Abstract: A skirt suitable for cheerleading is described which is formed by a body and a waistband. The body forms the main section of the skirt and attached along its top edge to the waistband which fits snugly to the wearer's waist, yet still allows for extreme athletic movements. The waistband is formed by an elastic band attached at its ends to two fabric ends which are connected to each other by a closure mechanism such as a button. The elastic band is protected and concealed by a cover material which forms a passageway through which the elastic band passes. The fabric ends and the cover material are attached to the top edge of the body of the skirt to act as the waistband. The elastic band is not permanently attached to the body or the cover material to allow it to stretch freely in response to movements by the wearer. The body of the skirt includes another closure mechanism such as a zipper which works in conjunction with the button on the fabric ends to allow the skirt to be easily put on and taken off.

Abstract: A pleated skirt suitable for cheerleading is disclosed which provides for active movement of the wearer, and desirable movement and visual effects of the skirt during wearing. Preferably, the skirt is constructed of a skirt body and at least two panels which are each attached only partially along their length to adjoining panels. The sections of the panels which are nonattached result in overlapping pleated flaps. Different colors can be used for each side of the overlapping pleated flaps and the alternate color is partially visible when the skirt is worn for increased visual variety.

Abstract: A reversible skirt suitable for cheerleading is disclosed which provides for active movement of the wearer, and desirable movement and visual effects of the skirt during wearing. Preferably, the skirt is constructed of 8-20 panels which are each sewn only partially along their length to adjoining panels. Alternatively, a skirt can be made from at least one panel into which slits are cut to form a visual effect of pleats. Different colors can be used for each side of the skirt and the alternate color is partially visible when either skirt is worn for increased visual variety.