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Gymnasts can wear fitted athletic tops with gymnastics shorts for girls, sports bras with leggings, or unitards as comfortable alternatives to traditional gymnastics leotards during practice sessions. While gymnastics practice leotards remain the most popular choice, many gymnasts prefer other gymnastics attire options that offer greater flexibility and comfort.
Understanding what do gymnasts wear beyond the classic leotard opens up numerous possibilities for comfortable practice sessions. Whether you're a beginner wondering what to wear to gymnastics besides a leotard or an experienced athlete seeking variety, multiple gymnastics clothing options can enhance your training experience.
The key is choosing gymnastics apparel that allows unrestricted movement while maintaining the coverage and support needed for safe gymnastics practice.
Why Gymnasts Don’t Always Wear Leotards
Many college gymnasts opt for alternative attire such as tanks and shorts during practice, finding it more comfortable than traditional leotards, especially for longer practice sessions. While most gymnastics clubs require athletes to wear leotards for both practice and competition, exceptions can occur for comfort, temperature regulation, modesty, or when accommodating growing bodies.
Practice vs. Competition While competitions typically require specific leotards for gymnastics, practice sessions can sometimes offer more flexibility in what college gymnasts wear, allowing for comfort-focused choices.
Alternative Practice Outfits for Gymnasts
Fitted Athletic Tops or Tanks
- Tank tops with built-in bras provide excellent support and coverage
- Compression tops offer muscle support similar to gymnastics leotards
- Moisture-wicking materials keep gymnasts comfortable during intense training
- Seamless designs prevent chafing during floor routines and apparatus work
Athletic tanks should fit snugly without restricting arm movement. Choose styles without loose fabric that could catch on equipment or interfere with spotting.
Sports Bras
- High-support sports bras work well for older gymnasts and teens
- Racerback designs provide freedom of shoulder movement
- Compression styles offer similar support to gymnastics practice leotards
- Moisture-wicking fabrics maintain comfort during extended training
Sports bras paired with gymnastics shorts for girls create a practical alternative to traditional gymnastics attire while maintaining appropriate coverage.
Gymnast Shorts
- Compression shorts prevent riding up during skills
- Mid-thigh length provides optimal coverage and movement freedom
- Seamless construction eliminates uncomfortable pressure points
- Four-way stretch fabrics accommodate all gymnastics movements
Gymnastics shorts for girls should be specifically designed for the sport, avoiding regular athletic shorts that may be too loose or restrictive.
Leggings or Capris
- Full-length leggings offer complete leg coverage and warmth
- Capri-length options provide coverage while allowing ankle flexibility
- Compression qualities support muscles during training
- High waistbands ensure coverage during inversions and tumbling
When choosing leggings as gymnastics clothing, ensure they're made from gymnastic-appropriate materials that won't slip or bunch during movement.
Unitards and Biketards
- Unitards combine leotard tops with attached leggings
- Biketards feature leotard tops with attached shorts
- One-piece convenience without traditional leotard styling
- Enhanced coverage appeals to gymnasts preferring more modesty
These options bridge the gap between traditional gymnastics leotards and separate pieces, offering the convenience of one-piece gymnastics attire with different coverage options.
What to Avoid Wearing During Gymnastics Practice
Loose-Fitting Clothing Baggy t-shirts, loose shorts, or oversized athletic wear can interfere with proper form assessment and pose safety risks during spotting.
Cotton Materials Pure cotton gymnastics clothing retains moisture and loses shape, making it unsuitable for intense gymnastics class activities.
Jewelry and Accessories Watches, bracelets, necklaces, or hair accessories with hard parts can cause injury during gymnastics practice.
Clothing with Zippers or Buttons Hardware on gymnastics apparel can catch on equipment or cause discomfort during floor work and apparatus training.
Tips for Choosing the Right Practice Wear
Prioritize Fit and Function
- Choose gymnastics attire that fits like a second skin
- Ensure full range of motion in all directions
- Test clothing with basic gymnastics movements before purchasing
- Consider how garments will behave during inversions and tumbling
Material Considerations
- Select moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabrics
- Avoid materials that become slippery when wet
- Choose gymnastics clothing with anti-microbial properties
- Ensure fabrics maintain shape after washing
Safety First
- Eliminate any elements that could catch on equipment
- Choose gymnastics apparel with flat seams to prevent chafing
- Ensure adequate coverage for all gymnastics movements
- Consider grip requirements for different apparatus
Age-Appropriate Choices
- Toddler gymnasts wear simpler combinations for easy bathroom breaks
- Older gymnasts can handle more complex gymnastics attire
- Consider developmental appropriateness of different gymnastic outfits
- Factor in supervision requirements for different age groups
Budget and Practicality
- Mix gymnastics leotards with alternative pieces for variety
- Invest in quality basics that work across multiple outfits
- Consider how quickly growing athletes will outgrow pieces
- Balance cost with durability for frequent washing and wear
Final Thoughts
Understanding what gymnasts wear beyond traditional gymnastics practice leotards empowers athletes and parents to make informed choices about gymnastics clothing. The key is finding gymnastics apparel that supports performance while maintaining comfort and confidence.
Whether choosing gymnastics shorts for girls paired with fitted tops, exploring unitard options, or mixing different gymnastics attire pieces, the focus should remain on safety, comfort, and unrestricted movement. Each gymnast's preferences and needs may differ, making variety in gymnastic outfits beneficial.
Remember that while practice allows flexibility in what gymnasts wear, maintaining appropriate coverage and professional appearance supports the discipline and respect inherent in gymnastics training. The right gymnastics clothing choices can enhance both performance and enjoyment of this beautiful sport.
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