If you’ve got an aspiring cheerleader in your family or group of bffs, then the impending Fall season has likely brought about clamoring for all the latest new cheer accessories. In high school, cheerleading is seen as empowering and competitive, synonymous with strength, self-confidence and teamwork. Decked out in the expected uniforms of spandex and sparkles, making sure she (or he!) is dressed for the part and properly accessorized is half the battle.
Crucial is finding the perfect cheer jackets especially now that the blazing summer draws to a close and the cool, chilly season rolls in. For athletes, the jackets are of course just the base of the cheer costume and since the shopping experience can get quite overwhelming with so many cute options out there, the least we can do is to bring focus to the recommended styles we think you should add to your shopping-list.
1. Hair Accessories
Depending on the level of commitment to the sport, the hair styles vary far and wide. For the relatively unfussy, a few bobby pins are necessary to redo a ponytail on the fly or replace a failed hair snap. The cheerleading routines can be quite demanding and physical after which a hair touch-up may be required.
Similarly, a smaller bottle of your favorite hairspray is necessary, too, in case you need to insure your locks look performance-ready. The really committed cheerleader might even pack a purse-sized blow-dryer in her carry-bag for emergencies. In fact, speaking of carry-bags…
2. The All-Important Carry or Compartmentalized Bag
You’ll be sure to see all the veteran cheerleaders with one of these. The years have taught high school and college cheerleaders how important it is to have a specialized bag that is practical and well sectioned off for ease of discovery. This bag is different from your purse. In fact, it should be large enough to hold your everyday purse, change of clothes, water bottle, packed lunch/dinner for late practice, hair accessories, towel, phone and other essentials inside its many compartments. As with anything there’s a high demand for, you can find these bags in all manner of attractive styles. It’s not merely utilitarian making it another way to distinguish yourself with your own style.
3. Fuel Food
As a cheerleader, you’re going to be as busy as any other athlete – so much so, that the hunger will hit you explosively at times. In-between running around social situations, practice, recitals, actual cheer time and more activities, you don’t want to run the risk out gasping for energy. Therefore, you should have energy snacks inside your compartmentalized bag.
In general, your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, A LOT of protein and good carbs such as oatmeal, quinoa, beans, whole-wheat pasta, bananas and sweet potatoes. Broccoli, blueberries, spinach, greek yoghurt and sprouted bread will do wonders for your health and energy intake too. Hydration is just as important, and is one of the reasons why your bag has so many little pockets on the inside and outside.
4. Bows and More Bows
This is one of the more fun accessories for a cheerleader, and can really help to differentiate your personal style – while still adhering to the general school colours intertwined in to your uniform. By visiting sites such as Pinterest, for example, you’ll find all manner of bow styles and hairstyle inspiration for cheerleaders. They don’t take up much space, either, which means you can put several of them into your bag – enough to swap them out almost every day if you wish.
5. Several Pairs of Socks
This accessory pretty much speaks for itself. During a long day of hectic, cheer-related activities, being able to swap out your socks can make you feel like a brand new person. A further benefit is if your closest friends on the cheer squad happen to need a pair – socks don’t take up much room, and you may be able to save the day.
Having all of these things at the ready and within reach will provide just the right amount of respite in your busy cheer day. Preparation is the easiest way to ensure that everything goes smoothly!
