Gymnastics requires movements on various pieces of equipment such as the pummel horse, parallel bars, rings and high bar. To do these movements with maximum ease and safety in mind, gymnasts must keep clothing in mind. While this clothing varies with training and actual performance in competitions, wearing the right clothing will allow for full range of needed motion, less injury because of excess clothing material and visible definition of the body as seen by judges or your coach. Before you pick out gymnastics clothes, get knowledgeable about appropriate gymnastics wear.
Leotards or Singlets
Gymnasts usually use leotards or singlets as their main clothing. Leotards can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved and cut at the groin area much like a bikini. If you don't like this cut, you can opt for a singlet, a leotard that is cut in the shape of shorts at the bottom instead of a bikini. Many gymnasts wear these in training, with or without tight-fitting shorts over top. However, gymnasts are required to wear leotards or singlets in competition. Ensure that your leotard or singlet doesn't have any hanging adornments, such as frills, straps and strings because those can increase risk of falling or slipping.
Shorts
While shorts aren't allowed in competition, you can wear them while training. Pair these shorts with a leotard or a T-shirt. Don't wear shorts that have pockets, strings, buttons, snaps or zippers. These can get in your way when performing movements and cause injury. In addition, shorts should be tight-fitting so they don't get in the way of your movements, but loose enough for optimum comfort and to avoid movement restriction.
T-shirts
T-shirts and a pair of shorts or pants are usually the most comfortable outfit for male gymnasts in class. Like shorts, T-shirts are not allowed in competition and must not have any adornments such as strings, pockets, snaps or buttons. Also, like shorts, T-shirts must be loose enough so that they provide maximum comfort and don't restrict your range of movement; however, they must also be tight enough so as not to get in the way and cause injury. Your T-shirt must be tucked into your shorts or pants.
Pants
Gymnasts wear long gymnastics pants during competition and training. However, for competitions, you must accompany pants with a leotard or singlet instead of a T-shirt. While they provide more coverage, pants still allow the judges and your coach to see your body line when performing your routine. Pants are usually chosen if you're performing routines on the pummel horse, rings, high bar or parallel bars. Like other gymnastics clothing options, pants must be loose enough to not restrict movement but tight enough so that they don't get in the way.
Slippers
While most gymnasts prefer performing or practicing barefoot, some opt for slippers. This special footwear is permitted in competition and training, and prevents the gymnast from slipping or falling when running or when using the beam. Slippers should have nonslip soles, be in good condition and fit your feet well.
Underwear
Most gymnasts don't wear underwear when wearing a leotard because these outfits act much like a bathing suit does. However, if you're wearing a leotard, you can still wear underwear. However, this underwear should be skin-colored and cut just like a leotard so that panty lines don't show. You can also wear bras under your leotard or singlet, but it mustn't be visible; even the straps shouldn't show. You can wear any underwear of your choosing in training.
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