Gymnastics class involves various movements of the body through activities like tumbling, swinging and jumping. For this reason, gymnasts need to wear specific clothing to promote full range of movement. This clothing varies with gender as well as overall comfort. Know your clothing options before stepping into class so that you can be as comfortable and unhindered in movement as possible.
Leotards or Singlets
Leotards or singlets -- the leotard outfits donned by wrestlers -- are worn by both men and women for gymnastics. These are considered the safest and most comfortable gymnastics attire. These are tight-fitting outfits that cover the chest and private areas. Leotards can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved depending on comfort. When purchasing a leotard, make sure it has no frills, skirts or straps, as these increase your risk for injury from falling or slipping. You can wear leotards and singlets for both training and competitions.
Shorts
For both men and women, a pair of tight-fitting shorts over the leotard is permissible for added comfort. These shorts should not have any zippers, strings, pockets, snaps or buttons. Choose shorts that are stretchy or loose enough so as not to restrict movement, but tight enough so that they don't get in the way of your moves.
T-Shirts
T-shirts with shorts are often the most comfortable attire for boys. However, like the shorts, T-shirts must exhibit no accessories, such as buttons or pockets or other attached ornaments that might get in the way when performing movements. In addition, like shorts, T-shirts must be stretchy or loose enough to be comfortable and not restrict movement, but tight enough so that it doesn't get in the way. T-shirts must be tucked into your shorts. You can wear T-shirts for your training, but not for competition.
Pants
For the pommel horse, parallel bars, rings and high bar, men usually wear a leotard or singlet with long gymnastics pants instead of shorts. These pants allow your coach to check your body line when performing your routine and the judges to see your body line when performing at competitions. Like other clothing options, pants should be loose enough for comfort and free movement, but tight enough so as not to interfere with the routine's movements. You can wear pants for training and competitions.
Bare Feet or Slippers
Usually gymnasts prefer to perform and practice barefoot; however, special footwear, called gymnastics slippers, is allowed. These slippers are permitted for both men and women in training and in competition. Gymnastics slippers should be in good condition, fit well and have non-slip soles, notes the book "How to Improve at Gymnastics."
Underwear
If wearing a leotard, you can purchase certain underwear that fits to the shape of a leotard. This is so judges don't see a visible pantie line, which causes point deductions at competition. However, you can choose to not underwear with leotards, as leotards and singlets operate much like a swimsuit. Wearing a bra is also permissible, but it mustn't be visible -- even the straps shouldn't show.
Considerations
In training and competition, your hair must always be tied back so that it reduces any possible injury from getting in the way of your vision or movements. For the same reason, jewelry is not permitted during training or competitions either. If you're performing on the asymmetric bars, purchase hand grips. These protect your hands from injuries such as blisters. You can purchase these in a variety of materials, such as leather and suede, notes the book "How to Improve at Gymnastics."
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