Skimpy All Star Cheerleader Uniforms

Updated on October 14, 2011
C.M. asks from Bartlett, IL
19 answers

I'm a new coach of an All Star Cheerleading Squad. The uniform trend for All Star Cheer Squads are a half-top that shows the belly and a skimpy, tight stretchy cheer skirt. This is what 99% of the All Star Squads seem to wear. And it's not just the older squads, but the younger squads as well.

Any moms out there completely dislike this trend? I know that the old cheerleader stereotypes are that cheerleaders are slutty and stupid, and there isn't a lot out there that shows me that anyone in the industry is interested in changing that! Some of the cheer girls I see are 5-7 year olds in heavy, heavy (think Toddlers & Tiaras) type makeup in skimpy cheer outfits. I smell a TLC show starting already about that and cheer moms!

My squad is going to compete WITHOUT their bellies hanging out and WITHOUT their skirts showing the bottoms of their butts. I know we will probably be the only ones.

Other than that aspect, I totally love All Star Cheerleading competitions and my girls are just amazing to me.

What are your thoughts about letting your daughters compete in a sport like this? And if they already do, are you okay with it?

P.S. All my kids' parents are completely on board with not letting their daughters go out there with their bellies hanging out!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the support! We will be the only conservative squad out there, but you have given me the confidence that different is ok and maybe we can make a statement!

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Good for you.

Back when I was in HS, the Cheerleaders wore skirts what were definitley on the short side - but when the wore them to scool on a Friday or gameday, they had to wear leggings underneath. On top, a sweater. Can you imagine - a sweater??

I think the uniforms now are cute but they are really pushing the limit. I think that you made a wise decision.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.F.

answers from New York on

I know how you feel. In my community most of the teen girls have big round butts and big legs. It is very hard to find skirts the right length that properly cover all the goodies.

You are doing to right thing by keeping them covered while they still enjoy the sport. I wish more coaches were as conservative as you with the choice of costuming. Have a great season and WIN WIN WIN.

3 moms found this helpful

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

For me it's less about the amount of skin showing and more about how something can go from being a performance/sport to being all about "sexy." Same with dance. I understand the use of leotards and short skirts to show off good form, but when you add in make up, big hair and sexy moves it does cross the line of good taste IMO.
My daughters competed on swim team and gymnastics so they showed a LOT of skin at a young age, and I never had a problem with it, I never even gave it a second thought. My youngest is now dancing so I'm prepared for the booty shorts and short skirts/tutus, but to me the outfits are appropriate to the activity. Like I said, there's no need to sex it up, especially very young girls, and I think the belly baring midriffs do just that. It's nice to see someone in your position bucking that trend :)

3 moms found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Before I had kids, I was anti-cheer, thinking: I'M never going to let my daughter cheer, she's going to do a REAL sport. She didn't cheer (her choice), but I've mellowed. There's nothing wrong with girls being girly and jumping and dancing for their school's team. And if you can keep their outfits stylish and athletic, instead of slutty, it's even better.

Go coach!

2 moms found this helpful

K.R.

answers from Sherman on

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am so glad you are putting your self out there for these girls! Your attitude and respect for these girls will be a message that sticks with them, whether they realize it or not at the time.
you rock!
I THANK YOU!

2 moms found this helpful

J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

they had ones at our catholic school which covered their stomach but without arms, some girls where them at reunions now and they do not cover stomachs now=) they were cute and on trend without being too bad, still short skirts, but they were required to wear boy shorts under in the same color...i don't think knee length skirts would work doing flips...but i agree with you

2 moms found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I was a competitive cheerleader for 5 years... and yes, I hate that trend... not to mention the dance moves are usually pretty slutty as well. I applaud you for choosing more age appropriate uniforms this year.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

"Be The Change You Want To See" -

You are a real life example of how to make an impact and a statement all at once...you're in the right place at the right time and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and may their bottoms stay covered.

You will undoubtedly have slutty minded men poo-poohing your ideas and class....so expect it. At least your not trying to put a Burkah on the girls.

It's wonderful how 'far' we have come as woman, but there is a fine line of decency that was definitely crossed in this last generation. For example, I went on line to watch an octopus adapt to his surroundings for a science project for my son....within a few clicks there are millions of people who have been watching dogs humping drunk girls. Really? Sick, gross, and I hope they lose the right to vote.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.V.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I'm a cheerleading coach as well. The all star thing especially with the little one's has always bothered me. To the mom who doesn't think cheerleading is a real "sport" I beg to differ. But by some of these teams dressing that way it does detract from the fact that this is now a sport...it isn't just the popular girls being out there shaking their booties. Good for you coach! My mom says you are either "part of the problem or part of the solution". Great way to set the example for your girls...and it's great the parents are backing you up!

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter has been a cheerleader for a few years now but she does not cheer competitively. That is just TOO much time with her schedule of honors classes, orchestra, etc.

That said, the High school cheerleaders have to cover the belly, the skirts are not school code. SO on game day, they do not wear uniforms to school, they have a cheer jersey to wear with jeans. They can only wear the uniforms at games, pep rallies and special events which go through the coaches first.

ETA: I also beg to differ with the attitude that cheer is not a "sport". That mom's child was obviously not in a quality program or hew view is just skewed from her own personal past. I'd like to see you back flip all the way across a football field!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.W.

answers from Denver on

I think cheerleading is a great thing for girls to do and am in TOTAL agreement about the outfits. There is NO WAY I would let my daughters wear an outfit that was too tight with their bums hanging out as well as their bellies. NO WAY! So good for you. Let them show off their talent not their bodies.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Good for you! I would not want my daughter out there with her midriff and rear end showing.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Dallas on

I want you to coach here! That is one reason my daughter plays soccer instead of doing dance or cheer, I couldn't stomach the outfits.

1 mom found this helpful

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm a gramma and my granddaughter, 10, is in a squad that DOESN'T show bellies and behinds, either, and we (mom, dad, etc.,) are happy with that. BTW, my granddaughter had already said she was going to wear her bike shorts under her skirt, lol, if it was too short, and she's not a prude by any means. She wears bikinis but knows when it's appropriate to show her belly.

I say that just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't mean your squad (or my granddaughter's) needs to do it, kudos to you for not following the trend. There's plenty of time to dress inappropriately in the future, my teacher SIL tells me of the way the teen girls come dressed to class in high school, sigh...

1 mom found this helpful
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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

I think it's great that you are doing that!!! As a mom of boys I don't like the skimpy outfits. Especally as a mom of a boy that in high school will probably be a cheerleader as he is big into gymnasitcs now. I am used to being around the loatards and stuff and it's bad enough when they show thier butts but then when they start showing their mid drifts it does not leave enough to the imagination!!! I aplode what you are doing and am glad that the parents are behind you. I am sure a lot of them don't like the outfits especally the dads.

Good luck to your team and God Bless!!

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Good for you for bucking the trend! Maybe if the parents of girls on the other squads see your team they'll press their coaches to do the same. One can only hope so.

I was a cheerleader for 5 years and loved it. If I had a girl who was interested in cheer, I would totally let her do it but would prefer a more modest uniform. No need to see butts and bellies. When I was a cheerleader, our skirts went about 1/4 to 1/3 down our thighs and we wore sweaters that covered our midriffs and had sleeves.

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N.H.

answers from Austin on

I think you're awesome for standing up for what's appropriate. I too think it's just wrong & actually pretty gross not only to see those types of uniforms but on little girls & especially little girls doing sexual type dance moves...just wrong IMO. I'm from the 'old school' where our cheerleaders wore the usual pleated skirts & sailor tops tucked into the skirts or bibs (think overalls) over the tops which were real cute but yes, I agree the trend is nowadays that apparantly, sex sells no matter what the age. Some of the uniforms are actually cute but the tops go down to the waist of the skirt but again, I too think the bellies & fannies hanging out is a bit too much on little girls & I even find it repulsive for the older girls' (high school/jr. high girls)fannies hanging out, I don't like that at all. Even NFL or NBA cheerleaders don't dress as skimpy IMO but in that case, it's usually age-appropriate & expected. I support you wholeheartedly! Don't worry about who might criticize you, maybe you'll start a trend now that will bring back more appropriate uniforms! Good luck!!

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A.L.

answers from Charleston on

I would respect you so much more for not going with the latest trends. Good for you! Everything is over-sexed these days, and I hate it. I think you'll see that more people appreciate your decisions than you think.

I think competitive sports are great, IF they have a good, ethical coach. I've seen it both ways, and when the coach is bad, it creates drama, and I don't need or want any more drama in my life. :) Sounds like you are an excellent coach already. Good luck and enjoy your team!

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J.R.

answers from Chicago on

Way to Go!!!!! I know if my daughter ever says she wants to do this, my answer might be no, just because of the outfits I see on these girls! I wish more of the people in charge had your same attitude on the subject. Thank you!

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