The leotard is a staple for female gymnasts, worn either for training or during competition and performance. They serve some practical purposes for these athletes, allowing for easy movement during complex routines.
Plus, they clearly show off the musculature and alignment of the athlete's body as they perform, so that coaches and judges can clearly assess them.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The leotard is worn inside dance studios, for gymnastics training and competitions, and for all kinds of workouts. They’re comfortable and allow the wearer to move without restriction. During competition, they serve as team uniforms.
RoBe Athletic Wear knows the competitive gymnastics world inside and out (because our own kids are in it!). Because leotards are the traditional “uniform,” we create custom leotards and offer them in a range of fun colors, like a pink leotard, a blue leotard, plus eye-catching patterns. This keeps things fun and interesting.
History & Evolution of Leotards in Gymnastics
In the mid-19th century, a French trapeze artist by the name of Jules Léotard scrapped the bulky outfit he’d been wearing for a stretchy, form-fitting knit piece that was more comfortable to move in.
The leotard quickly became a favorite garment among other circus performers. Soon, dancers, gymnasts, and other athletes chose it, as well. Originally, leotards were made of lightweight wool. With the later introduction of spandex, they became a fixture in gymnasiums, ballet studios, and during the workout craze of the 70s and 80s.
Functional Reasons for Wearing Leotards
The simple style of leotards allows for complete freedom of movement during sports training and competition. It’s flexible and made from breathable materials to keep the wearer comfortable as they perform and during challenging moments in their sport.
It also provides a way for coaches, teachers, and judges to observe body alignment and form while training (for corrections) and during competitive gymnastics activities.
Rules, Standards, and Variations
For gymnastics, there are some rules around leotards, especially in competitions where they're worn as team uniforms.
- They should be non-transparent, and the midriff can’t be exposed.
- The cut of the leg should not be higher than the hip bone.
- The front neckline should be no lower than halfway down the sternum.
- The back should not dip lower than the shoulder blades.
- Different sleeve lengths are OK, including long sleeves or sleeveless designs.
- Undergarments shouldn’t be visible.
Design and Materials
Today’s leotards are made from comfortable, high-tech materials like nylon, Lycra, and polyester. They offer flexibility and durability, and emphasize the line of the body. Plus, they “breathe,” to keep female athletes more comfortable during their sport.
You may find these fabrics blended either with each other or with materials like velvet, velour, or cotton. These combinations elevate the look and feel of the piece to better help gymnasts perform.
“Mystique” is a newer stretchy material that mixes spandex with flexible, thin metallic layers that resemble shimmery holograms. Mesh may be used as an insert, but it should match the skin tone.
Glitter fabrics add a touch of dramatic visual appeal to the gymnast's movements.
Why Alternatives Aren’t Always Feasible
When it comes to what female gymnasts wear, there are options – but they may not always work in every setting, especially at international events.
During training, you might wear shorts, loose clothing, or leggings with sports bras or fitted tops. That may be acceptable in the gym, but it definitely won’t meet the apparel rules of competition, especially at a high Olympic level. That demands gymnastics costumes or uniforms in the same color to provide a unified look for the whole team.
Some female gymnasts may prefer a full-length unitard that provides some additional coverage for modesty. Again, it may not always comply with official requirements when competing; check the rules.
Again, the main reasons for wearing a one-piece leotard are to not only provide free movement, but to clearly showcase the gymnast’s form and musculature without having to be naked.
Conclusion
Since its first appearance in the 19th century, the leotard has come a long way. It provides comfort and ease of movement during women's gymnastics, one of the most challenging activities out there. The right leotard will enhance the gymnast's performance; the wrong one will interfere.
RoBe Athletic Wear offers well-constructed leotards (and other gear) for the sport, designed to take athletes from local training and events, all the way up to the Olympics!
Gymnasts work hard at their sport and deserve apparel that supports them and also provides more than a little bit of style. Our company was specifically formed to give female gymnasts (at all levels) the essential apparel to deliver their best performance.
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