A cheer uniform has to survive more than a photograph. TeamLeader has built its business around the unglamorous work of getting a whole squad dressed, fitted, and ready for the same deadline.
Rebel Athletic is a Carrollton, Texas-based designer and manufacturer of couture cheerleading, dance, and athletic apparel, known for crystal-embellished 'luxury athletic wear for those that sparkle.' Founded in 2012 by Karen Noseff Aldridge, the company built a vertically integrated model - designing like a fashion house and producing in its own offshore factory - to challenge market leader Varsity Brands with faster service, deep customization, and better value. It serves allstar gyms, school and youth programs, dance studios, and pro cheer squads, and has expanded into direct-to-consumer retail and e-commerce, including a flagship store at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano.
Varsity Spirit is the dominant force in cheerleading and dance, a Memphis-based company that designs and manufactures team uniforms and apparel, runs training camps and clinics, and produces the sport's biggest competitions. Founded in 1974 by Jeff Webb, it grew from a summer camp operation into a vertically integrated business - apparel, camps, competitions, and governing-body partnerships - that touches more than a million athletes each year. It operates as a division of Varsity Brands, owned by KKR.