The Complete Guide
What to Wear to a Pro Cheer Audition
Your audition look is part of your performance. Here's exactly what NFL and NBA cheer judges are looking for — and where to get it.
The Audition Look
Head-to-toe breakdown of what to wear — and why each choice matters.
Coach Rachel
Top
Fitted sports bra style top, form-fitting, no baggy layers
Solid colors or simple patterns with rhinestones or other embellishments for sparkle.
Bottom
Low to mid-waist fitted dance shorts and tights
Most teams prefer shorts, however some teams allow for skirts, briefs, or leggings. Tights should be skin tone and sheer.
Shoes
White sneakers or tan jazz shoes
Sneakers should have a white sole to avoid drawing extra attention to your feet. Bring sneakers, jazz shoes, and turners in your bag so you have options for any dance floor.
Hair
Voluminous, polished, and true to you
Find a hairstyle that works for your face and dancing. Practice dancing with it down, ensuring that you can move confidently without it covering your face.
Makeup
Full glam — bold lashes, blush, bronzer, defined lip
Study the style of your team and match their makeup look. Bring touch-up essentials.
Accessories
Minimal — small studs only, no dangling jewelry
Remove fitness trackers, belly piercings, face piercings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets before the audition.
What to Avoid
These are the mistakes that signal inexperience — even when the dancer is technically strong.
Long pants or leggings to the ankle (unless the team specifies, sometimes baggy pants are used for hip hop rounds)
Non-white sneakers (unless the audition specifically requires them)
Undergarments that show lines, colors, or texture through your outfit
Wrinkled or stained garments (spray tan and lipstick stains)
Busy prints, logos, or graphic text
Dangling earrings, stacked rings, or chunky necklaces
Bare face or minimal makeup
Hair tied up
Anything you haven't moved in — test your full range of motion first
Where to Shop
Curated picks across every budget — from fully custom to second hand steals.
Outfits
Custom designs, ready to wear, and rentals. Great selection of accessories like boleros.
Unique styles and embellishments, with great options for solos.
Great variety of styles and colors. Dallaswear has audition outfit options for men as well.
Budget-friendly second hand sets and pieces.
Rachel's Favorite Tights & Shoes
Exactly what I wear and recommend — shoppable links in one place.
* Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on my own coaching experience — I only share products I actually use and believe in.
From Rachel
Your Look Is Part of Your Audition
In a room of 200 dancers, judges notice everything before you take a single step. How you look the moment you walk in communicates that you understand the professional environment — or that you don't. This is coachable. And it's one of the fastest things to fix.
Book a Look ConsultationAttire FAQ
? What shoes should I wear to an NFL cheer audition?
Most NFL cheer auditions require sneakers, however some teams allow jazz shoes or turners for technique rounds. Check to see what color sneakers the team wears and try to match it. Avoid dirty, scuffed, or worn out shoes. Clean, polished footwear signals professionalism from the moment you walk in.
? Should my audition outfit match other dancers?
No — auditions are not about blending in, they're about standing out in the right way. You want a cohesive, polished look that reads 'pro cheer' from across the room. Think clean lines, fitted silhouette, and a color that flatters your skin tone. Avoid busy prints or overly casual pieces.
? How should I wear my hair to a pro cheer audition?
Wear hair down and styled in a polished way. If your hair is naturally straight or curly, you can lean into it - you don't need the classic 'NFL cheer' hair if it doesn't suit you. Practice dancing with your hair down to get used to moving it out of your face and performing confidently.
? Is a full face of makeup required?
Yes. Look at your dream team's cheerleaders and mimic their makeup look. Each team has their own unique look - some wear a red lip and smoky eye, others more pink and natural. Find a false eyelash style that suits your eye shape, bigger isn't always better.
? Can I wear jewelry to a pro cheer audition?
Keep it minimal. Simple studs are typically fine. Avoid wacthes, bracelets, necklaces, dangling earrings, belly rings, and any rings other than wedding bands and engagement rings. When in doubt, leave it out.
? Can I have tattoos visible at the audition?
Typically teams require cheerleaders to cover any tattoos that would be visible in uniform. It's best to cover them up with makeup for auditions. Make sure to practice covering them up and testing if it will last through a dance class prior to audition day.