The best way to store cheer bows is to keep them flat or hanging, out of direct sunlight, and separated so the loops and tails don't crush or tangle. A simple system (a hanging organizer for everyday bows, a lidded box for competition bows, and a padded case for travel) keeps every bow crisp, clean, and ready to grab. Here's how to set one up that actually works for a busy cheer family.
Why Bow Storage Matters More Than You Think
Cheer bows are built to hold their shape, but most are made from grosgrain ribbon, vinyl, or rhinestone-trimmed fabric stiffened with a backing. Toss one into the bottom of a cheer bag and it can bend, dent, lose rhinestones, or pick up makeup and hairspray stains. A crushed competition bow on comp morning is a stressful problem with no quick fix. Good storage protects the money you've put into team bows and makes getting out the door faster.
Sort Your Bows Before You Store Them
Before buying any organizer, gather every bow in the house and sort them into three groups:
- Competition bows: the team-issued bows that must look perfect on the mat. Protect these first.
- Practice bows: everyday bows that get worn hard and washed or wiped often.
- Fun and spirit bows: holiday, themed, or gift bows that rotate in and out.
Once sorted, toss or donate bows that are permanently bent, missing their clip or elastic, or no longer fit your athlete's team colors.
Best Ways to Store Cheer Bows at Home
Hanging Bow Holders
A hanging bow holder (a ribbon strip, a fabric banner, or a door-mounted organizer) is the most popular option for practice and fun bows. Clip each bow by its hair tie or clip so it hangs freely. Bows stay visible, loops don't get crushed, and your athlete can grab one without digging. Hang it on the back of a bedroom or closet door, away from windows, so colors don't fade.
Lidded Boxes for Competition Bows
Competition bows deserve their own home. Use a sturdy box with a lid that's deep enough that bows sit upright without touching the top. Place each bow on its back, loops up, and add a sheet of tissue paper between bows to protect rhinestones and prevent color transfer. Label the box by season or team so nothing gets mixed up.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers
Clear-pocket shoe organizers are a budget-friendly hack for families with multiple cheerleaders. Each pocket fits one or two bows, and you can label pockets by athlete, team, or color. Choose clear pockets so you can see every bow at a glance.
Shadow Boxes for Keepsake Bows
Championship bows and first-season bows carry real memories. A shadow box keeps them dust-free and turns them into room décor. It also stops keepsakes from being "borrowed" for practice.
How to Travel With Cheer Bows Without Crushing Them
Travel is where most bows get ruined. For competitions and camps:
- Pack competition bows in a hard-sided container or a dedicated bow case, not loose in a duffel.
- Stuff the loops lightly with tissue paper so they hold their shape.
- Pack a backup bow and extra hair ties in a zip pouch in case a clip breaks.
- Keep the bow in your carry-on or front pocket, not under heavy gear.
For more comp-day organization ideas, check out our Ultimate Cheer Parent Guide to stress-free competition days.
Keeping Bows Clean and in Shape
Storage works best when bows go away clean. Spot-clean grosgrain bows with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them air dry fully on a flat surface before storing. Never machine-wash or put bows in the dryer. Heat warps the backing. If loops start to droop, reshape them by hand and stuff them with tissue overnight. Wipe vinyl and metallic bows with a soft, dry cloth to remove hairspray buildup.
Build a Habit Your Cheerleader Will Keep
The best system is the one your athlete uses without reminders. Keep the bow holder near where they get ready, give every bow a "home," and make putting the bow away part of the after-practice routine. Younger athletes love a holder they helped decorate. Older athletes appreciate a setup that makes it easy to match a bow to their outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store cheer bows in a plastic bag?
Short-term, yes, but a sealed bag can trap moisture and crush the loops. For long-term storage, use a lidded box with tissue paper instead.
How do I fix a bent cheer bow?
Gently reshape the loops by hand, stuff them with tissue paper, and let the bow sit overnight. For stubborn bends on grosgrain bows, a hair dryer on low heat held several inches away can soften the ribbon before you reshape it. Avoid direct heat on vinyl or rhinestone bows.
How many bows does a cheerleader really need?
Most athletes do well with one or two competition bows (plus a backup), a few practice bows, and a small rotation of fun or spirit bows. Quality and good storage matter more than quantity.
Keep the Bow Collection Fresh
A well-organized bow collection makes it easy to see what your athlete actually wears and what's missing. If you'd like fresh cheer bows, apparel, and essentials delivered on a regular schedule, a MyCheerleadingBox subscription brings 4-8 cheer-themed items to your door in every box. See current pricing and box options on our Shop Subscription Boxes page.
Ready to treat your cheerleader? Shop a MyCheerleadingBox subscription today.