How to Design a Custom Cheer Uniform for Your Team

Designing the perfect cheer uniform for your school or program isn’t just about sparkle and style (though we’ve got plenty of both). It’s about creating a look that performs, fits your team’s identity, and turns heads on and off the mat. Whether you're a seasoned coach or a first-time uniform buyer, this guide breaks down exactly how to go from concept to custom creation—with help from the pros at Rebel Athletic.

Before you start sketching or clicking through online design tools, get crystal clear on the basics:

  • Team Name & Mascot: These often influence color blocking and embellishment placement.

  • Team Colors: Stick with your official palette or introduce accent colors like metallics or ombré.

  • Uniform Type: Are you designing for sideline, competition, or both?

Pro tip: Competition uniforms require more stretch, more bling, and more personality.

Step 1: Define Your Team’s Vision

A young woman wearing a black, red, and white cheerleading uniform, showing both front and back views. The front has 'RHS' lettering, and the back features a star logo.

Step 2: Choose the Right Vendor

Not all cheer uniform companies are created equal. Here's what to look for:

  • Customization Options: Do they offer full custom or just semi-custom?

  • Turnaround Time: You don’t want to miss your season window.

  • Fabric & Fit Quality: Stretch, durability, and mobility are non-negotiable.

  • Design Support: Are real people helping you, or are you on your own?

  • Reputation: Look for trusted vendors like Rebel Athletic, known for couture-level design, premium fabrics, and white-glove service.

FAQ: What should I look for in a cheer uniform vendor?
Look for one that offers professional design help, quality fit, customization flexibility, and dependable delivery. (Yes, that’s us.)

Step 3: Browse Cheer Uniform Designs for Inspiration

Want to spark ideas for your team’s next uniform? Start by browsing our curated collection of past custom designs and digital lookbooks.

Our Browse Designs section features real Rebel uniforms worn by teams across the country—from bold competition styles to elevated sideline classics. You’ll find:

  • Crop and full-length top variations

  • Skirts, skorts, and shorts with different cut and trim styles

  • Color blocking, rhinestones, mesh insets, and appliqué combos

  • Sleeves, necklines, and other fit details you may not have thought of

Pair that with our 2025 Digital Lookbooks, loaded with trend-forward pieces and couture-level designs made for cheerleaders who don’t want to blend in.

FAQ: How can I start designing a cheer uniform if I don't know where to begin?
Start by exploring our online uniform galleries and digital lookbooks to see real designs we've created for teams like yours. You'll get a feel for different styles, embellishments, and color combinations. Then, connect with a Rebel designer who will guide you through the process—from initial inspiration to final mockup—based on your team’s needs, vision, and budget.

Once your base style is selected, it’s time to level up. This is where the magic happens—and where your team’s identity shines through every stitch and sparkle.

Customize these core elements:

  • Fabric Type: Choose from our proprietary high-performance fabrics including AthleticFlex™, Silhouette Stretch Poly™, ContourFlex™ and more! Our design team can help you find the perfect fabric for your needs. Add customization with mystique, stretch lace, or various types of mesh. We also offer skin toned fabrics for a cool illusion effect.

  • Color Palette: Stick with team colors, or push boundaries with accent hues, fades, metallic finishes, or custom sublimated designs.

  • Logo & Lettering: Applique your team’s logo, add custom lettering, or go full glam with SuperNova crystals.

  • Cut & Fit Options: Go crop, midriff, or full-length; A-line skirt, skort, or athletic short. Our design team helps you balance style with functionality—especially for stunts and tumbling.

  • Bling It On: Select embellishments like organically placed crystal panels, ombré crystal designs, sleeve appliqués, or asymmetrical design cuts that amplify your team’s attitude.

FAQ: What are the steps to customize a cheer uniform?
Start with a base silhouette, select fabric and colors, add logos and embellishments, finalize fit details, and approve your design mockup before production begins. Remember… we send you a FREE prototype so you can hold your design in your hands before we begin your bulk order.

Step 4: Customize Every Detail

Step 5: Place Your Order with Confidence

Once you’re in love with your design, we make the next steps effortless.

Here’s what the ordering process looks like:

  • Get Sized Right: We provide a Rebel Fit Kit so every athlete can try on sizing samples—no guesswork, no surprises.

  • Final Mockup Review: You’ll receive a professionally-rendered design sheet showing every angle of the uniform. Review it with your team and coaches before signing off.

  • Production Timeline: Standard delivery is 6–10 weeks from mockup approval. Need it faster? Ask about our Priority Rush Production.

  • Payment Options: Pay 50% for your order to go into production and the remainder after completion and before delivery. Ask your account manager about school PO systems.

FAQ: How do I order cheer uniforms for a team?
It starts with a conversation with your Rebel account manager. After finalizing details and fit, place your order and we’ll handle the rest.

Step 6: Add-On Uniform Essentials (Optional but Highly Recommended)

School locker room with red lockers, a glittery red backpack with a blue tiger logo, a pair of white athletic shoes hanging, a red glitter water bottle, a few books, and festive ribbons on the floor.

Don’t stop at the uniform—complete the look from head to toe with Rebel add-ons:

  • Custom Bows to match your uniform fabrics or print your team name

  • Warm Up Jackets & Pants for travel and pre-performance swagger

  • Practice Wear to coordinate for every team event

  • Backpacks & Duffels in team colors with mascot or logo

  • Shoes, Socks & Accessories that complete your team’s identity on and off the floor

FAQ: Where can I buy everything I need for my cheer team?
Right here. Rebel is your one-stop shop for uniforms, accessories, warm ups, and team gear.

You Bring the Vision. We Bring the Expertise.

Designing a cheer uniform doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Rebel, it’s equal parts collaboration and inspiration—whether you're a seasoned coach or just figuring it out as you go.

You’ll get:

  • Free design services from our in-house designers

  • Custom fits and fabrics made for performance

  • Guaranteed delivery timelines

  • Access to the industry’s boldest styles and most innovative embellishments

Start Your Rebel Design Journey Today