Glitter Pom Poms in Cheerleading: A Sparkly Tradition

Glitter pom poms have been a staple of cheerleading uniforms for decades. The shimmering, shaking pom poms add visual interest to cheer routines and help cheerleaders stand out during games and competitions. While traditional white pom poms are still common, glittery pom poms in school colors or with custom designs allow squads to show off their spirit and style.

Glitter pom poms first became popular in the 1970s as cheerleading uniforms shifted away from wool skirts and sweaters to more vibrant designs. The development of synthetic glitter and faux fur fabric allowed pom pom manufacturers to create fluffier, brighter poms. By the 1980s, most cheer squads had some glitter poms in their uniform lineup.

Evolution of Glitter Pom Pom Styles

Over the years, cheerleaders have rocked many different glitter pom pom designs:

Large Classic Glitter Poms

The classic cheerleading pom features dense, synthetic fur frayed into a spherical shape. These large poms usually measure around 6 inches. Traditional glitter poms have a glittery exterior wrapped around a non-glittery interior. An attached handle allows cheerleaders to grip the poms during routines securely. Classic glitter pom poms come in metallic colors like silver, gold, purple, and blue. They provide a bold, eye-catching accent to uniforms.

Multi-Color Glitter Poms

For squads looking for more visual variety, multi-color glitter poms feature several glittery shades swirled together in each pom. The blend of colors provides tons of spirit and energy, perfect for enthusiastic cheer routines. Multi-color poms gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s thanks to advancements in fabric dye techniques.

Patterned Glitter Poms

In recent years, cheer squads have used glitter pom poms covered in custom patterns and designs. Stars, polka dots, zigzags, and swirls all make for eye-catching poms that display school or team pride. Manufacturers can easily imprint just about any design onto pom pom fabric. The vibrant patterns glint and sparkle under the gym lights during competitions.

Mixed Media Glitter Poms

Another modern glitter pom trend incorporates colorful tinsel, metallic fringe, and bright feathers into the traditional fuzzy pom shape. The mixed media provides cool texture and movement. Squads often use these glitter statement poms when performing energetic, dance-heavy routines to enhance the visual flair of choreography.

Matching Glitter Pom Poms to Your Cheer Uniform

When selecting glitter pom poms for your cheer uniform, the most important consideration is how well the poms match the rest of your look. You want glitter poms that complement your uniforms but also stand out from the crowd.

School Color Glitter Poms

Most squads opt for glitter pom poms in signature school colors. The shimmery poms advertise your school spirit to the crowds. Classic colors like red, black, blue, and gold make great glitter pom options for many high school and college teams. White glitter poms also work for most uniforms, as they provide neutral contrast.

Custom Glitter Poms

Many cheerleading squads order custom glitter pom poms to match new uniform designs each season. Custom multi-color glitter poms allow you to match specific color palettes. You can also design custom patterned poms featuring your school mascot, logo, or initials. Adding your squad name or cheerleader names/numbers is another popular custom pom design. Custom glitter poms let you showcase your team's unique look.

Uniform Accent Colors

Think about which parts of your cheerleading uniform you want to accentuate when selecting glitter pom colors. If your top or skirt has piping or details in a secondary color, choose glitter poms in that shade. The matching poms will complement and bring focus to those uniform details. For example, silver glitter poms would go great with a blue uniform featuring silver skirt side stripes.

Complimentary Glitter Colors

You can also choose glitter pom poms in a complementary color that contrasts nicely with your main uniform shades. This helps the glitter poms stand out more. If your squad wears red and white uniforms, navy blue or metallic gold glitter poms will look great for an accent pop of color.

Glitter Pom Pom Trends

Here are some of the most popular glitter pom pom trends you'll see cheer squads rocking:

Ombre Poms

Ombre poms feature color that fades from dark to light. Usually, the pom colors gradient from a deep shade like burgundy to a lighter tint of pink or purple. Ombre glitter creates a cool effect as the poms move.

Two-Tone Poms

Two-tone poms split the pom pom shape down the center into two different colors. You can pair complementary shades like pink and orange or go for a more spirited half-and-half school color design.

High-Density Glitter

High-density glitter poms use extra amounts of glitter layered across the exterior of the pom poms for maximum sparkle factor. The dense glitter reflects light from all angles for a seriously eye-catching shimmer.

Jumbo Poms

Jumbo pom poms can measure 8-12 inches, double the average pom pom size. Some squads use massive poms for visual impact on stage. However, the large size can make poms unwieldy during intensive cheer dance routines.

Patterned Poms

In addition to school logos and mascots, cheer squads are rocking pom poms covered in cool abstract shapes, animal prints, polka dots, and more. Patterned poms provide interesting texture and design.

Mixed Media Poms

Poms that combine glittery tinsel, metallic fringe strands, and colored feathers with the traditional fluffy fur look are on-trend. The mixed textures create cool movement and glint as the poms shake.

Tips for Using Glitter Pom Poms

Here are some tips to make the most of your glittery poms:

Hold Near the Center

To keep poms under control, grip them near the attached handle rather than the fringe. Holding near the center gives you the most leverage to whip the poms around quickly.

Store Properly

After use, gently brush poms with a wide-toothed comb or pet brush to remove any clumped glitter and loose fur. Store poms away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent damage over time.

Fluff Before Performances

Before a competition or big game, fluff up the pom poms by gently shaking and pulling the strands apart. This refreshes the fur and makes sure the poms look full.

Pair With Bright Nail Polish

Paint your nails with bright metallic or glitter shades that coordinate with your poms. This makes your hands flash and sparkle as you shake the glitter poms.

Use Pom Pom Guards

Guards worn around your wrists help protect your uniform from rogue glitter strands and static cling. Pom guards also keep the poms from sliding down your hands during routines.

Create Visual Balance

When rocking two poms, make sure they are the same approximate size and fluffiness. Two totally different-looking poms would look messy and uneven.

Work on Transitions

Practice seamless pom transitions, like tossing them back and forth between hands. Well-executed pom transitions demonstrate your squad's synchronization and skill.

Add Pom Accents to Dance Moves

Incorporate your poms into choreography. Pom tosses, loops around your wrist, and accent movements like figure eight can enhance your routine.

Conclusion

Glitter pom poms are the sparkly standard of cheerleading that helps squads shine. While classic white or school color poms are always a safe bet, don't be afraid also to rock trendy ombre, patterned, two-tone, and mixed media poms. With proper care and storage, your glitter poms will dazzle crowds for many seasons to come. Work on smooth pom transitions and accents to take your cheer skills to the next level. Let those glitter poms sparkle under the lights as you cheer your team on to victory! GetPoms offers a wide selection of high-quality poms to suit every cheerleader's style and needs.