Buying Cheer Pom Poms for Kids? Read This First!

Cheerleading pom poms are an iconic symbol of school spirit and integral to cheer routines. Their flashy, colorful nature makes pom poms a must-have accessory for any cheerleader.

If you're looking to buy pom poms for your aspiring cheerleader, there are a few key factors to consider first. Purchasing the right pom poms ensures your child has the best equipment to shake and shimmy their way through cheer season.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know before purchasing pom poms for kids, including:

• Pom Pom Basics

• Material

• Size

• Attachments

• Quantity

• Durability

• Extras like Bags and Cases

• Top Pom Pom Brands

• Safety Tips

Follow these tips to buy cheer pom poms that will have your mini cheerleader jumping and shouting for joy.

Pom Pom Basics

Traditional pom poms feature a solid plastic handle with colorful strands flowing out the top. Pom strands are made from shredded plastic film or paper that's been layered and glued together, creating a full, fluffy effect when shaken.

Pom poms come in a variety of styles, but most include:

• Handle - This is the base that connects to the pom strands. It's usually made of plastic. Handles can be straight or curved.

• Strands - The colorful strips that flow out from the handle. More strands mean a fuller, fluffier pom. Most poms have 100-500 strands.

• Attachment - How the pom connects to the handle. This is usually a strap or loop that goes around the wrist.

When buying poms for kids, make sure to get all-plastic poms. Paper pom strands don't hold up as well to heavy use, and all-plastic poms are more durable for cheerleading routines.

Material

Pom pom strands are typically made from either plastic film or metallic-coated paper.

Plastic film is the most popular option for cheer poms. The thin plastic is layered and shredded to create soft, flowing strands. Plastic film comes in vivid colors that won't fade over time. It's also water-resistant and easy to clean.

Metallic paper creates eye-catching, shiny pom strands. However, it fades more quickly than plastic film and rips more easily, especially when wet.

For maximum durability, opt for cheer pom poms with plastic film strands. Make sure they're rated for outdoor use, as plastic film can become brittle and degrade under extended sun exposure.

Size

The length of the strands measures pom size. Common youth sizes include:

• 12 inches - Best for elementary school ages 5-9

• 16 inches - Ideal for middle school cheerleaders ages 10-13

• 20 inches - Standard high school pom size for ages 14+

Measure from your child's wrist to their elbow. Then, add 2 inches to determine the right pom pom length.

Longer pom strands create more dramatic shakes and visual impact. But they can be unwieldy for smaller hands. Make sure the size is comfortable for your child to grip and wave around.

Keep in mind that bigger poms work better outdoors, while smaller poms are ideal for indoor gymnasiums.

Attachments

Look for a secure attachment method to keep poms in place while cheering. Common options include:

• Velcro Straps - Velcro wraps around the wrist for an adjustable fit. It's easy to take on and off.

• Elastic Loops - Stretchy loops slide over the hand and fit snugly around the wrist. They provide flexible movement.

• Snap Clasps - These open and close around the wrist like a bracelet. Snaps keep poms securely in place.

• Finger Loops - Individual finger holds allow twirling and flourishing tricks. It's not ideal for vigorous shakes.

Velcro straps or elastic loops work best for cheerleading. Make sure the attachment is sturdy enough to withstand hardcore stunting. Flimsy attachments could cause pom poms to fly off mid-routine.

Quantity

Most cheerleaders use two pom poms for routines, one in each hand. A matching pair provides visual symmetry.

For practice sessions and games, it's smart to have multiple sets on hand. Extras ensure your cheerleader is always fully pom-equipped. Aim for at least:

• 2-3 pairs for recreational youth squads

• 4-6 pairs for competitive cheer teams

Having backup poms also allows you to rotate sets as needed. Letting poms fully dry between uses maximizes their lifespan.

Some companies sell pom packs with coordinated team colors. Buying in bulk helps ensure uniformity across the squad.

Durability

Cheer pom poms undergo a lot of wear and tear. Between stunting, throwing, and high-intensity dance routines, they need to be extremely durable.

When shopping, prioritize poms made with:

• Thick plastic handles - Avoid thin handles that can crack under pressure.

• Securely glued strands - Strands should be tightly adhered to prevent shedding.

• Reinforced attachments - Look for reinforced stitching on loops and straps.

• Weather-resistant materials - Poms should hold up to outdoor elements like sun, rain, and snow.

Check product reviews to see how well pom poms hold up over time. Higher-quality poms maintain their fullness and bright colors even after heavy use.

Extras

Cheerleading pom poms often come with added accessories:

• Bags - Mesh bags allow for air circulation while keeping poms clean and together.

• Cases - Hard cases protect pom poms in gym bags and during transport.

• Decorations - Mini pom poms, tinsel, and other embellishments can be attached to ponytail holders.

• Cleaning kits - Specialized brushes and shampoos keep poms looking fluffy.

While not necessary, these extras help organize equipment and extend the lifespan of your poms. Cases and bags are especially useful for travel to cheer competitions.

Safety Tips

While pom poms are generally safe, keep these precautions in mind:

• No metal handles - Only use lightweight plastic handles to prevent injuries if accidentally hit.

• Monitor wear - Replace poms once strands start shedding excessively or the handle shows cracks.

• Use wrist straps - Secure straps keep poms attached during stunts to avoid injuries.

• Watch eye contact - Have cheerleaders avoid excessive eye contact with poms, as dyes can rub off.

• Clean regularly - Dirt and buildup can cause irritation. Gently wash poms to remove any chemical residue.

By selecting high-quality pom poms sized appropriately for your child's age and carefully monitoring use, you can feel good about this fun addition to their cheerleading uniform.

With the right poms, your aspiring cheerleader will have a blast pumping up the crowd all season long. Let their spirit sparkle with pom poms that can stand up to their energetic stunting, dancing, jumps, and tumbles!

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cheer pom poms ensures your young cheerleader can perform with confidence and excitement. Prioritizing quality, durability, and comfort will make a big difference in their experience. At GetPoms, we offer a wide range of vibrant, high-quality pom poms perfect for every cheer star. Shop with us to find the best poms that bring energy, spirit, and sparkle to every routine!

The Ultimate Guide to Cheer Poms: Styles, Colors, and Trends

Cheer poms have become an iconic symbol of cheerleading, adding visual excitement and energy to routines. With their bright, eye-catching colors and synchronized movements, poms help cheerleaders stand out and capture attention during games and competitions.

But cheer poms are more than just a prop - they're a key part of telling the cheerleading story and highlighting the skills and spirit of the cheer squad. When selected and used strategically, poms can even help showcase the theme or mood of a performance.

This guide will explore the different styles, colors, and trends in cheer poms to help you enhance your cheer team's look and become an expert in cheer poms!

Cheer Pom Styles

Cheer poms come in two main styles - classic poms and streamer poms. Here's an overview of each type:

Classic Poms

Classic poms are the traditional cheerleading pom - two round pom pons attached to a plastic handle. Pom pons are usually made from longer strands of shiny metallic plastic or mylar. Classic pom styles include:

• Fringe poms—The pom pons consist of strands trimmed to the same length to create a fringe look. When shaken, the fringe gives a bold visual impact.

• Loop poms—Loops or rings of mylar plastic create fluffier, bouncier pom pons. When shaken, the stacked loops rustle against each other.

• Multi-layer poms—Some poms feature a bottom fringe layer and a top loop layer, which creates extra volume and motion.

• Jumbo poms—Larger classic poms provide an even more dynamic visual effect. Jumbo poms range from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.

Streamer Poms

Streamer poms have longer, narrow strips or streamers of plastic attached to the handle instead of pom pons. Streamer poms include:

• Flat streamers - Flat, thin strips that flutter and sail gracefully when shaken.

• Crinkle streamers - Crinkled plastic strips hold their shape when waved and create fun ripples.

• Metallic streamers - Shiny metallic streamers reflect light as they move.

• Twister streamers - Twisted plastic strips spiral and twirl when shaken.

• Pull-apart streamers - Individual strips that can be pulled off the handle and waved separately.

Streamer poms allow for more flowing, sweeping arm movements compared to classic poms. They work well for dance-inspired cheer routines.

Pom Construction

When selecting poms, pay attention to the construction quality, which impacts durability:

• Pom attachment - Quality poms securely attach the pom pons or streamers to the plastic handle, preventing shedding.

• Handle - Durable plastic handles won't crack over time. Rubber grips provide comfort.

• Pom pon density - Densely packed pom pons hold their fullness better. Avoid pom pons with loose, sparse strands.

• Streamer thickness - Thicker streamers resist tearing better than flimsy, thin plastic.

• Colorfastness - Colors shouldn't rub off or bleed when wet.

Buying quality, salon-grade poms from cheer brands ensure they'll last through routines, practice, and washes.

Pom Trends and Styles

Cheer pom styles and trends tend to mirror what's happening in cheer uniforms and bows. Here are some current pom trends:

Ombre Poms

The ombre fade effect—graduating from dark to light—continues to be popular in the cheer world. Ombre poms feature pom pons or streamers fading from one color to another, providing a cool, updated effect.

Glitter Poms

Poms with glitter add sparkle and glam. Choose glitter poms in team colors or metallics like gold, rose gold, or silver for a hint of shine.

Patterned Poms

Look for poms with zebra stripes, polka dots, plaid, or other patterns for a fun accent. You can use patterned poms only or mix and match them with solids.

Mixed Media Poms

Mixed-media poms combine materials like ribbons, tinsel, feathers, or glitter fringe with classic pom pons or streamers. The contrast creates visual interest and texture.

Neon Poms

Vibrant neon poms in electric shades like neon pink, green, orange, and yellow provide instant energy. Neon poms work for cheer teams with bold, dynamic styles.

Swirl Poms

Swirl poms have pom pons or streamers that twist and curl. The spiral shape creates bounce, motion, and a cute, lively look.

Jumbo Poms

The oversized pom pon trend is still going strong. Jumbo poms up to 8 inches wide make a dramatic visual statement.

Pom Colors

Choosing the right pom colors is critical for complementing your cheer uniforms and projecting the look you want judges and crowds to notice.

Classic Cheer Colors

Traditional cheer colors are classic options that never go out of style:

• Red and white - Timeless, All-American cheer colors that pop against black uniforms.

• Black and white - Striking high contrast pom colors that work with any uniform colors.

• School colors - Support your school and showcase your spirit with poms in your official school colors.

Bold Cheer Colors

Make a bold statement with vibrant, energetic pom colors:

• Neon brights - Electrifying neon pink, orange, green, and yellow poms bring fun flair.

• Metallic - Poms in gold, silver, cobalt, violet, and other metallics shine.

• Rainbow - A full rainbow of poms shows off energetic diversity.

Soft Cheer Colors

Pastels, pearls, and earth tones create a softer, more delicate effect:

• Pastels - Blush pink, mint, lavender, and baby blue are sweet choices.

• Pearlescent - Shimmery iridescent poms provide an ethereal glow.

• Nudes - Honey, tan, and nude poms complement skin tones.

• Earth tones - Mocha, olive, plum, and rust-colored poms are rich accent colors.

Unique Cheer Colors

Make a statement with unexpected pom colors outside the norm:

• Neon turquoise - Vibrant blue/green hue is energizing and beachy.

• Coral - Vivid reddish-orange coral color pops against black.

• Lime green - Bold lime green attracts attention and says fun.

• Regal purple - Deep purple with blue undertones is dramatic yet refined.

Matching Your Uniforms

Strategically coordinating your poms with your cheer uniforms and accessories creates a polished, complete look:

• Accent colors - Use pom colors to accent the secondary colors in uniforms.

• Complementary colors - Choose poms in color shades that complement uniform colors.

• Matching colors - Monochromatic poms in uniform colors create consistency.

• Contrasting colors - Make uniform details like stripes pop with sharply contrasting poms.

• Alternate colors - Half the squad carries poms matching the uniform top, and the other half carries poms matching the skirt.

• Colorblocking - Blocks of alternating pom colors mirror colorblocking in uniforms.

• Bows - Match pom colors to bow colors for a cohesive style.

Pom colors can make uniform colors stand out or pull together the overall visuals. Get creative and strategic with your pairings!

Keeping Poms Looking Their Best

Follow these care tips to keep your cheer poms in great condition all season long:

• Gently brush poms - Use a soft brush to smooth out pom pons and remove dust and debris. Avoid hard scrubbing.

• Spot clean stains - Dampen a cloth with a gentle cleaner to dab away dirt and stains. Don't soak poms.

• Air dry - Lay poms flat to fully dry before storing to prevent mildew. Don't dry in direct sun.

• Smooth streamers - Lightly iron-streaming poms on low heat if they become crushed and wrinkled.

• Check for damage - Watch for loosening, tears, and holes, and remove any broken pieces.

• Secure storage - Keep poms in a dry, room-temperature space away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Conclusion

Cheer poms are more than just an accessory—they're a key part of your cheer squad's energy, style, and performance. Whether you prefer classic poms, trendy ombre designs, or bold neon colors, the right poms can elevate your team's look and bring routines to life. To ensure high-quality, vibrant poms that last, shop at GetPoms, your go-to source for top-tier cheerleading poms. Explore the latest styles and colors to find the perfect match for your team and take your cheer game to the next level!

Name: GetPoms 

Address: 7317 La Sobrina Dr, Dallas, TX 

Phone No: 972-385-3035