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.
Shop our long-sleeve gymnastics leotard with skirt in white for a classic training or club look.
Quick answer: what do the attire rules require?
- A non-transparent leotard, with modest necklines and leg cuts.
- A skirt is optional, but it has limits if worn.
- Barefoot or toe shoes (half shoes), never full shoes.
- No jewelry, and hair neatly secured.
- A violation costs a 0.30 penalty from the final score.
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, and 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.
Allowed vs. not allowed at a glance
| Item | Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Leotard | Long, three-quarter or sleeveless; full-leg unitard | Transparent torso; unlined mesh |
| Skirt | Optional; falls over the hips, within fingertip length | Tutu-style stiff skirts |
| Footwear | Barefoot or toe shoes (half shoes) | Full shoes |
| Accessories | Hair secured with nets and pins | Jewelry |
How attire fits into the bigger rules of rhythmic gymnastics
Attire is only one part of the rulebook. Routines are performed on a 13 x 13 m competition carpet with a hand apparatus. Individual routines last 1:15-1:30 and group routines 2:15-2:30. The final score is the D-score (difficulty) plus the E-score (execution, with deductions from 10.00), minus any penalties. An attire penalty comes off the very end of that calculation, so it can undo the work of a clean routine. For a full breakdown, see our guide to how rhythmic gymnastics scoring works.
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. If you're unsure what your gymnast's stage looks like, our overview of rhythmic gymnastics levels in the USA can help you plan.
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.
Just starting out? Our beginner equipment guide covers the rest of the kit.
Leotard fit checklist
- Have your gymnast try it on and move through her usual stretches, bends and jumps.
- Check that the leotard stays in place and doesn't ride up or pull at the shoulders.
- Make sure the torso fabric is opaque, and that any mesh is lined.
- If there's a skirt, check that it sits over the hips and doesn't go past fingertip length.
- Confirm that nothing restricts breathing or leg movement.
- Look for loose stones, snags or worn elastic before every competition.
Common mistakes
- Wearing jewelry out of habit. Small earrings and necklaces still count, so check before warm-up.
- Choosing a stiff, tutu-style skirt because it looks festive.
- Forgetting the lining on mesh sections.
- Visible underwear. Skin-tone seamless styles prevent this.
- Loose hair. Pack extra nets and pins.
- Machine-washing the leotard.
Care so it lasts
Hand-wash leotards cold and air-dry, because machines destroy lycra elasticity and crystal glue alike. Transport competition leotards flat or rolled in a garment compartment, never folded hard. Keep a separate pouch for toe shoes so rosin dust doesn't touch the fabric.
FAQ
What are the rules of rhythmic gymnastics?
Gymnasts perform routines with a hand apparatus on a 13 x 13 m carpet. Individual routines run 1:15-1:30 and group routines 2:15-2:30. Scores combine difficulty (D-score) and execution (E-score), minus penalties, and attire violations are one source of penalties.
Do rhythmic gymnasts have to wear a skirt?
No, skirts are optional. If your gymnast wears one, it must fall over the hips and stay within fingertip length, and stiff tutu-style skirts are not allowed. Many gymnasts compete in a plain leotard or a unitard.
Can rhythmic gymnasts wear shoes in competition?
They can compete barefoot or in toe shoes (half shoes). Full shoes are not permitted. Our toe shoe size guide can help you find a snug, comfortable fit.
What is the penalty for an attire violation?
An attire violation draws a 0.30 penalty from the final score. In a sport decided by tenths, that can affect the final ranking, so it's worth checking the leotard, hair and jewelry before every routine.
How do I wash a rhythmic gymnastics leotard?
Hand-wash it in cold water and let it air-dry. A washing machine can damage both the stretch of the lycra and the glue holding crystals in place. Store and carry it flat or rolled rather than folded hard.