athletic sneakers are a safe default for a first evaluation. Break in any new shoes at home for a few days beforehand so blisters do not distract you on tryout day, and pack a spare pair of socks in case your feet get sweaty during the session.
How should I wear my hair and what about jewelry?
Pull hair back tightly into a ponytail or bun so it stays completely out of the face. Loose hair is distracting during tumbling and can hide facial expressions that coaches want to see. Bring extra hair ties in case one breaks.
Remove all jewelry before an evaluation. Earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets are safety hazards during stunting and tumbling, both for the athlete and for teammates. A watch and fitness trackers should come off too. Keep nails trimmed short for safety when basing or backspotting.
What should I bring to cheer tryouts?
Pack light but come prepared. Being organized helps an athlete stay calm and focused instead of scrambling before the evaluation begins.
A simple packing checklist:
- •A labeled water bottle to stay hydrated.
- •Cheer or athletic shoes, plus socks.
- •Extra hair ties and a small brush or comb.
- •Any completed registration or waiver forms the gym requires.
- •A light snack for before or after.
- •A positive attitude and a smile, which coaches notice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy cheer shoes for tryouts?
No. Clean, supportive athletic sneakers work fine for a first evaluation. Cheer shoes help with jumps and stunting if you already have them, but buying a pair is not required to try out.
Can my child wear a full cheer uniform to tryouts?
A uniform is not needed and is usually discouraged. Fitted athletic wear like a tank top with shorts or leggings lets coaches see body lines and movement more clearly than a uniform does.
Why do we remove jewelry for cheer?
Jewelry is a safety hazard during tumbling and stunting for both the athlete and teammates. Earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets should all come off before an evaluation, and nails should be trimmed short.
What should hair look like for a cheer evaluation?
Pull hair back tight into a ponytail or bun so it stays out of the face and does not distract during tumbling. Bring spare hair ties in case one breaks during the session.
Ready to see it in person?
Register for tryouts