All schools and colleges will agree that nothing helps to build spirit at a sporting event than a good cheer squad. And good uniforms form a basis for the level of confidence that a squad will exhibit. Unfortunately, kitting out a squad can be expensive due to the large amount of customization that is often needed. However, just as "expensive" does not always mean "best quality", "cheap" does not have to mean "worst quality" either. Cheap cheerleading uniforms can be good.
The comfort level of the uniform needs to be taken into account. The more comfortable the cheerleader, the better their confidence during their performance. People often want to choose slippery fabrics for uniforms as they tend to be more eye-catching and flashy. However, not only are slippery materials less comfortable to wear, they can often end up resulting in injury or mistakes in the cheer routine.
If pushed, it is far more prudent to spend more money on good shoes than the uniforms themselves. A decent pair of shoes will not need to be replaced as often as a uniform. They go a long way toward helping to avoid injury when they offer the right kind of grip and ankle support, especially for the female cheer squad members who often perform complex jumps, turns and maneuvers.
It is always a good idea to watch all the local fabric stores as they will periodically have special holiday discounts and seasonal sales. These can provide the necessary uniform materials at a far more affordable cost, allowing for the production of inexpensive uniforms that are still of good quality. Bulk ordering offers another option, although it is wise to have all squad members measurements ahead of time to ensure that all members will find a uniform that fits and is comfortable.
It is always a good idea to network, you never know who might have contacts within various industries. Gaining contacts can lead to affordable materials. Always remember to shop around and request quotes from multiple companies before making any decisions, as many companies will lower the prices of the primary quotes further once they realize they risk losing you to a competitor. Do not be afraid to negotiate either. A friendly manner goes a long way to ensuring a discount.
Good accessories can also go a long way to perking up a cheap cheerleading uniform. These too need not be very expensive. Secondhand stores can often yield up interesting and inexpensive treasures that just need a good creative mind to put them to use.
Getting several of the more creatively talented parents or squad members themselves to be involved in the actual customization of the uniforms or the creation of props to be used in the cheer routines is a great way to cut costs dramatically, as well create team spirit and boost morale. Craft shops and art shops have a wide variety of products that can be used to help customization at a very reasonable price. Never be afraid to experiment with them.
Decide on a budget ahead of schedule and try to stick as close to it as possible. Keep a lookout for flash sales, and research discount stores in your area. A squad that is comfortable, confident and well presented will make
cheap cheerleading uniforms look great without breaking the bank.
