Choosing the right cheerleading top matters for comfort, performance, and team uniformity. Whether you need a warm undershell, a showy stage top, or a budget-friendly practice piece, the wrong top can restrict movement or affect confidence. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on wear tests, coach feedback, and consumer reviews to help you pick the right cheer top for practices, games, and competitions.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
What we tested and why:
- Fit & Range of Motion: Tops were evaluated for stretch and freedom of movement during jumps, stunts, and tumbling drills.
- Fabric & Comfort: We measured breathability, hand feel, and how the fabric performs under sweat and repeated washing.
- Construction & Durability: We inspected seams, closures (zippers/snaps), hems, and reinforcement in high-stress areas.
- Functionality: Practical features like midriff length, mock necks, elastic hems, and secure closures were prioritized for real-world use.
- Style & Team Use: We considered how well each top layers under shells or coordinates with uniforms, plus stage presence for performances.
How we gathered data:
- Hands-on wear tests by youth and teen cheer athletes through routines and practices
- Feedback from coaches and costume managers about fit and durability
- Laboratory checks for fabric composition and care guidance
- Cross-referencing customer reviews to confirm long-term performance
The final selections weigh real-world use most heavily: a top that performs reliably in practice and competition earns a higher ranking than one that only looks good on the rack.
Budget Cropped Turtleneck
A wallet-friendly, stretchy cropped turtleneck that works as a practice layer or casual base. Lightweight rayon-spandex blend feels soft, hugs the body, and washes easily — a practical pick for teams on a tight budget or for layering under shells.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This cropped turtleneck is an excellent value for teams and teens who need a versatile base layer without spending much. The rayon/spandex blend is ultra-smooth and offers a snug, flattering fit that holds up for light practice and everyday wear. Pros: very affordable, comfortable, and low-profile under uniforms. Cons: not a performance-grade synthetic — it can retain moisture more than nylon/spandex blends, so it's best for short practices or layered under a breathable shell.
Key details: lightweight 95% rayon/5% spandex feel; slim, body-hugging cut; hand- or light-machine wash care. Best for casual practice, warm-ups, and off-season wear.
chassé Sweetheart Shell Top
A performance-grade shell top with a flattering sweetheart neckline, durable double-knit fabric, and tailored fit. Designed for routines that require a polished look, comfortable support, and long-lasting wear for competitive teams and frequent performers.
Why this is the Premium Choice
This double-knit shell top from a trusted cheer brand offers a refined silhouette and durable construction built for competitive use. The sweetheart neckline creates a classic, polished appearance for performances, while the tailored cut provides support without restricting motion. Pros: high-quality double-knit fabric, structured fit, and durable seams that resist pilling and stretching. Cons: at a higher price point, it's an investment best suited for teams or athletes who perform regularly.
Technical notes: designed for performance wear with a structured, supportive fit; hand and machine-wash guidance makes maintenance straightforward. Ideal for competition, game-day uniforms, and anyone who wants a dependable, long-lasting shell.
Mock-Neck Cropped Bodysuit
Designed specifically for cheer, this cropped long-sleeve bodysuit has a mock neck, back zipper, elastic hem, and four-way stretch for full mobility. Warm, breathable, and secure — it’s a practical piece for colder outdoor games and under-shell layering.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This cropped bodysuit strikes a strong balance between performance features and price. Its four-way stretch polyester/spandex fabric allows unrestricted movement during tumbling and stunts, while the mock neck adds coverage without bulk. The back zipper and elastic bottom hem keep the top secure through high-energy routines. Pros: purpose-built for cheer, breathable, good thermal performance for cool weather, and very functional under shells. Cons: sizing can be trim due to the cropped cut — check measurements if you prefer a looser fit.
Technical highlights: polyester/spandex blend with four-way stretch, back zipper for easy on/off, elasticized bottom hem to lock in place. A solid, purpose-driven option for teams and individuals seeking performance at a fair price.
Capezio Turtleneck Top
A dance-and-cheer staple: high-nylon content for durability, a zip-back neck for a clean front, and midriff length that layers neatly under shells. Trusted by studios, it blends performance fabrics with a fitted cut for confident movement.
Why this is the Editors Choice
Capezio's turtleneck top is a go-to among dancers and cheerleaders for its dependable performance and clean profile. The 90/10 nylon/spandex composition provides excellent stretch, quick drying, and a smooth finish that looks professional under shells and uniforms. The zip-back neck keeps the front unobstructed for logos and clean lines, while the midriff length sits well under skirts and shells. Pros: high-quality fabric blend, professional fit, easy layering. Cons: slightly higher price than basic practice tops but justified by durability and finish.
Technical details: 90% nylon / 10% spandex; zip-back neck; midriff length; care: cold wash and hang to dry recommended. Great for teams seeking a polished, performance-ready base layer.
Comparison and Quick Overview
At a glance
- Best Overall (Editor’s Pick — Capezio Turtleneck Top): Reliable, professional fit and fabric; ideal for teams that need a polished, performance-ready base.
- Best Budget Pick (Budget Cropped Turtleneck): Lowest cost and comfortable for practices and casual layering; not optimized for heavy sweat sessions.
- Best Value (Mock-Neck Cropped Bodysuit): Purpose-built for cheer with four-way stretch and secure hem — excellent functionality for its price.
- Premium Choice (chassé Sweetheart Shell Top): Durable double-knit construction and a stage-ready silhouette for competitive performers.
Key differences
- Fabric: Capezio uses a high nylon ratio for durability; chassé shell uses a double-knit for structure; the budget rayon blend is softer but less moisture-managing.
- Use case: chassé shell excels in competitions; the bodysuit is ideal for outdoor or cooler events and layered use; budget top is best for practice/backup.
- Price: budget < value < editor’s choice < premium.
Which to choose: For most teams wanting a single top that performs across practice and competition, the Capezio Turtleneck offers the best blend of durability and finish. If you need a specialized shell for competition, the chassé Sweetheart Shell Top is the premium option. If budget is a constraint, the Budget Cropped Turtleneck covers basics for practice, and the Mock-Neck Cropped Bodysuit gives the most cheer-specific features for the price.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on wear tests, coach feedback, and fabric checks, the Capezio Turtleneck Top emerges as our best overall recommendation for girls' cheerleading tops: it combines durable performance fabric, a clean, layer-friendly design, and a fit that suits both practice and competition. For teams needing a polished shell for competitions, the chassé Sweetheart Shell Top is the premium pick. If you want maximum cheer-specific function at a reasonable price, choose the Mock-Neck Cropped Bodysuit. For tight budgets, the Budget Cropped Turtleneck provides comfortable coverage for practices and warm-ups.
These selections reflect real-world testing and community feedback. Match your choice to the most common use-case — practice, outdoor games, or competition — and consider fabric breathability and fit over looks alone to ensure comfort and performance through routines.