Cheerleading uniforms have a long and distinguished history of evolution that started with the advent of the sport itself. Historically, when sports were played on the field, these leaders of the cheer would be out to urge the crowd to cheer for the teams that they supported. This tradition started in late in the 19th century at universities such as Princeton University.

Soon when this sport became an activity for girls they would wear garb that was a symbol of the institutions that they represented. The most common garb that was worn was a long sleeve cardigan sweater with buttons worn over a turtle neck shirt or collared blouse. The letters that represented the institution that these cheerleaders represented would form the shape of a megaphone which is still a common shape these days.

The body liner, or bodysuit, is an undergarment that resembles a leotard which matches the colors and design of the costume. It is intended to be worn underneath the shell. Most teams like these undergarments to have long sleeves and come to the bottom of the actual vest. Sometimes they are turtle neck and cropped to the midriff.

The body liner can also be made to be a full body leotard so that any chance of showing skin is eliminated. These are usually made for vests or shells that are waist length. The shell is made from a combination of polyester and cotton or with spandex to allow for easier dressing. It is a form fitting vest that is made in the school's colors and carries the school's insignia in the front, sometimes in the shape of a megaphone which is a historical symbol for the sport.

Today the garb that is worn by cheerleaders is made with a combination of polyester and spandex fabric. The shell, top, fits closely to the body and is either sleeveless or long sleeved. Most ladies will wear a bodysuit under the shell vest and the short skirt. The bodysuit is either a leotard type costume or it comes to the rib cage depending on the style of the garb. As per the National Federation of High Schools the regulations state that the shell vest reaches the waist for modesty when the arms of the cheerleaders are at their sides.

Today, the costume has changed even more dramatically than the 70's. The costume is made in dramatic colors sometimes even incorporating metallic fabric. The cuts are quite different exposing the skin of the neck shoulders or back and sometimes the midriff.

Due to the amount of midriff that is exposed, it is against the rules to wear piercings such as belly rings. In competition it is banned and the rule is enforced. There is no prohibition against tattoos that are not likely to be visible however; it is required that if there are visible tattoos then they should be covered with skin colored make up or bandage.

As the sport has become more and more competitive, the regulations around dress are stringent however; in some cases the garb can expose a bit of skin. In the case of all-star cheerleaders, they are allowed to have shell vests that expose the midriff entirely. Cheerleading uniforms are striking with their bright colors and short skirts. They are also entirely unique and made with the colors of each school.