Male Cheerleading: Uniforms and How to Start
Male cheerleading is a team sport where men and boys stunt, tumble, jump and dance alongside the rest of a squad. It is open at school, all-star and college level, and most male cheerleaders compete on co-ed teams. Cheerleading itself began as an all-male activity in the late 1800s, so the sport has deeper roots with men than many people expect.
What male cheerleaders actually do
On a co-ed team, male athletes often work as bases and spotters, lifting and catching flyers in stunts, and many also tumble and jump. Others are flyers themselves on all-boys or smaller teams. Strength, timing and trust in your stunt group matter more than any one skill, and coaches teach the basics from the start. If a term is new to you, our cheerleading glossary explains the common stunt, tumbling and jump words in plain English.
What to wear: the men's cheer uniform
A men’s cheer uniform usually pairs a fitted shell, sleeveless or short sleeve top with athletic shorts or pants in the team colors. Practice sessions use simpler matching practice wear. The cut is different from a women’s uniform: more room through the shoulders and chest, a longer torso and no skirt. You can see how we make these on our men’s cheer uniforms page, and co-ed teams can order men’s and women’s pieces from the same design file so colors and graphics match.
How to get fitted correctly
A uniform that is too loose catches on stunts, and one that is too tight restricts movement. Measure the chest, waist, hips and torso length, then compare them to a real size chart rather than guessing from a street clothing size. Our cheer uniform size guide shows what to measure and how to read it. Check the fit with a full arm raise, a deep squat and a forward bend before you finalize an order.
How to get started in male cheerleading
- Find a team. Ask your school about cheer tryouts, or search for local all-star gyms that run co-ed or beginner programs.
- Go to a tryout or open practice. Most coaches look for effort, listening and fitness first, not perfect skills.
- Learn the basics. Start with stunting fundamentals, jumps and basic tumbling with a coach who can spot you.
- Get fitted for gear. Your team will tell you what to buy, or order a custom set if you lead a program.
For coaches and gym owners
If you coach a co-ed team and need matching uniforms for the whole squad, we make custom uniforms with a 10-piece minimum, with duties and taxes included on regular shipping to the USA. Read more about custom cheer uniforms or ask us for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can boys and men do cheerleading?
Yes. Male cheerleaders compete on co-ed and all-boys teams at school, all-star and college level, and many programs actively recruit them.
What do male cheerleaders wear?
Most wear a fitted shell, sleeveless or short sleeve top with shorts or pants, in the same team colors as the rest of the squad.
Do male cheerleaders need special uniforms?
They need a men’s cut with room through the shoulders and chest and a longer torso, sized from real body measurements.
Do I need to know how to tumble to start?
No. Many male cheerleaders start as bases or stunt group members and learn tumbling over time with a coach.
