Choosing the right cheerleading briefs or shorts matters for comfort, confidence, and performance. Whether your child needs something for practice, competitions, PE class, or everyday active play, the right short balances coverage, breathability, and staying power. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, spec analysis, and aggregated consumer feedback.
Methodology
We evaluated available options across material quality, fit & sizing, liner coverage, waistband security, pockets/utility, and wash durability. Our process combined:
- Real-world wear tests (running, jumps, tumbling, long practices)
- Material and construction inspection (seams, liner attachment, fabric weight)
- Review aggregation from verified buyers and expert commentary
- Price-to-performance checks and brand reliability
Priority was given to safety and coverage (secure liner), moisture management, and practical details like pockets and adjustable waists. Durability and ease of care were the tiebreakers for similarly performing models.
Budget Cheer Gym Shorts
Simple, reliable cotton-blend shorts that deliver consistent comfort for daily practice. Durable, easy-care fabric with an elastic waistband makes these an excellent low-cost option for gym class or beginner squads who need dependable basics without frills.
These classic cotton-blend cheer shorts are the most wallet-friendly pick without sacrificing basic performance. The fabric blend favors breathability and wash-and-wear durability, while the wide elastic waistband holds the shorts in place during activity. They lack a built-in spandex liner and high-tech moisture-wicking, so they’re best for lower-intensity practice, casual wear, and younger athletes who prioritize comfort and simplicity. If you want a no-fuss pair that will survive frequent laundry cycles and provide modest coverage, this model delivers the essentials.
Reebok 3-Pack Shorts
A premium 3-pack of flowy butterfly shorts with built-in liners, moisture-wicking fabric and a hidden pocket. Runs slightly large for comfortable range of motion—great for competitive teams and parents wanting a trusted brand with polished details.
Reebok’s three-pack combines polished styling and performance textiles. The flowy outer layer sits over a full-coverage liner that stays put through tumbling and jumps. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps her cool during long practices, and practical touches—an elastic waistband with a decorative bow and a discreet inner pocket—add daily utility. The sizing trend leans slightly large, which many families will like for comfort; however, you may want to size down if the athlete prefers a snug fit. At a higher price point, this set rewards teams and parents seeking brand reliability and refined construction.
Flowy 2-in-1 Shorts
A mid-priced, versatile 2-in-1 short with nylon/spandex fabric, a snug inner liner and an adjustable elastic waistband. Quick-drying, stretchy and well-suited to teens who need a secure fit for high-energy movement.
This JOCMIC option hits the sweet spot between performance and price. The nylon & spandex blend offers good stretch, rapid drying, and chafe resistance. A high-elastic, adjustable waistband helps accommodate growing athletes and keeps the liner secure during flips and sprints. The outer flutter layer gives the look of a skirt while the spandex liner provides coverage. For teams or families who want a reliable performance short without paying premium-brand prices, this is a balanced, well-made choice.
Pocketed Butterfly Shorts
A feature-forward 2-in-1 short with an ice-silk texture, adjustable high waist, and two inner pockets—excellent for older kids who need secure storage and premium-feeling fabric for intense practice.
Our top overall pick blends thoughtful design and fabric performance. The two-layer construction gives the aesthetic of a skirt with the security of a built-in spandex liner. The fabric has an "ice silk" feel—cool, soft, and quick-drying—and the adjustable high waistband offers a customizable fit. Importantly, this model includes two inner pockets large enough for small essentials (cards/keys/phone), a rare and practical feature for teens on the go. Construction feels robust and the blend is designed for repeated washes without losing shape, making it the best all-around performer for practice, travel, and everyday wear.
Comparison & Key Differences
- Material: Budget models lean cotton-blend (comfortable, durable); mid and premium models use nylon/spandex or performance blends (better stretch, faster drying).
- Liner & Coverage: Editors Choice and Premium have secure liners; budget pick lacks a bonded spandex liner—fine for casual use but less ideal for intense tumbling.
- Pockets & Utility: The Editors Choice includes two inner pockets—unique among the group and useful for older athletes. Reebok includes a discreet pocket; others generally do not.
- Fit & Sizing: Reebok runs slightly large for a relaxed fit; the value and editor’s choice have adjustable/secure waistbands for a tighter athletic fit.
- Price: Budget pick (
$7) is best for basics and teams on a budget; value ($20) balances features and affordability; premium ($33) is a trusted brand 3-pack; editor’s choice ($28) gives the best mix of features and practicality.
Best overall: Pocketed Butterfly Shorts (Editors Choice) — highest combination of comfort, utility (pockets), and durable performance. Alternatives: Budget Cheer Gym Shorts for lowest price, Flowy 2-in-1 Shorts for value-minded families, Reebok 3-Pack Shorts for brand recognition and multiple sets.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on wear testing and reviewing construction details and customer feedback, our recommendation is:
- If you want the single best performer for practice and everyday use, choose the Editors Choice (Pocketed Butterfly Shorts) for its fabric, fit, and rare pocket utility.
- For tight budgets or bulk team buys, the Budget Cheer Gym Shorts deliver reliable basics that survive heavy washing.
- For the best mix of features and price, pick the Flowy 2-in-1 Shorts.
- If you prefer a trusted brand and the convenience of a multi-pack, the Reebok 3-Pack Shorts give polished styling and coverage.
These picks are based on extensive comparative testing, material analysis, and aggregated consumer feedback. Choose based on your child’s activity level: for tumbling and intense practices prioritize secure liners and stretch fabrics; for PE and casual wear, durability and price may matter more. If in doubt, size guidance and adjustable waist features in the value and editor’s picks offer the most forgiving fit for growing athletes.