A bodysuit and a gymnastic leotard are both a one-piece garment, but their end purpose is different. The bodysuit is a fashion item designed to be worn as a fitted shirt with pants or a skirt. Sometimes it functions as a base layer. It features snaps in the crotch area. The leotard is for use in athletic activities, such as in a dance class or for gymnastics. It’s designed in one piece, without snaps.
What is a Leotard?
A leotard is a form-fitting, one-piece garment resembling a swimsuit. It’s typically worn in gymnastics or dance classes. It allows for freedom of movement and highlights the body so that alignment and positions can be clearly seen and corrected if necessary by the instructor or coach.
The material is stretchy, designed to hug the body and not interfere with movement. It’s also designed to be “breathable,” constructed from materials that wick sweat away to keep the body cool and comfortable during training exercises or competition.
What is a Bodysuit?
So, compared to a leotard, what’s a bodysuit? It’s a wardrobe piece that serves as a base item in an outfit. It works as a sleek, fitted top beneath jeans, pants, or a skirt. A fashion designer may use it as a piece to be layered, adding another top over it. The bodysuit has snaps in the crotch area (something not found in a leotard).
Whereas leotards need to be made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials, bodysuits can be made from almost anything: cotton, velvet, satin, spandex, and the like. They can feature various necklines and short or long sleeves. It’s all about fashion!.
Also Read - Why Do Gymnasts Use Chalk on Their Hands
Similarities Between Leotards and Bodysuits
The design DNA of these two items stems from the need for a form-fitting, one-piece garment geared to exercise, dance, gymnastics, and athletics. Leotards and bodysuits are both made to be sleek and to hug the body. They both may come in solid colors or have unique designs. As one-piece clothing items, both can be worn under pants or skirts. Both leotards and bodysuits can be worn on their own or over tights or stockings.
For athletic activities, the leotard is more suitable, with breathable fabrics that wick away sweat. The bodysuit offers more style options, designed as it is to be a wardrobe piece. Plus, it has snaps in the crotch for easier bathroom access.
What Distinguishes a Leotard from a Bodysuit?
A leotard is primarily worn for exercise or athletic activities like gymnastics or dance. The fabrics used in both are equally form-fitting, but for a leotard, they must also be moisture-wicking to keep the wearer cool and comfortable during practice or competition. There may be certain decorative details on a leotard (like rhinestones) that are great for a competition but may not really work as a fashion piece. The main purpose of a leotard is to be worn during physical activities.
Also Read - Types of Leotard Designs & Styles for Gymnastics
When to Wear a Leotard vs a Bodysuit
A leotard is the right piece of clothing to wear when you’re engaged in activities like dance or gymnastics. Its form-fitting nature is meant to show off the body, highlighting alignment and the like so that a coach or teacher can apply corrections. During gymnastics competitions, the leotard helps create a great silhouette and allows judges to clearly see lines through the movements.
The materials of a leotard are also specifically designed to wick sweat away to maintain a comfortable, healthy body temperature. A bodysuit is more fashionable than functional.
Conclusion
Leotards and bodysuits are both one-piece garments, but they serve slightly different purposes. Sure, leotards can be worn beneath pants or a skirt as a top, but they lack snaps at the crotch, which makes bathroom access less convenient. Their main purpose is to be worn during athletic activities like dance or gymnastics. The materials fit the body snugly as a way to show the lines of the body during practice or competition.
A bodysuit, on the other hand, has a similar design to a leotard, but features snaps or hooks at the crotch. It's form-fitting, but can be made from a variety of materials, and offers different necklines and sleeve lengths. For these reasons, it’s not ideal for gymnastics. Opt for a leotard for physical activities.
Shop Robe Athletic Wear for a great selection of leotards for gymnastics !
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