Gymnastics Leotards

Whether taking part in artistic, acrobatic, aerobic, rhythmic gymnastics, or trampolining, there is a strict code of dress as set out by the FIG aka Federation Internationale de Gymnastique who are responsible for organising the world gymnastics competition platform.

Gymnastics Leotard

The rules on dress code vary according to whether you are a male or female gymnast but are not too different. A gymnastics leotard is the attire required by the competition chiefs. Generally a leotard will have long sleeves (although in recent times half sleeves and sleeveless leotards have been allowed in major competitions under the gymnastics Code of Points (rule book).

For practice sessions a sleeveless leotard is generally commonplace. Often sleeveless leotards are paired with leggings, t-shirts, shorts and tank tops for comfort and flexibility. When training, all gym wear including hair needs to be close fitting to avoid the occurrence of injury.

Additional rules governing gymnastics leotards include hip lines being mid-way and not too high or too low. Leotards additionally should not be cut past shoulder blades on the back or front and should never be see through. Competing gymnasts should watch out for these points as points could be penalised for incorrect gymnastics attire.

Specifically, male gymnasts wear 2 clothing layers throughout competitions. A combination of a singlet (a sleeveless leotard) along with training pants with a stirrup at each foot is the accepted uniform of competition. Sadly, male gymnastics leotards are often not as interesting in their design as those worn by their female counterparts. The most ornate a male leotard becomes is when the country of origin team colours are added to the fabric. Nothing out of the usual is the case with male gymnasts so an athlete with a flamboyant taste in clothing needs to save this till after the competition. During training however, a male gymnast will often opt for a tank top and shorts keeping their attire simple and casual.

What are leotards generally made of? Today a variety of fabrics are used to make a leotard including metallic fabrics, foils, velvet and even jewels. Leotards have come a long way from their former polyester or spandex limitations.

For accessories, the warming-up gymnast tends to opt for a zip jacket and matching trousers. At competition level these items of clothing are marked with the team name to the rear and left hand front. Ballet slippers are worn or else a gymnast may choose to go barefoot.