When your child begins gymnastics, one of the first questions parents ask is: “What should they wear?” The right clothing helps your gymnast feel comfortable, stay safe, and focus on learning skills rather than fussing with what they’re wearing.
Core Essentials: What to Wear
For Girls (All Ages)
The leotard is the cornerstone of girls’ gymnastics attire. It’s snug, secure, and designed to let a gymnast twist, flip, and tumble without distraction. Coaches prefer leotards because they make it easier to see body lines and correct form.
- Tank Leotards: Sleeveless and breathable, these are the most common for practice.
- Long-Sleeve Leotards: Often worn at competitions where appearance and uniformity matter.
- Biketards: A leotard with shorts built in—perfect for younger gymnasts who want extra coverage.
- Unitards: Full-body options that extend to the legs and sometimes arms. They’re increasingly popular for comfort, modesty, and warmth in cooler gyms.
Many gyms accept biketards or unitards for toddlers and beginners, especially for children just adjusting to training in a leotard.
For Boys
Boys’ attire looks different, but the goal is the same—fit and safety.
- Fitted T-Shirts or Singlets: These should be snug so they don’t ride up during handstands or flips.
- Athletic Shorts or Compression Bottoms: Slim-fitting options prevent fabric from catching on equipment.
- Singlet with Shorts/Leggings: Typically used as boys advance to competitive levels.
Loose or baggy clothing should always be avoided—it can become dangerous when flipping upside down or using equipment.
Active Alternatives for Beginners
Preschoolers or first-timers don’t need to rush into a leotard if they aren’t ready. A tank top with leggings or biker shorts works just fine as long as the fit is snug and safe. As children progress, transitioning to standard gymnastics attire helps them feel more connected to the sport.
Fit, Fabric & Safety — Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do
- Choose Form-Fitting Gear: Outfits should move with the body without cutting off circulation.
- Pick Breathable Fabrics: Lycra, spandex, and blends keep gymnasts cool while allowing maximum flexibility.
- Secure Hair Properly: Ponytails, buns, or braids tied with soft elastics prevent distractions and accidents.
❌ Don’t
- Avoid Loose Clothing: Baggy shirts and sweatpants hide body shapes and may snag on equipment.
- Skip Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings are unsafe. Even small studs are best left at home unless explicitly permitted.
- Say No to Regular Socks: Bare feet give gymnasts the best grip. Only specialty grip socks are sometimes used in preschool classes.
Age-by-Age Recommendations
- Toddlers (2–5 years):
Best Gear: Biketards, unitards, or tank leotards with soft elastics.
Why: Comfort is key—coverage prevents tugging and allows free movement.
Footwear: Always barefoot for balance. - Young Beginners (5–7 years):
Best Gear: Tank leotard with optional shorts for modesty.
Why: They’re learning basics and need full range of motion. Hair tied, jewelry removed. - Children (6–10 years):
Best Gear: Standard leotards are preferred, though unitards and shorts-over-leotards are widely accepted.
Why: At this stage, attire must meet safety and presentation standards for structured programs. - Boys (All Ages):
Best Gear: Fitted T-shirt or singlet with athletic shorts. Compression leggings are common.
Why: Keeps outfits tucked in and prevents distractions or hazards.
Practice Attire: What Most Gyms Prefer
Practice outfits should balance comfort with clear visibility for coaches.
- Girls (WAG): Leotards are standard, usually sleeveless. Hair tied back. Fitted shorts or footless leggings may be worn. Always barefoot.
- Boys (MAG): Snug T-shirt or tank with athletic shorts. Barefoot training is the norm.
🚫 Always avoid: Jeans, snaps, zippers, baggy clothing, watches, or jewelry.
💡 Parent Tip: For very young gymnasts, biketards and unitards make bathroom breaks simpler and reduce fidgeting.
Competition Attire for Girls (WAG)
✅ Allowed (No Deduction)
- One-piece leotard (sleeves optional). Leg line must be below the hip bone.
- Unitards to the ankle.
- Ankle-length tights under/over the leotard (matching color or skin tone).
- Solid black fitted shorts (plain, above the knee). May go over or under the leotard.
- Head coverings that attach securely and don’t pose risks.
- Clear bra straps.
- Stud earrings only.
- Hair tied neatly away from the face.
❌ Not Allowed
- Backless leotards beyond limits (unless filled with mesh).
- Intentionally visible underwear or bras.
- Necklaces, bracelets, or dangling earrings (except taped medical IDs).
- Spaghetti straps (must be at least 2 cm wide).
- Bare midriffs.
- Tennis shoes.
- Earbuds or headphones during competition.
⚠️ Penalty
Incorrect attire = 0.20 neutral deduction after one warning. The deduction is only applied once per meet if corrected.
Competition Attire for Boys (MAG)
- FIG International Standard: Long pants + socks on Pommel Horse, Rings, Parallel Bars, and High Bar; shorts for Floor and Vault.
- USAG Development Program: At compulsory levels, boys may compete barefoot in shorts on Floor and Vault; pants and socks are required for Pommel Horse, Rings, Parallel Bars, and High Bar.
👉 Teams often switch from shorts to pants between events. Coaches will cue athletes when to change.
Hair, Jewelry, and Add-Ons
- Hair: Must be secured so it never obscures vision.
- Jewelry: Stud earrings only; all other piercings removed. Medical bracelets allowed if taped.
- Head Coverings: Permitted if snug, attached, and safe.
Footwear, Socks & Slippers
- Most gymnasts compete barefoot.
- Slippers or socks may be used in certain events (beam shoes, or socks for boys on bars).
- Women’s DP rules: Tennis shoes are not appropriate competition footwear.
- Boys at FIG level must wear socks with pants on PH, SR, PB, and HB.
Protective Gear & Seasonal Extras
- Allowed: Hand grips, wrist supports (like Tiger Paws), tape, bandages, and taped medical IDs.
- Warm-Ups: Jackets or sweatpants are fine before, after, or between events, but not during routines. Coaches enforce what’s acceptable at awards and march-ins.
Source: static.usagym.org
Quick FAQ
Can my daughter wear shorts over her leotard at a USAG meet?
Yes—solid black, fitted, above-the-knee shorts with no embellishments.
Are unitards allowed?
Yes—full-length unitards to the ankle are permitted.
What if we forget to fix an outfit or remove jewelry?
The Chief Judge will give one warning. If not corrected, a 0.20 neutral deduction applies, but only once per meet.
Do boys have to wear socks?
- FIG: Yes, with pants on PH, SR, PB, HB; shorts for FX and VT.
- USAG DP: Varies by level. Shorts/barefoot may be allowed for Floor and Vault, but pants/socks are required elsewhere. Always follow your coach’s instructions.
In conclusion, dressing your young gymnast doesn’t have to be complicated. For practice, choose snug-fitting leotards or athletic gear and bare feet. For competition, follow the official rulebook: girls in leotards or unitards, boys in shorts or pants depending on apparatus. The key is making sure every outfit is safe, comfortable, and compliant.
