By: gymnasticshqOn: April 4, 2023Getting Started,Gymnastics for Parents
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Are you curious what outfit your child should wear to gymnastics class ? Depending on your gymnast’s age and gender they will probably wear something different to gymnastics class. However, the outfit most girls will wear to gymnastics is a leotard.- a leotard is the uniform for gymnastics. While a leotard is similar to a swimsuit, the material is thicker. We will go through what gymnasts of each age wear.
The “proper” gymnastics attire or outfit for girls is a leotard, and most girls in the gym will be wearing them. You can buy leotards online, at a local specialty gymnastics or dance store or sometimes retailers like Target and Wal-Mart have them. Check out where to buy leotards online, and for helpful buying tips. Leotards are great because they won’t catch on anything and they let your gymnast have a full range of movement. Younger gymnasts are usually fine with just wearing a leotard.Older gymnasts usually like to wear shorts on top.
Outfits for Gymnastics
What should Toddler Gymnasts Wear to Gymnastics Class?
Girls ages 2-5 usually wear a gymnastics leotard to gymnastics class with their hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Girls
Gymnastics Leotard
Female toddler gymnasts usually wear just a gymnastics leotard to class. When choosing a leotard for your toddler you might want to consider your gymnast’s undergarments. A unitard (a leotard with the shorts attached like in the picture, also called a biketard) might be more comfortable for your gymnast if you don’t want their underwear or diaper hanging out. Otherwise you can have them wear a regular tank leotard and be OK with their underwear showing occasionally.
Hair Pulled Back
You also want to make sure you pull your gymnast’s hair out of their face. They can wear their hair in a ponytail, bun, braid or any hairstyle where it isn’t going to get in the way.
Boys
Shorts & T-Shirt
Boys can wear comfortable shorts and a tshirt to gymnastics class. As with all gymnastic outfits, you want to avoid clothes with any snaps, zippers or buckles that could get caught on any of the equipment.
| Outfit for Toddler Gymnast | Sizes | Description | Price |
Donut Flip Leotard | 18-24 months – CXL (12) | Adorable donut print that toddlers will love! | $46.50 |
Beige Velvet Cotton Mid-Rise Waist Gymnastics Underwear
| Kids 3-5 – Adult Large | Great for your gymnast if she feels more comfortable wearing underwear under her leotard. Nude, high cut and seamless. | $24.99 |
Here are some of the gymnastics leotards we like best for toddlers:
Toddler Leotards
Sweet Treat Leotard: This leotard is cute and fun. This leotard is available in 3x, 5x & 6x. Such a cute print for toddlers!
Donut Flip Out Leotard: This gymnastics leotard also comes in 18-24 months, 2T, 3x, 5x & 6x. Adorable donut print that toddlers will love!
Fairy Dust Leotard: This leotard comes in 18-24 months, 2T, 3x, 5x & 6x. What toddler doesn’t love fairies?!
Treat Yourself Leotard: This adorable ice cream cone print leotard comes in 18-24 months, 2T, 3x, 5x & 6x. Your little gymnast will love this one!
What should Young Beginner Gymnasts Wear to Gymnastics Class ?
Gymnastics Leotard
Young gymnasts should wear a gymnastics leotard to class. There are several different styles of leotards, although the most popular for young gymnasts is a tank leotard like the girl in the picture is wearing.
Hair Pulled Back
Young gymnasts should have their hair pulled back in a hairstyle that won’t flop in their face and cause safety issues. Popular choices are ponytails, buns or braids.
No Jewelry or Studs
You also want to make sure you don’t wear any jewelry other than stud earrings to gymnastics class. You don’t want anything that can get caught on the equipment.
| Outfit for Young Gymnasts Girls 5-6, Girls 7-8 | Sizes | Description | Price |
Colored Stripes Leotards | CS – AS | So buttery soft and comfortable, this leotard is a must have in your gymnasts ever-growing collection! Available in coral, ocean and plum! | $39.95 |
Beige Velvet Cotton Mid-Rise Waist Gymnastics Underwear
| Kids 3-5 – Adult Large | Great for your gymnast if she feels more comfortable wearing underwear under her leotard. Nude, high cut and seamless. | $24.99 |
Destira Black Gymnastics Compression Sport Shorts | Child XXS (3x) – Adult XL | Some gymnasts prefer to wear shorts over their leotard, either for modesty, comfort, or for whatever reason. These are a great option! | $28.00 |
Here are some of the gymnastics leotards and apparel we like best for young gymnasts:
Leotards for Young Gymnasts
DIY Decal Leotards: Another spin on DIY leotards is GymnasticsHQ’s decal leotards! Beautiful pink and purple ombre leotard with your choice of silver glittery iron-on decal – “GYMNAST”, flamingo or butterfly. Your gymnast will love making this leo!
Holographic Tie Dye Burst Leotard: This shimmery, holographic, tie dye leotard with a burst of motivational gymnastics words in so pretty! Brand new this matches one of our best selling grip bags!
GymnasticsHQ’s DIY Tie Dye Leotards: This multi-colored DIY tie dye leotard is great for gymnasts of any age really – it’s so soft and a fun activity too! Available also in pink/turquoise!
Colored Stripes Leotards: These brand new leotards have 3 beautiful colors to choose from – coral, ocean and plum and they are even more beautiful in person! Buttery soft and perfect for practice.
What Outfit should Teen Gymnasts Wear to Gymnastics Class ?
Older gymnasts, teens or tweens, might wear something slightly different than young gymnasts to gymnastics class.
Sports Bra
If they need some support, older gymnasts can wear a sports bra (or regular bra) under their leotard.
Shorts
Older gymnasts might also prefer to wear shorts on top of their leotards so that they feel more comfortable and don’t have to worry about their underwear hanging out, or any other type of wardrobe malfunction.
Hair Pulled Back
Older gymnasts should also have their hair pulled back so that it doesn’t get in front of their face or catch on any of the equipment.
No Jewelry or Studs
Older gymnasts should also refrain from wearing any jewelry other than stud earrings to gymnastics class.
| Gymnastics Outfit for Older Gymnasts Outfit for Girls 9-10, 10-12 | Sizes | Description | Price |
Holographic Tie Dye Burst Leotard | CS – AS | This shiny, shimmery tie dye leotard features a burst with inspirational words. | $49.95 |
Beige Velvet Cotton Mid-Rise Waist Gymnastics Underwear
| Kids 3-5 – Adult Large | Great for your gymnast if she feels more comfortable wearing underwear under her leotard. Nude, high cut and seamless. | $24.99 |
| Destira Black Gymnastics Compression Sport Shorts | Child XXS (3x) – Adult XL | Some gymnasts prefer to wear shorts over their leotard, either for modesty, comfort, or for whatever reason. These are a great option! | $28.00 |
Holographic Tie Dye Gymnast Grip Bag | One size fits all | This grip bag is perfect for your gymnast, especially if she has the matching leo…and why wouldn’t she?! It features a gymnast with inspirational words on this beautiful shiny, shimmery holographic tie dye material. | $17.95 |
Bailie Beginner Dowel Buckle Gymnastics Grips
| XXS-L | They are a great first pair of dowel grips because they are narrower and smaller than a standard grip. The leather is easier to break in, and they let the gymnast keep more of their hand on the bar so they can feel their swing. | $34.95 |
| One size fits all | This gymnastics backpack is uniquely designed. There is a TON of space with many pockets, including the bottom section for shoes! | $39.95 |
Here are some of our favorite quality gymnastics leotards and other gear for teens or tween gymnasts:
| Gymnastics Outfit for Teen Gymnast | Sizes | Description | Price |
Pink Rays Leotard | CS – AS | Beautiful, soft, ombre ray leotard with a rhinestone belt – perfect for your tween/teen gymnast to feel gorgeous at practice in! | $44.95 |
Beige Velvet Cotton Mid-Rise Waist Gymnastics Underwear
| Kids 3-5 – Adult Large | Great for your gymnast if she feels more comfortable wearing underwear under her leotard. Nude, high cut and seamless. | $24.99 |
Nike Racer Back Sports Bra (multiple color options)
| XS – XXLarge | This cute racer back sports bra for gymnasts is a great option. | $27.50-$45.90 |
| Destira Black Gymnastics Compression Sport Shorts | Child XXS (3x) – Adult XL | Some gymnasts prefer to wear shorts over their leotard, either for modesty, comfort, or for whatever reason. These are a great option! | $28.00 |
Rhinestone Leopard Grip Bag | One size fits all | This grip bag is perfect for your tween/teen gymnast. It features a shimmery leopard print adorned with rhinestones. | $21.95 |
Bailie Beginner Dowel Buckle Gymnastics Grips
| XXS-L | They are a great first pair of dowel grips because they are narrower and smaller than a standard grip. The leather is easier to break in, and they let the gymnast keep more of their hand on the bar so they can feel their swing. | $34.95 |
Work Hard Dream Big Gymnastics Backpack
| One size fits all | This gymnastics backpack is uniquely designed. There is a TON of space with many pockets, including the bottom section for shoes! | $39.95 |
| NA | This gymnastics journal is what your gymnast needs to improve her gymnastics and have her best season yet! It’s over 100 pages long with mindset exercises, meet logs, end of season reviews, a place to collect autographs from her teammates. | $25.95 |
Gear for Teen Gymnasts
Pink Rays Leotard: This beautiful pink with purple/white ombre rays features a stunning rhinestone belt. Your gymnast will love showing off this buttery soft beauty at practice!
Checkered Dreams Leotard: This leotard is so soft and durable, your gymnast will love it! Another exclusive GymnasticsHQ leotard that is buttery soft, non-see through material and gorgeous!
Work Hard, Dream Big Backpack: This gym back is the PERFECT gift for your gymnast! It has so much storage and separate compartments for all of her gym gear. It even has a shoe compartment at the bottom!
Mindset & Meet Journal: This gymnastics journal is what your gymnast needs to improve her gymnastics and have her best season yet! It’s over 100 pages long with mindset exercises, meet logs, end of season reviews, a place to collect autographs from her teammates.
DIY Tie Dye Grip Bags: GymnasticsHQ exclusive DIY Tie Dye Grip Bag Kits – these are available in 3 different color options – pink/turquoise (pictured), dark magenta/purple/teal, and red/blue.
Should you wear a bra underneath your leotard?
Many gymnasts start to wear a regular bra or a sports bra under their leotard when they start to feel like they need more support.
Should you wear underwear underneath your leotard?
Wearing underwear under your gymnastics leotard is a personal preference. If your gymnast does wear underwear, it’s best to choose briefs that will easily sit underneath the fabric of the leotard.
Here are some of our picks for underwear for gymnasts:
What should boys wear to gymnastics class?
Boys should wear a t-shirt and shorts with no buttons, zippers or snaps to gymnastics class.
Other Things to Think About
- Bare Feet: All gymnasts should practice barefoot. Wearing socks could cause slips or falls.
- Glasses: If your gymnast wears glasses you want to make sure they won’t fall off. Some glasses are made for sports. Other glasses you can secure with a band like this.
- Hair: Girls or boys with long hair should pull their hair back in a pony tail, bun or braid to keep their hair from getting in their eyes. Having hair fall in their eyes is a safety hazard when it affects their vision. (If you want to get creative with putting your hair up–check out our pinterest gymnastics hairstyles board for inspiration!)
We hope this helps clear up any questions you might have about what your child should wear to gymnastics class. Now that you are ready for class, check out 10 Ways to Get the Most out of your Gymnastics Class!
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46 comments… add one
Jamaly riosNovember 23, 2013, 6:58 am
My daughter starts today. She is only 5 yrs old and I have the least bit of idea what she should wear.
ReplyJamaly riosNovember 23, 2013, 7:00 am
My daughter starts today. She is only 5 yrs old and I have the least bit of idea what she should wear. I know the instructor said a leotard, but I also got a lilitard.
ReplyAjay Nicholson-sloaneNovember 1, 2019, 11:22 am
ReplyHello.
I would buy a leotard for your daughter. remember when you get to the gymnastics class your daughter will be asked to take any jewellery out, and to take her shoes and socks of- to be in bare feet.
MaicKaila MaceintireJune 17, 2014, 4:02 pm
Where a leo or a t shirt and shirt or yoga Capri pants
ReplyKristin BlackJanuary 24, 2017, 9:31 am
Thank you SO much for this article!!!! My daughter is about to start gymnastics & i had no idea what she should wear or where to get it. Now i know. 🙂
ReplygymnasticshqJanuary 24, 2017, 11:18 am
So glad it was helpful! And hopefully she loves gymnastics!
Reply
paulaFebruary 28, 2017, 2:06 pm
Great site thanks
ReplyNicoleJune 26, 2017, 7:46 am
My daughter is a year and a half and is starting tumbling class. Does she need a leo or is there something else for a toddler to wear?
ReplySavannahOctober 8, 2017, 1:59 pm
A Leo is probably the best option. You can find Leo’s at target for low prices. She could also wear a unitard. (Which are also available at target)
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PaulaJune 26, 2017, 10:41 am
I agree leotard is better for females in my days it was navy blue pe knickers leotards were just catching on
ReplyEmilyAugust 8, 2017, 5:33 pm
In my experience a Leotard and leggings is the best thing to wear to a gymnastics class. Sports bras are not needed because the leo covers and holds a lot. Always bring water and a pair of comfy shoes! THx
ReplyFirstDustinSeptember 29, 2017, 5:53 pm
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money, search for: Mrdalekjd methods for $$$Elgin JoyceDecember 5, 2017, 1:43 pm
My boy (6 years) is really shy about going barefooted. Can he wear something or should I try to get him over the fear and do it in his barefeet?
ReplyElgin JoyceDecember 5, 2017, 1:44 pm
.
ReplyLiam barrDecember 5, 2017, 1:45 pm
I did gymnastics barefoot once and really didn’t like it. Floor was too cold my toes felt numb
ReplyJamieJanuary 14, 2018, 8:11 pm
My child goes to Dana mannix and 4/5 is not wearing a leotard. Most of them are girls and they just wear t-shirts bras and shorts
ReplyDebbieMarch 10, 2020, 8:55 pm
If they are just trying it out, shorts and t- shirts are ok, but it’s so much better to dress for the sport you’re in, and gymnasts wear leotards. Most sports have a standard uniform, e.g., football players wear pads and a helmet,etc… Your student will be safer, and feel more confident as she dresses in a leotard (think Olympic gymnasts, or look to see what the team girls are wearing.
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SantaJanuary 24, 2018, 4:36 pm
Should girls wear underwear and bras
ReplygymnasticshqJanuary 24, 2018, 4:50 pm
they can–but don’t have to 🙂
Reply
Margaux FordFebruary 23, 2018, 8:12 pm
I appreciate the tips on the proper attire for girls to wear to gymnastics class, like leotards and unitard. I enrolled my daughter in a gymnastics class, and we’re looking for the attire that she’ll be using. I think that a leotard paired with gymnastic leggings would also be perfect. I’ll start looking for high-quality products for gymnastics attire later. Thanks for the advice!
ReplyBMarch 13, 2018, 10:36 pm
Thank you article awesome
ReplyA gymnastApril 30, 2018, 11:26 pm
what is the purpose of hipster shorts?
ReplyPaulaMay 1, 2018, 12:07 am
I agree what is the point of hipster shorts my daughter hates them .
ReplyCamryn FolkemerJanuary 10, 2021, 10:34 am
I agree. I’m 10 and I don’t like wearing shorts
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SophiaJune 22, 2021, 8:41 am
It may be uncomfortable as it was for me, but when you et to the age of your period, you’ll realize how much it will help since girls usually start out wearing thin pads to practice before a tampon. But before that, shorts help hide the underwear and keep skin from tearing it when on the bar. Make sure to be grateful you have shorts!
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Maureen Elena LaneskiSeptember 18, 2018, 10:19 am
Real, genuine question here: My 3. (Nearly 4) yo boy is starting this week. I was going to get him a Spiderman leotard or something, but I’m reading that he’s fine in shorts and a tank top. Why are girls supposed to wear leotards, then? It creeps me out a little that there’s a difference. In the beginning classes they’ll be doing the same exercises. Why is there a difference? Thanks much for this list!!
ReplygymnasticshqSeptember 18, 2018, 11:28 am
Hi! Yes your boy will be fine in shorts and a shirt and girls at that young age are really fine to wear shorts and a T-shirt too. At the higher levels a leotard is important so it doesn’t get caught on the beam or bars. At higher levels there are different skills so this is less important for boys (although they tuck their tank tops in for the same reason..so they won’t get caught)
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New beginner gymnastic mom?December 4, 2018, 8:14 pm
Hey I was wandering what should I do with the blisters she will get
ReplySophiaJune 22, 2021, 8:37 am
I’m in level 6, I’m only a gymnast, but we usually put vaseline on our hands to keep them from drying out (let it sit overnight) and once we get to the level it is needed, we use grips(level 2-3). If there are no grips, when the gymnast asks the coach, they will usually put tape on the gymnast’s hands! Hope this helps
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Hikari TamaeOctober 12, 2019, 2:07 am
This was helpful! I am a teen and I am a self-taught gymnast. And I do not know what to wear at home. So this helped me a lot! Thank you!
ReplyJoanJuly 28, 2020, 12:27 pm
Hi . I am a girl from Nigeria. I love gymnastics and I have always wanted to learn. Is there a place where I can be enrolled
ReplyJuliana MartinezNovember 25, 2020, 10:30 am
ReplyHello,
My daughter (10) is starting gymnastics soon. And I don’t know what to get her. I’m not sure if she needs to wear a sports bra under her shirt or not.
Camryn FolkemerJanuary 10, 2021, 10:31 am
One thing they said for older gymnasts is that they should wear shorts. The thing is you don’t need to wear shorts if you don’t want to .I’m 10 and I don’t wear shorts, and I practice 9 hours a week. Wearing shorts is the gymnasts choice. If they want to wear them, they can wear them. If they do not want to wear them, than they do not need to wear them. SHORTS ARE NOT A REQIURMENT. If they compete, than they are not allowed to wear shorts during competitions any ways.
ReplySophiaJune 22, 2021, 8:32 am
I wear spandex shorts to gymnastics, they build up pit fragments really fast, i don’t know if i should keep wearing them or not. And, just another question, should i keep wearing bra pads to gymnastics?
ReplyJillianSeptember 10, 2022, 4:29 pm
There is nothing else to where. The only option is bare feet, shoes, or socks, and shoes/socks aren’t allowed.
ReplyAlishaSeptember 13, 2022, 5:15 pm
My daughter is ten should she be wearing a sports bra to gymnastics she is in level4
ReplyGeorgiaNovember 19, 2022, 8:37 am
I’m doing gymnastics today, what should I wear? I don’t have money or a leotard.I’m 11 years old
ReplygymnasticshqNovember 19, 2022, 12:39 pm
You can wear athletic attire – leggings or shorts and a shirt or sports bra. Whatever you feel comfortable in.
Reply
GeorgiaNovember 19, 2022, 9:05 pm
Thank you!!
ReplyMaggieMarch 24, 2023, 4:10 pm
When I started gymnastics at first wore shorts and a top with a built-in bra, however the best choice is a leotard and shorts.
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When I was looking for a leotard I found that the Target and Walmart ones were not my style so I did some research and made up my choice to buy a Destira one. I was looking at gk elite but they were all very spendy but will be buying some of them because of the good reviews. I also wear a pair of short Athleta running shorts and love them. In the future I will be buying another destira leotard and nike volleyball shorts! At your local gymnastics they may have their own apparel including leotards and shorts, so be sure to check that out. If your daughter is starting gymnastics be sure to tell her to be confident, because it is much needed in gymnastics. Also Destira and gk elite have many different leotards and both have amazing Quality. I hope this helped your search for gymnastics apparel!Maria BJune 30, 2023, 11:29 am
Hi 🙂 I’m 14, and I’m a cheerleader looking into gymnastics to improve my tumbling and flexibility. I have no clue where to start. Where can I get a leotard? What do I do with these C-cup boobs?? Any recommendations on a sports bra???
ReplyHollyAugust 3, 2023, 8:11 am
Great post! Gymnastics clothing is an absolute game-changer in the world of gymnastics, and your blog perfectly captures the essence of how these garments elevate a gymnast’s performance and confidence. Have you seen these models https://www.dancestore.com.au/dance-wear/gymnastics/ ?
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