Women’s Cheer Shells vs. Cheerleading Tops

When it comes to cheerleading uniforms, there are a variety of options. The tops can be cropped, sleeveless, full-sleeved, v-neck, round-neck, one-shoulder, etc., and the skirts can be fitted, flared, a-line, mini, pleated, etc. 

These varieties of uniforms help keep the aesthetics matching with the team’s identity. Most people usually get confused between cheer shells and cheerleading tops. This is what we are going to understand today. 

Here, we will learn what cheer shells and cheerleading tops are. We will also see the difference between these two for a better understanding. So, let’s get started. 

What are Women’s Cheer Shells?

Cheer shells are sleeveless or short-sleeved tops designed specifically for female cheerleaders. They are often worn as a part of the cheerleading uniform and are known for their lightweight, flexible, and functional design. 

These are typically worn during warm-ups and practices. These offer comfort and freedom of movement without compromising the style. Shell tops make various stunts and jumps easier by enhancing mobility. 

Features 

• Design 
  • Various designs and styles of cheer shell tops can help in setting the team’s uniform apart from others. 
  • Here are different designs of shells: 
    • Cropped Fit 
    • Sleeveless 
    • Short-sleeved 
    • Streamlined 

• Material 
  • The material of the cheer shell tops is flexible and lightweight, which helps with complex stunt practice. 
  • The following are the qualities that the shell tops have: 
    • Lightweight Fabric 
    • Stretchable 
    • Flexible 

• Comfort 
  • The cheer shells should be comfortable enough to make the complex stunts possible. 
  • These tops have the following qualities that make them suitable: 
    • Supportive Fit 
    • Breathability 
    • Easy Movements 
    • Freedom of Stunts 

• Durable 
  • The cheerleading uniforms are also highly durable. They withstand complex stunts and jumps to provide the freedom to support the team in the desired way. 

What are Cheerleading Tops?

Cheerleading tops are a key part of the cheerleading uniforms. They are worn by cheerleaders during performances and competitions. Unlike cheer shells, these tops are available in various styles and offer more coverage. 

These also offer lots of customization options to match them with the team’s uniforms and create a performance environment. You can get cropped to long-sleeved tops depending on the requirements of the team. 

Features 

• Variety of Designs 
  • Cheer tops come in a larger variety than shells. You can select from the wide variety to suit your team’s identity. 
  • The following are the different options for cheerleading top designs: 
    • Crop Tops 
    • Long Sleeves 
    • Tank Tops 
    • Sleeveless 
    • High-cut or Low-cut 

• Material 
  • Similar to shell tops, cheer tops also have performance fabric to offer great flexibility and mobility. 
  • The following are the key qualities of the cheerleading top material: 
    • Stretchable 
    • Breathable 
    • Moisture-wicking 

• Comfort and Fit 
  • The comfort and fit of the cheerleading uniforms are designed to offer great mobility to the cheerleaders. This supports them in performing unique and varied stunts. 
  • Cheerleading uniforms have the following qualities that make them perfect for complex movements: 
    • Form-fitting 
    • Flexible 
    • Ventilation Features 

• Support 
  • Unlike cheer shells, cheer tops have built-in support, like padded inserts, to make them more comfortable for female cheerleaders. 
  • They have stretchy material, which provides support to muscles and reduces fatigue even after prolonged hours of wearing them. 

Key Differences Between Cheer Shells and Cheerleading Tops

We have learned about cheer shells and cheerleading tops, along with their great features. Now it’s time to have a look at their differences. The following are key differences between these two types of cheerleading uniform parts. 

The following table will provide the key difference highlights between the two types of tops for cheerleaders. Let’s have a look at them. 

Let’s understand the key differences in more detail for a better understanding. 

Cheer Shells

1. Design and Coverage: They are typically cropped with short to no sleeves. They have a minimal design for better flexibility and mobility. 
2. Functionality: These are primarily used for practice and warm-ups. They are highly stunt-friendly and are considered casual. 
3. Support: These shells are not very supportive. They focus on flexibility and mobility, and thus are highly lightweight. 
4. Occasion: These cheer tops are usually worn during informal practices and warm-ups. 
5. Customization: These tops can be customized, but the options are limited to team colors and logos since they are focused more on mobility. 

Cheerleading Tops

1. Design and Coverage: They come in a variety of styles, such as tank tops, crop tops, and long and full-sleeved tops. Cheer shells are a type of cheerleading top. 
2. Functionality: These have more versatile functions, including both practices and performances. They are more supportive and are considered formal. 
3. Support: These tops offer more support, such as padded inserts and an attached sports bra for better comfort. 
4. Occasion: These tops are typically worn in more formal settings, such as games and performances, where style and branding are the key. These can be a perfect replacement for your Chicago Cubs jerseys for a promotional event where you want to highlight your feminine energy. 
5. Customization: These are highly customized and offer options such as team colors, logos, varied cuts, mesh patterns, rhinestones, different necklines, etc., because they are more focused on style and branding. 

Choosing the Right Option for Your Team

Various factors help you select the right type of cheerleading top or shell for your team. Let’s have a look at those factors. 

1. Type of Cheerleading Activity 

If you are looking for a cheerleading uniform only for casual practice and warm-ups, then shells make a good choice. On the other hand, if you want a more formal uniform to represent the team in official games, then go for cheer tops. 

1. Level of Support Needed 

Cheer shells provide less support, while cheer tops come in a variety of support options. Identify the level of support the team needs to perform their stunts and choose accordingly. 

1. Aesthetics and Team Identity 

Shells offer less aesthetic appeal and a team identity factor due to their casual style. On the other hand, the varied types of tops for cheerleading uniforms offer different aesthetics when paired with the right skirts and help better highlight the team’s identity. 

1. Team Preference 

Since the tops are going to be worn by the team, their preference matters a lot. If the team is comfortable with shells, go for it; otherwise, choose the tops as they provide better coverage and support. 

Bottom Line 

We have seen what cheer shells and cheerleading tops are. We have also learned about their differences and how to find the right one for your team. Shell tops are more suitable for practice, while cheer tops are made for formal performances. 

The basic difference between the two is that cheer shells are a type of cheerleading top. They are typically cropped and sleeveless, while cheer tops can be of different lengths and sleeve types. 

Now that you know about both types of tops and their differences, you can find the most appropriate one for your team