Gymnastics is a sport that combines strength and flexibility with acrobatics and dance, but participants wear relatively little equipment compared to other sports. Many of the movements in gymnastics focus on the hands and feet, and gymnasts wear various types of protection for those areas. While gymnasts need little in terms of clothing, the outfits they wear in competitions and during practices play a key role in a successful routine.
Leotard
The leotard, or bodysuit, is the most important piece of apparel a gymnast will wear. A leotard typically is made of spandex or lycra, synthetic materials that stretch and fit like a second skin, allowing the gymnast to move freely. The neckline is usually scooped in the front and back and sleeves are worn long. Underneath the bodysuit, female gymnasts wear a pair of briefs made of the same fabric as the leotard. While the silhouette is similar for all gymnasts, the colors and styles of each leotard reflect personal preference or team colors, in the case of team competition. For individual competitions, gymnasts often choose a leotard that matches the theme of their routine, treating it as a kind of costume.
Warmup Suit
When a gymnast is at the competitive level, she not only wears a leotard that matches those of her teammates but also a warmup suit. Warmup suits are worn at the beginning of competitions and between routines in the various events. A warmup suit typically consists of elastic waist pants and a zip-up, track-style jacket. The warmup suit is designed to coordinate with the leotard to give each team an individual look.
Shoes and Grips
In terms of accessories, a gymnast wears coverings on her hands and feet. For the uneven parallel bars, many gymnasts choose to wear grips. The grips are wide strips of leather that strap onto a gymnast's hands to help her hold onto the uneven parallel bars, as well as keep her from developing excessive calluses. The feet are covered with lightweight leather shoes that resemble ballet slippers -- they fit snugly around the ankle and foot and have a piece of elastic that reaches over the top of the foot.
Practice Gear
A gymnast will wear similar clothing for practice sessions but the requirements aren't as stringent as for competition. The leotards often are sleeveless and there is not necessarily any uniformity among team members. Many gymnasts also wear shorts on top of the leotard. These shorts tend to be tight and stretchy, and are small so as not to impede the athlete’s movement.
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