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
