Choosing your First Leotard: Leotard Buying Guide and Requirements

Searching for a competition leotard can be a daunting task. Measurements, attire rules, safety and cost are some of the considerations that make it hard to know where to begin.

The world of rhythmic gymnastics has seen an ever-increasing cost related to leotards worn by children and amateurs.

While getting a new leotard can be an exciting part of the competition experience, it is important to note it has no impact on scores. Remember, it's not a fashion show!

With this in mind, here are some options to purchase the right leotard:

Second-hand Leotards

Pre-loved leotards are the best option for growing gymnasts.

Pros:

Leotards are normally just worn for competitions, which means they are not used very often. This makes it easy to find second-hand leotards in great condition.

This option is a lot more cost-effective than buying a brand-new one, especially if the gymnast is likely to outgrow their competition leotard soon.

Cons:

Purchasing them takes more conversation and back and forth than buying them from a shop, as you will most likely be purchasing from a private individual.

Finding leotards that are the right size may take more time and a little bit more browsing.

Links to purchase second-hand leotards:

• Facebook Groups (such as Buy and Sell Used Rhythmic Gymnastics leotards and equipment)

• Ebay

• Other second-hand shopping apps such as DoneDeal, or Adverts.ie

Brand-New Leotards

If finding the right size in the second-hand market is too difficult, there are more traditional shops you may want to try:

• Malliot Ritmica: this shop ships quickly from Spain and the fabrics they use make their leotards really affordable while keeping the designs fun and vibrant.

• Vinkova: a very popular brand with a great selection of leotards that caters to different budgets.

Other Cost-Effective Ideas

• Get a basic leotard and buy some gems and fabric glue. You can make it your own at a fraction of the price!

• Swap leotards with friends. If you have a similar size, this will give you more options.

• Other affordable options include: Etsy and Decathlon

Safety and Fair Scoring Regulations

Body

• The leotard must be made of non-see-through material from your child's chest down to their crotch. If it has sheer parts, they need to be lined.

• It must be tight-fitted all over so judges can clearly see every body part and position.

• The front and back necklines shouldn't go lower than the middle of the breastbone or the bottom of the shoulder blades.

• The leg openings shouldn't go higher than the crotch fold or lower than the bottom of the crotch.

• The crotch and buttock area, up to the hip bone, must be covered with opaque (not see-through) material that isn't skin-colored. Small sheer or skin-colored decorative panels are okay on the sides IF:

  • There's a solid fabric connection between the front and back of the leotard at hip level.

  • This connection looks like one continuous piece, even if it has decorations.

  • It's positioned at the hip bone level.

Recommendation: It's best if the entire bottom area is covered with opaque, non-skin-coloured material.

Sleeves:

• Leotards can have any length of sleeves, no sleeves, or narrow straps.

• Sleeves can be made of sheer material.

-All sleeve parts must be tight-fitted.

Legs:

• Your gymnast can wear full-length tights (under or over the leotard), a one-piece unitard with full legs, or have bare legs.

• Shorts or mid-length tights are NOT allowed.

• Both legs must look the same: The fabric color and length on both legs must match. Only small decorative differences are allowed.

Skirts:

• A short skirt (ending at the pelvic area) is allowed over the leotard, tights, or unitard.

• The skirt style is free, but it cannot look like a ballet "tutu."

• The skirt must be attached to the leotard at the waist and cannot be a separate piece.