Starting gymnastics is an exciting journey, but knowing what to wear to gymnastics class can feel overwhelming for beginners. The right gymnastics attire isn't just about looking the part, it's essential for safety, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re wondering what to wear to a first gymnastics class or helping your child get ready for their first class, this guide has you covered.
The right gymnastics wear helps kids move more freely, protects them from injury, and gives them the confidence to develop new skills. From the best gymnastics leotards to proper shoes, we’re taking the guesswork out of what to wear for gymnastics class so you have a fun, and safe, first experience. The key is choosing clothing that moves with your body, stays in place during activities, and meets your gym's specific requirements. Let's explore the essential pieces that make up the perfect gymnastics outfit for beginners.
What Do Female Gymnasts Wear?
Leotards
Gymnast leotards are the base layer of gymnastics clothing and the most crucial part to get right. A leotard is a one-piece bathing suit type of clothing that enables a gymnast to move freely without any part of the body being caught on anything while also providing protection for all gymnastics activities.
Why leotards are essential for gymnastics:
- Safety first: Leotards mean no loose fabric to get caught in equipment
- Freedom of movement: Stretchy material hugs your body without restricting movement, making it perfect for flips, jumps and stretches
- Professional appearance: Leotards are consistent and standard to provide a classic gymnast look
- Comfort during activity: Quality leotards wick moisture and provide support without restricting breathing
Choosing your first leotard
If you’re not sure what to wear for your first day of gymnastics class, start with a plain leotard in a single, solid color such as black, navy, or another dark color. They’re practical, they do a decent job of concealing stains, and they should be more than sufficient for most gym purposes. A tank-style leotard is recommended for beginners, as it provides good coverage and plenty of room for arm movement.
Leotard features to look for
The best gymnastics leotards feature reinforced seams and tag-free construction to avoid irritating chafing. Most will be composed of high-performance materials that hold up through several rounds in the washer and days on the bars.
Gymnastics Shorts
Gymnastics shorts for girls are multifunctional when it comes to the gym. While the leotards provide the main coverage, the shorts provide a security blanket of sorts for those who need a little extra support and modesty, especially for new gymnasts who may be more self-conscious.
Benefits of gymnastics shorts:
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Added coverage and confidence: Shorts provide extra security during inversions and skill learning
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Muscle warmth: Keeping muscles warm helps prevent injuries and improves flexibility
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Versatility: Shorts allow gymnasts to feel comfortable during floor exercises and beam work
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Transition ease: Perfect for gymnasts transitioning from regular athletic wear to competition leotards
Types of gymnastics shorts
Fitted shorts with the same stretch as a leotard are a possibility. Avoid loose-fitting shorts that can impede movement. Compression-type shorts work great under leotards and stay put during activities.
When to wear shorts
A lot of gymnastics programs will suggest or require shorts in their recreational classes, which makes them key for beginners wondering what to wear for gymnastics class.
Unitards
Unitards offer an alternative to the leotard-and-shorts combination, providing full-body coverage in a single garment. These one-piece outfits combine the benefits of leotards with built-in leg coverage.
Unitard advantages:
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Complete coverage: Perfect for gymnasts who prefer full leg coverage
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Streamlined design: No separation between top and bottom pieces
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Warmth: Excellent for cooler gyms or warm-up periods
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Modesty: Ideal for gymnasts who want maximum coverage during training
When unitards work best
The unitard is most popular among beginner and recreational gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts, and those involved in dance-based classes.
Sweatshirt
A gym sweatshirt is essential for warming up, cooling down, and keeping muscles warm between events. Muscles must stay warm, even at a heated gym, to avoid injury and retain flexibility.
Importance of warm-up wear:
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Injury prevention: Warm muscles are less prone to strains and pulls
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Flexibility maintenance: Keeping muscles warm helps maintain the flexibility gained during warm-up
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Comfort: Provides warmth during breaks and between activities
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Professional appearance: Creates a cohesive team look when chosen to coordinate with other gymnastics attire
Choosing the right gymnastics sweatshirt
Opt for lightweight, breathable materials, ones that are easy to remove once the body is up to temperature. Zip-front styles are also easy to take off when time is of the essence. You don't want to have to deal with bulky sweatshirts that make it hard to move or compromise your safety on equipment.
Footwear
Barefoot training: Most gymnastics activities are performed barefoot to maximize grip and feel on equipment. Bare feet provide the best connection to floor surfaces, beams, and bars while allowing natural foot movement.
When shoes are appropriate: In some gyms, gymnastics shoes may be allowed or required for certain activities or ages. If footwear is required, select thin soled, flexible gymnastics shoes without arch support.
Foot care considerations: Keep feet clean and nails cut short to avoid causing any injury to yourself or your teammates. Bring a pair of flip-flops or slides to walk around the gym when not working out.
What Not to Wear to Gymnastics?
What not to wear can be just as valuable as what to do! It’s for safety and is basic, common gymnastics courtesy.
Avoid these Clothing Items:
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Loose t-shirts and baggy shorts: These can catch on equipment, block vision during skills, and pose serious safety risks
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Clothing with zippers, buttons, or hardware: These can get caught in equipment, obstruct vision while performing skills, or get caught during movement
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Jeans or restrictive pants: Denim and stiff materials hinder the movement for certain gymnastics skills
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Regular underwear: Standard underwear can show through leotards and may not provide appropriate coverage during gymnastics movements
Jewelry and Accessories to Avoid:
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Necklaces, bracelets, and rings: These accessories could get tangled or snagged and are potential injury risks
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Hair accessories with metal parts: Use soft scrunchies or gymnastics-specific hair ties instead
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Watches and fitness trackers: These can interfere with grip and pose safety hazards
Why these Restrictions Matter
Gymnastics include fast movements, equipment contact and positions in which loose objects can result in serious injury. By observing the dress code, it can help keep the gymnast and their teammates safe.
Safety & Practical Tips
Safety should be your primary concern when choosing what to wear to gymnastics class. In addition to helping keep your gymnast safe, these tips help ensure your child's gymnastics times are fun and successful.
Hair management: Long hair must be tied back from the face and up off the neck. Use soft hair ties without metal and think of braids or buns that won’t unravel during activity. Hair should not obstruct the vision or become tangled in any mechanism.
Sizing considerations: Gymnastics clothing should fit snugly without being restrictive. Too loose and it’s a safety hazard; too tight, and the wearer feels confined and their circulation is reduced. The material needs to follow the form of the body without creating excess material anywhere.
Fabric quality matters: Opt for moisture-wicking materials that also keep their form and elasticity after repeated wear and stretching. Quality fabrics prevent chafing, provide appropriate compression, and last through intensive training.
Pre-class preparation: Do a quick check on all garments for wear and tear and lose threads that may be dangerous. Ensure all garments are clean and in good condition before each class.
Emergency preparedness: Bring backup hair ties and have a plan for clothing malfunctions. Many gyms keep emergency clothing items, but it's best to be prepared.
Choosing the Right Fit & Fabric
The technical aspects of gymnastics clothing significantly impact performance and safety. Knowing what type of fabric and what kind of fit is needed to know what to buy at the store.
Fabric technology: Today’s gymnastics clothing features innovative fabric combinations that offer a 4-way stretch, moisture management and longevity. Finding materials with some added stretch, such as spandex or lycra, for costuming goes a long way, as will polyester or nylon, for durability and wicking away moisture.
Compression vs. support: Gymnastics apparel should offer a gentle compression that supports muscles without limiting blood flow or breath. The correct amount of compression can help improve performance.
Seam construction: Good gymnastics clothing has flatlock seams that are placed flat against your body to prevent chafing and discomfort during extended wear. Avoid garments with bulky seams that could cause discomfort or skin issues.
Color and pattern considerations: Style is important, but function is even more so when it comes to your very first gymnastics experience. Body lines are more visible in solid fabric colors, which coaches learn from and can give better direction to the athlete by identifying potential form problems.
Durability factors: Artistic clothes are pulled a lot, washed a lot and touch equipment. Spend some money on high quality pieces that will not lose structure nor function during rigorous use.
Conclusion
Knowing what to wear to the first gymnastics class sets the foundation for a positive gymnastics experience. The right combination of gymnastics leotards, appropriate shorts, warm-up wear, and safety-conscious choices ensures comfort, confidence, and safety during training.
Keep in mind that gymnastics wear has a few goals. To be safe, to help you practice your sport better, and to help keep an appropriate training environment. Initially, that seems to be a lot to think about, but most of these clothes will become second nature as you progress in gymnastics.
First, consider the essentials including a leotard, fitted shorts and a gymnastics sweatshirt for warming up. As you progress and excel in the sport, you can add color and freshness to your apparel with new leotards.
Most importantly, choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you're not worried about your outfit, you can focus entirely on learning new skills and enjoying the incredible sport of gymnastics.
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