The leotard is rhythmic gymnastics' most visible tradition — and one of its most regulated. Here's what the rules actually require, what's allowed, and what to wear before competition day ever arrives.
Competition rules (FIG)
- Leotards must be non-transparent in the torso; necklines and leg cuts have modesty limits, and any mesh sections require lining.
- Skirts are optional — if worn, the skirt must fall over the hips (no tutu-style stiff skirts) and stay within fingertip length.
- Long sleeves, three-quarter or sleeveless are all permitted; full-leg unitards are also legal.
- Gymnasts perform barefoot or in toe shoes (half shoes) — never full shoes.
- Jewelry is prohibited; hair must be secured (buns with nets and pins are the standard).
- Attire violations draw a 0.30 penalty from the final score — a real cost in a sport decided by tenths.
Competition leotards: the sparkle economics
Elite competition leotards are hand-crystallized and often custom-made, running from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Young gymnasts don't need this: many clubs pass leotards down between seasons, and levels 3–6 typically compete in simpler club designs.
What to wear at practice
Daily training calls for comfort you can layer: a simple leotard or fitted top with shorts or leggings, a lightweight skirt for choreography days, plus leg warmers during stretching and cold warm-ups. Underneath, seamless gymnastics underwear in skin tone is the standard so nothing shows under competition wear later.
Care so it lasts
Hand-wash leotards cold and air-dry — machines destroy lycra elasticity and crystal glue alike. Transport competition leotards flat or rolled in a garment compartment, never folded hard, and keep a separate pouch for toe shoes so rosin dust doesn't touch the fabric.