The Evolution of the Cheerleading Uniform In the 1960s, cheerleaders were more athletic, so cheerleading uniforms became more comfortable. Sweatshirts and cotton shirts took the place of heavy sweaters, and cheerleaders wore pants and skirts with pleats. The sport became more popular among girls than boys, and uniforms changed to include tighter knit sweaters and tennis shoes. Today's uniforms are more similar to those of the 1980s.