Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re a cheer coach, a team parent, or even a small studio owner scrolling for second-hand competition cheer uniforms, that question has crossed your mind more than once. I’ve spent 12 years in this industry as a competition cheer uniforms supplier—we’ve outfitted over 4,000 teams across the U.S., and I hear this question at least three times a week from people tired of shelling out $300+ per custom uniform for a season that only lasts 6 months. But let’s be clear: the answer isn’t a flat “yes” or “no”—it’s more nuanced than that, and there are way more missteps and hidden wins here than most people realize. Competition Cheer Uniforms
First, let’s get one thing out of the way: competition cheer uniforms are not your middle school soccer jerseys. The fabric, construction, and fit are way more specialized. A second-hand casual tee from a rec team can be resold no problem, but a competition uniform has specifics that can make it useless or even harmful. I’ve had a coach bring in a used uniform that had fading vinyl numbers, stretched spandex, and a missing bra insert—all little things that can tank a team’s routine mid-competition. But that doesn’t mean viable ones don’t exist.
Where do people actually find second-hand competition cheer uniforms, and how do you tell the good from the bad? Let’s start with the most obvious place: resale groups for cheer parents. I’m in 17 local Facebook groups for cheer teams across the Southeast, and every month, there’s a thread titled “Used uniform for sale—size YL, barely worn, blue and red.” But here’s the catch: most of those are rec team uniforms, not competition. Rec uniforms are made for casual practices, not 2-minute routines where every flex counts. Competition uniforms are constructed with stretch nylon, mesh panels, and heat-pressed appliqués that are way more intricate. A rec uniform might hold up for a year, but a competition one that’s been worn 10 times might already have stretched out in the shoulders or have a loose rhinestone line.
Then there’s team-wide resales. A lot of teams outgrow uniforms all at once: when a senior group graduates, or a small studio disbands, they’ll sell an entire set of competition uniforms for a fraction of retail. Last year, a 12-team middle school cheer program in Atlanta sold 36 second-hand competition uniforms for $40 each—way less than the $275 each had cost new. But even here, I’ve seen problems. Those uniforms were made for kids who were 12, and now they’re being bought by 10-year-olds, who need a different fit. Competition uniforms are sized specifically for the flex positions: a flyer needs a uniform that’s tight enough to not ride up when she’s in a stunt, while a base needs extra stretch in the torso. If you don’t measure carefully, a used uniform might fit visually but not function for the routine.
Wait, but what about online marketplaces outside Facebook? I’ve seen listings on Poshmark, Depop, and even eBay for competition uniforms, but most of those are either misrepresented or not competition-grade. A lot of people will list a “competition uniform” that’s actually a performance cheer top, which is way more casual and can’t be altered for a real competition. I once advised a coach who bought a used top from Depop for $80, only to find it had a loose elastic band that would have snapped during her team’s first regional competition. She ended up having to buy a new one from us last minute, which cost her $250 extra—and that’s a mistake I see all the time.
Now, here’s the part most people don’t talk about: when second-hand uniforms actually work, and how to make them work for your team. Let’s say you’re a small all-star team that just got started, and you don’t have a big budget for custom uniforms. A used uniform that’s only been worn 2-3 times (which is rare, but does happen) can be a great stopgap. We actually see a lot of new studios buying used uniforms for first-year teams, because they can save money and the team’s vibe is still fresh. But there are non-negotiables here: check the stretch, check the appliqués, check the lining. If the mesh panel is torn, or the heat-pressed logo is peeling, pass. If the uniform is missing a bra insert (most competition uniforms have a sewn-in liner for support), that’s a fix you can make, but it’s an extra cost.
Wait a second—since I’m a competition cheer uniforms supplier, do we sell used ones? Not typically. We specialize in custom, new uniforms, because we design them to fit a team’s exact stunt needs and style. But last year, we partnered with a local charity that supports underfunded cheer programs, and we collected 120 gently used uniforms from teams that had upgraded their sets. We sold those at a 70% discount, and we only accept orders from teams that have been vetted by the charity—so we could make sure they were going to people who actually needed them, not just someone trying to save a quick buck. That’s the sweet spot, right? If you’re looking for a used uniform, going through a supplier who does a quality check is way better than buying from a random parent on Facebook. You can trust that the uniform is structurally sound, fits properly, and won’t fall apart during a competition.
I also want to talk about the downsides of second-hand uniforms, because they’re not all roses. The biggest one is customization. Competition is everything in cheer: your uniform is part of your brand, your team’s look, and your judges’ first impression. If you buy a used uniform, you can’t easily change the color, add your team’s logo, or adjust the appliqués to match your routine. Last year, a team came to us because they’d bought a set of red second-hand uniforms, but their new routine required blue accents. Trying to dye a competition uniform? It doesn’t work—those fabrics are pre-treated to resist fading, and dye will turn them splotchy. So they ended up buying new ones anyway, because the used ones didn’t fit their needs. That’s a cost that people don’t account for: even if you save $100 upfront, if you have to alter it, it might not be worth it in the end.
Another big downside: size availability. Most second-hand uniforms are in the sizes that kids have outgrown, so if your team has a mix of sizes from youth XS to adult L, you’re going to have a hard time finding a full set that works. We get so many requests from coaches who buy one used uniform here and there, and then they end up with a mismatched set that looks unprofessional on the floor. Judges take note of that—if your uniforms don’t look cohesive, it can count against your team’s performance score. That’s a detail a lot of new coaches miss, and it’s a big one.
So, is it worth it? For some teams, absolutely. If you’re a small rec team doing local competitions, not nationals, a used uniform that’s in good shape can be a great budget move. If you’re a new all-star team just getting off the ground, and you can find a full set of gently used competition uniforms through a trusted supplier, that’s a win. But if you’re a team that’s gunning for nationals, or you have a specific brand look you want, or you need a perfect fit for stunts, used might not be the right call.
Here’s what I tell every coach who comes to me asking about second-hand uniforms: Do your due diligence. Measure every part of the uniform before you buy—chest width, torso length, sleeve length, leg length for the bottom. Check for damage: stretch the fabric, run your fingers along the seams, look for loose rhinestones. And if you can, buy from a source that guarantees the uniform is competition-grade, not rec. That’s where I come in as a supplier—we can’t sell you used ones, but we can tell you where to look, and we can even help you verify if a used uniform is worth your money.
At the end of the day, competition cheer uniforms are an investment. Whether you buy new from a supplier like us, or second-hand from a trusted source, you want something that will hold up through practices, stunts, and long competition days. The last thing you want is a uniform that rips mid-routine, or looks mismatched when you’re on the floor in front of hundreds of people. So if you’re in the market for second-hand, do your research, check the quality, and make sure it fits your team’s needs.
And if you’re ready to talk about custom uniforms, whether it’s for a new team or an upgrade for an existing one, I’m here to help. We work with teams of all sizes, from small studios to national championship programs, and we can create a uniform that fits your exact style, budget, and competition needs. Reach out to our team to learn more about custom options, get a quote, or ask any questions you have about outfitting your team.
Cheer Practice Wear References:
- National Cheerleaders Association (NCA). (2022). Competition Uniform Construction Standards. NCA Publications.
- American Youth Cheer Federation (AYCF). (2021). Budget-Friendly Uniform Solutions for Youth Cheer Teams. AYCF Resource Guide.
- Cheer Industry Association (CIA). (2023. Second-hand Uniform Safety and Fit Guidelines. CIA Best Practices Report.
- Uniform Wear and Tear: Competitive Cheer Specifics. (2020. Journal of Sports Apparel and Equipment.
AcEiffel Art Culture Co., Ltd.
AcEiffel Art Culture Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional competition cheer uniforms manufacturers and suppliers in China, supplying the best customized service. Feel free to wholesale bulk competition cheer uniforms at competitive price from our factory.
Address: 9#, Renxian Street, High-tech Zone, Dalian, China
E-mail: info@aceiffel.com
WebSite: https://www.aceiffel.com/
