Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, CheerleadersLife earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We haven’t tested these bows. Sizes and prices come from each retailer’s product pages.
A cheer bow finishes your uniform, but it also has to stay put through stunts, jumps and tumbling without getting in anyone’s way. This guide covers the rules that apply to bows, the main styles and sizes, where to buy them, and how to keep one secure.
What the Rules Say About Bows
- All-star (USASF): USASF’s appropriate-presentation guidelines say bows shouldn’t be excessive in size or distracting. They should be worn in a way that minimizes risk, be adequately secured, and never fall over the forehead or block the athlete’s view. Judges can give warnings or deductions when a team’s overall presentation, which includes hair and bows, doesn’t meet the standard.
- Rhinestones: USASF rules allow rhinestones adhered to the uniform but not rhinestones adhered to the skin or hair.
- Youth sideline (USA Cheer): USA Cheer’s youth rec sideline rules say hair devices and accessories must be secure, with hair generally pulled back away from the face.
- Your team: many squads choose one bow for everyone, so check with your coach before you buy.
Types and Sizes of Cheer Bows
Retailers describe bows by overall size (width x height) and ribbon width. These are typical examples from current listings:
| Style | Example listing | Size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (narrow ribbon, long tails) | Chassé Traditional Hair Bow | 6″ x 9″, 3/4″ ribbon | Classic sideline look, practice |
| Ribbon bow | Varsity 3″ Ribbon Ponytail Bow (with tails); Varsity 1 1/2″ Ribbon Bow | 3″ or 1 1/2″ ribbon | Game day and sideline |
| Jumbo grosgrain bow | Chassé Jumbo Hair Bow | 7″ x 6″, 3″ ribbon | School and game day, in team colors |
| Performance bow (glitter, sequin or metallic) | Chassé Glitter Performance Hair Bow; Chassé Sequin Performance Hair Bow | 9″ x 8″, 3″ ribbon | Competition and performances |
| Rhinestone bow | Chassé Rhinestone Swish Performance Hair Bow | 8″ x 7″ | Competition and photos |
| Custom team bow | Chassé Squad Custom Name Hair Bow; All Star custom bows | 8″ x 7″ to 9″ x 8″ | Team names, logos or custom colors |
The Chassé and custom bows in this table attach with an elastic band or ponytail holder, not a clip. You put your hair in a ponytail and wrap the bow’s elastic around it.
Where to Buy Cheer Bows
Prices below are as listed on October 1, 2026.
Omni Cheer (Chassé bows)
Omni Cheer sells Chassé bows in solid colors, glitter, sequin, metallic and rhinestone styles. Regular listed prices ran from $5.99 for a traditional bow to $13.99 for a rhinestone performance bow, with some closeout colors lower. Custom bows with team names or rhinestones were $15.99 to $19.99, and Omni Cheer asks you to allow 3 to 4 weeks for production.
Varsity Shop
Varsity’s shop lists ribbon and sequin bows in team colors ($9.95 to $16.95). Its Spirit Shop section has glitter and rhinestone competition-style bows ($15 to $26.99).
Your Team or Gym
All-star gyms and school programs often order matching bows for the whole team, sometimes along with the uniform. If your team has a bow, buy that one rather than a lookalike.
Amazon and Small Shops
Amazon and independent bow makers sell a wide range of styles. Check the listed size, the attachment, the materials and the return policy, and allow extra time for custom orders.
How to Choose the Right Bow
- Team rules first: color, size and style are often set by the coach.
- Match the setting: simple ribbon bows suit practice and sideline cheer. Glitter, sequin and rhinestone bows are often marketed for competitions and performances.
- Size for your hair: a large bow needs a ponytail thick and secure enough to hold it upright. If a bow flops forward or slides, it can end up over your eyes, which USASF’s guidelines say to avoid.
- Durability: grosgrain ribbon holds its shape for regular wear. Rhinestones and sequins look great on stage but need gentler handling.
- Order early: custom bows take weeks, so order well before the first game or competition.
How to Keep Your Bow Secure
- Start with a tight, smooth ponytail at the height your team uses.
- Wrap the bow’s elastic around the ponytail base, then anchor it with bobby pins through the elastic, if your team allows them.
- Test it in practice: do jumps, motions and your stunt or tumbling skills, and check that the bow stays upright and out of your eyes.
- Bring a spare bow and extra hair ties to games and competitions.
Making Your Own Bows
Some teams and families make their own bows from grosgrain ribbon to save money or match unusual colors. Use a bow that already fits your team’s look as a template for the ribbon width and finished size, and attach it securely to a hair elastic. Don’t glue rhinestones to your hair or skin (USASF rules don’t allow that). If the bow will be worn in competition, get your coach’s approval first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a competition cheer bow?
Many competition-style bows on the market measure about 8″ x 7″ to 9″ x 8″ with 3″ ribbon. There’s no single standard size, and USASF’s guidance is that bows shouldn’t be excessive or distracting, so follow your team’s choice.
Can I wear a bow with rhinestones?
Rhinestone bows are widely sold for competition. USASF’s rule bans rhinestones stuck to the skin or hair, not rhinestones on uniform pieces. If you’re unsure whether your bow is allowed, check with your coach or the event producer.
Clip or elastic?
The Chassé bows listed above, and the Varsity listings that name an attachment, use an elastic or ponytail holder. Whatever the attachment, the test is the same: it has to stay secure through your whole routine.
For more gear, see our guides to cheerleading shoes and cheerleading bags, plus our competition trip planning tips.
Sources: USASF Cheer Rules 2026-2027 (Athletic Performance Standards on hair and bows; general rule 9 on jewelry and rhinestones); USA Cheer, Youth Rec Sideline Rules; Omni Cheer hair bows; Varsity Shop cheer bows. Last checked October 1, 2026.
