Leotards are a staple in both dance classes and gymnastics. While they share many features, leotard styles for gymnasts have some design differences from a dance leotard. There are certain requirements for competition that don’t necessarily apply to young dancers. Robe Athletic Wear offers gymnastics leotards to appeal to all tastes.
Introduction to Gymnastics Leotards
Gymnastics leotards come in many styles, but they all share the same requirements. They must fit snugly to allow for a full range of motion. The perfect leotard should be comfortable and made from flexible fabrics like Lycra that also “breathe” to keep the athlete cool. Gymnastics leotards, like other gymnastics apparel, have certain guidelines dictating the neckline and leg cut. There may also be some requirements around embellishments like rhinestones when worn in competition.
Besides being worn for practice, the right leotard for gymnastics contributes to the aesthetics of the sport by showing off the lines, alignment, and musculature. This is important for coaching and for the judges during competition.
Types of Leotards for Gymnastics
As an essential piece of gymnastics apparel, the leotard is the foundation piece, both for training and competition. No matter what style is selected, the leotard must fit well and provide complete freedom of movement. It must also be constructed of fabrics that are flexible and “breathe” to maintain a healthy core body temperature. Tank and sleeveless styles are the classic for training. Long sleeves are good for cooler environments, like a chilly facility or in winter weather. Cap sleeves offer a fun bit of style, while a unitard offers more coverage. Competition leotards are often long-sleeved, with extra embellishments. They may also be customized with the team name to create team unity.
Tank Leotards
The tank leotard is a classic style for training. The simple design allows for exceptional freedom of movement and allows the coach to see the alignment and musculature as the gymnast works. They also provide a streamlined silhouette that enhances the athlete’s form. Naturally, the simple design allows for more breathability, keeping the gymnast cooler as they work.
Robe Athletic Wear offers a wide selection of tank leotards for gymnastics. Shop now!
Long-Sleeve Leotards
A long-sleeve leotard is often worn in cooler weather or in facilities or competition venues that are cold. The long-sleeve design is also frequently utilized during competitions. It provides more coverage for warmth, but the snug fit still allows a clear view of the athlete’s lines as they train or compete.
A long-sleeve leotard creates the illusion of longer arms, which is visually appealing, especially in competitive events.
Robe Athletic Wear offers a wide selection of long-sleeve leotards for gymnastics. Shop now!
Sleeveless Leotards
A sleeveless leotard offers a little bit more coverage than a tank style, but still provides the freedom of movement a gymnast demands. These are frequently worn during training. The other advantage this style has is that it keeps the athlete cool and comfortable as they work, so they won’t overheat. It also shows off the lines and alignment to coaches and judges.
Robe Athletic Wear offers a wide selection of sleeveless leotards for gymnastics. Shop now!
Cap Sleeve Leotard
The cap-sleeve leotard is a bit of a compromise between a sleeveless and short-sleeve leotard. It adds more coverage and offers a different style option. It still allows for freedom of movement, but for some gymnasts, the cap sleeve is an aesthetic choice. It can contribute to a lovely, streamlined look and is a particular look that may be preferred by either coaches or judges.
Unitards
Unitards are an option that allows for the freedom of movement that a gymnast needs, but provides more coverage than a leotard. The unitard may cover the entire body from shoulders to ankles, or, as a variation, from the shoulders to mid-thigh. This choice is often preferred for younger athletes as they’re not quite so revealing. For athletes who need freedom of movement but prefer somewhat more modest attire, for training or in competition, the unitard is a good choice.
Competition Leotards
Competition leotards may be embellished with things like rhinestones or customized with a team name. There are certain standards the leotard must meet. The midriff must be covered. In the front, the neckline must go no lower than halfway down the sternum; in the back, the opening must extend no lower than the shoulder blades. The leg cut shouldn’t go above the hip bone and shouldn’t go lower than 2 centimeters below the base of the buttocks. Although long sleeves are often preferred, sleeves can be of any style, but must be at least 2 centimeters wide.
Robe Athletic Wear: Pioneers in Gymnastics Apparel
Robe Athletic Wear was created to provide the high-quality performance gear demanded by athletes in gymnastics. Our founders are moms who’ve been part of the gymnastics community for years. They know firsthand what these young athletes need (and want).
We’ve created leotards in various designs and styles that give the gymnast the freedom, support, and comfort needed during all those hours and hours of training. We also offer leotards for competition that can be customized to create a real sense of team unity.
Our apparel is meant to inspire young athletes to perform at their highest level, whether in the gym or at a competition.
Conclusion
There are so many types of leotards for gymnastics out there. Robe Athletic Wear has made it our mission to curate and create the styles and materials that young athletes most want and need in order to do their best. This apparel meets the rigorous standards needed for training and competing, with the styles and colors that make it fun and make the gymnast feel great. Because, face it: they practically live in leotards!
If you want to upgrade your gymnastic wardrobe with stylish, quality leotards, we invite you to shop our selection!
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