Youth cheerleading pom poms are an iconic part of cheerleading uniforms, allowing young cheerleaders to add visual flair and excitement to their routines. While plain white poms get the job done, customized and decorated poms can really take your cheer squad's style to the next level. From glitter to bows to custom prints, there are so many creative ways to upgrade your youth cheerleading pom poms and make them match your team's look.
Pick Your Pom Style
The first step in decorating your cheer poms is to decide on the style you want. Here are some of the most popular pom styles to consider:
Classic Poms
These are the traditional white rectangle poms with a handle that you likely picture when you think of cheerleader poms. They offer a clean, classic look and are easy to decorate.
Round Poms
Round poms, especially when decorated, create a fun, bouncy look. The circles adorably frame cheerleaders' faces.
Custom Shape Poms
Get creative with unique pom shapes like stars, hearts, megaphones, or your school's mascot shape. These make for great photo ops and team memorabilia.
Streamer Poms
For added movement and visual interest, streamer poms have long, flowing shreds of tissue paper or glittery tinsel coming from the edges.
Once you've picked your pom shape, it's time for the fun part - decorating!
Glitter Pom Accents
For an eye-catching shimmer, add glitter accents to your poms. Here are some glitter pom ideas:
Outline the edges of the poms with glitter glue or metallic craft paint. Let dry fully.
Coat the inner panels of multi-layer poms with glitter glue.
Use sparkly pom poms in matching or complementary colors. Hot glue them around the edges.
Attach strips of glitter tulle around the poms.
For round poms, glue on glittery rhinestones, sequins, or jewels in fun patterns.
Glitter poms pair perfectly with sparkly cheer uniforms and competition looks. Just be sure to seal the glitter properly so it doesn't rub off on your hands during routines.
Pom Bows
Bows make a very cute and feminine pom accent. Mini bows can be hot-glued to the handle or center of the pom. For a jumbo look, wrap a large ribbon around the pom and tie it into a bow. Use bows in your team or school colors. Metallic and patterned ribbons also add a fun flair.
Tip: If you'll be doing stunts or tossing the poms, opt for glued-on mini bows so they don't fall off mid-routine.
Painted Poms
Unleash your creativity by painting custom designs on your poms. Here are some ideas:
Paint your team name, cheer slogan, or inspirational quote on the poms using acrylic craft paints. Allow to dry fully. Add glitter for extra pop.
Paint simple shapes or stripes on the poms in your school or team colors. Chevrons, zig-zags, and polka dots look trendy.
For round poms, paint multi-colored concentric circles or spirals radiating out from the center.
Paint holiday designs on seasonal poms, like snowflakes, ghosts, or turkeys.
Seal painted poms with decoupage or clear glue to prevent smudging. Painting your poms helps show off your squad's unique style.
Pom Prints
For a bold, graphic look, customize your poms with custom prints. Some ideas include:
Use printable fabric sheets to print photos of your cheer team, inspirational quotes, or your school logo. Cut to size and hot glue onto poms.
Print out team names, cheer slogans, or motivational words on printable iron-on transfer paper. Iron onto plain cotton poms.
Create custom dazzle designs or team names using iron-on rhinestone transfer sheets, available at craft stores. Heat press onto poms.
Use fabric markers or Tulip fabric paint pens to hand draw designs like stripes, polka dots, or swirls. Set the ink with an iron.
Getting creative with pom prints is a great way to display team spirit and pride.
Pom Fringe
For a fun fringe effect, attach strips of fabric, crepe paper, tissue paper, or tinsel around the edges of your poms. Match the fringe colors to your school, or opt for rainbow-colored fringe. Make sure the fringe strips are securely glued, and check for loose pieces before performing. Fringed poms pair perfectly with a fringe cheer skirt or top.
Themed Pom Accessories
In addition to décor accents, you can accessorize your poms with thematic additions to match the style of your routine.
For Hollywood or musical theater themes, add prop accessories like plastic diamond rings, microphones, theater masks, and clapperboard printouts.
For a beach routine, accent with mini flip-flops, sunglasses, plastic pineapples, and glittery seashells.
For hip-hop routines, bling out poms with faux gold necklace chains.
For pep band performances, attach mini plastic musical instruments like tambourines, maracas, or bells.
Getting creative with themed pom accessories helps tie together your full cheer costume and routine theme.
Team Spirit Charms
For a spirited cheer charm bracelet effect, hang personalized charms and embellishments from your pom handles. Some ideas include:
Team number charms
Mini pompoms in school colors
Metallic alphabet beads spelling out school names or cheer slogans
Sparkly initial charms with the first initials of squad members
Mini plastic megaphones or cheer shoes
The jingling sound and movement of the charms add visual and audio excitement.
DIY Pom Flowers
For a fresh springtime look, add fabric pom flowers to your poms. To make them:
Cut circles of fabric in your color scheme, varying the sizes.
Make cuts around the edges of the circles most of the way to the center.
Gather the edges together in the center and tie a pipe cleaner tightly around to form a flower shape.
Hot glue the pom flowers onto your poms. Use complementary pastels for a soft feminine vibe.
The pretty pom pom flowers evoke the feeling of a blooming spring garden.
Creative Color Combos
Most squads use the same standard team colors for uniforms and accessories. But you can put a unique spin on your poms by experimenting with split colors, ombré blends, or multi-colored poms.
For split-colored poms, divide the shape down the center and use two different colors on each side.
Alternate stripe colors vertically or horizontally across the poms.
Tie-dye the cotton pom panels using dyes in complementary colors for a psychedelic effect.
Create ombré or gradient coloring by gradually blending fabric paint from light to dark shades.
Try matching untraditional pom colors to the costume theme for a cohesive look. Unique color combos make your squad stand out.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating cheer poms to match your team's unique personality and style. Get the whole squad together for a pom decorating party and see just how creative you can get! Customizing your poms helps build team bonding while creating memorable pieces you can use all season long to show off your team pride and spirit!
Final Thought
Upgrading your cheer poms is a fun and creative way to enhance your team’s look and spirit. Whether you add glitter, bows, or custom prints, the right decorations make a big impact on your performance. GetPoms offers high-quality cheer poms in a variety of styles, perfect for any customization idea. So, let your creativity shine, and make your poms as bold and unique as your squad!