In gymnastics, what you wear isn’t just about looking good—it affects how you move, how you feel, and how you’re seen. From preschool classes to world championship arenas, the conversation around leotards and unitards is heating up.
For decades, the high-cut leotard has stood as a symbol of tradition, athleticism, and elite status. But the rise of the sleek, full-length unitard—offering more coverage and a boost of confidence—is starting to challenge the norm, giving gymnasts more options than ever before.
Let the style showdown begin.
What Is a Leotard?
A leotard is a stretchy, one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs bare. It comes in sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved versions and remains the most common attire for female gymnasts in both training and competition.
Key Features:
- High-cut leg openings
- Snug fit for full range of motion
- Preferred in meets for clear body visibility
- Available in a huge range of colors, cuts, and embellishments
Some leotards are simple and functional for practice, while others are decorated with rhinestones, mesh, or metallic fabrics for competition flair.
What Is a Unitard?
A unitard is similar in fit to a leotard but offers more coverage, extending down to the thighs or ankles. It’s a one-piece, form-fitting garment designed for comfort, modesty, or cultural reasons, and it’s now fully legal in most gymnastics programs.
Key Features:
- Covers more of the legs (mid-thigh to full-length)
- Often chosen for modesty or personal comfort
- Fully approved by FIG and USA Gymnastics
- Becoming more accepted in both training and competition
Though less common than leotards in elite meets, unitards are gaining ground as more gymnasts discover they can look sharp and feel confident in full coverage.
Leotard vs. Unitard: What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Leotard | Unitard |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Coverage | No leg coverage | Covers thighs or full legs |
| Usage | Standard in training and meets | Optional for practice and meets |
| Mobility | Maximum freedom | Slightly warmer, may require sizing adjustment |
| Style Variety | Huge selection of styles | Growing range, still more limited |
| Competition Legal? | Yes | Yes (must be properly fitted) |
In short, leotards are the classic go-to, while unitards offer a modern, confidence-boosting alternative.
A (Very) Short History of Gymnastics Outfits
Leotards became the norm for women’s gymnastics in the 1960s, prized for how clearly they showcased body lines, helping judges see every move. Over time, leotards evolved from plain training gear to glittering, customized competition wear.
Unitards, while occasionally worn since the 1980s, didn’t gain much traction until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. That’s when the German women’s team wore striking crimson unitards as a stand against the sexualization of female athletes. The message was clear: gymnasts should choose what makes them feel confident.
Today, that choice is more accepted than ever.
What the Rulebooks Say in 2025
Wondering if unitards are allowed in meets? They are—and here’s what the current rules say:
- FIG (International): Gymnasts must wear a “sportive, non-transparent leotard or unitard.” If it’s a unitard, it must cover the legs from hip to ankle. Leggings may be worn over or under if they match in color.
- USA Gymnastics (Development & Xcel): Unitards are legal with ankle-length legs and may have sleeves or not. Tights or capris can also be worn over or under a leotard for extra coverage.
- NCAA (College): As of 2025, athletes may wear shorts, leggings, or tights that match the leotard—blurring the line between leotard and unitard while keeping traditional terminology.
Source: static.usagym.org, collegegymnews.com
Mobility, Safety, and Comfort
What you wear affects how you train—and how you feel doing it.
Freedom of Movement
Leotards leave the hips free, with nothing to restrict wide splits, kicks, or vault entries. Unitards, while more covered, are typically made of four-way stretch fabric that moves well, though beginners may feel light resistance until they find the right fit.
Grip on Equipment
Bare skin helps with grip, especially on the beam and bars, where tactile feedback aids control. Unitards protect against friction burns and chalk irritation, but slick fabrics can make beam work feel more slippery.
Body Confidence
Some athletes feel proud in the traditional, athletic look of a leotard. Others—especially teens—prefer the coverage of a unitard, which can reduce self-consciousness during inverted skills or big splits.
Temperature and Sweat
Leotards stay cooler in warm gyms and dry quickly. Unitards add warmth for winter but may feel hot in summer. Some brands add mesh panels for better breathability.
Cost and Sizing Basics
Pricing
- Practice leotards: ~$35
- Practice unitards: ~$45 (more fabric = slightly higher cost)
- High-end, competition styles (both): $150+
How Many to Buy
For beginners: 1 competition suit + 2 practice outfits is plenty. Unitards take longer to air-dry, so extras help during back-to-back training days.
Fit Tips
The most important fit point is the torso length (shoulder to crotch). A suit that’s too short will ride up, and one that’s too long will wrinkle or snag. Try both youth and adult sizes if you’re in between.
Voices From the Floor
This conversation isn’t just theoretical—real gymnasts and coaches are shaping it.
At Tokyo 2020, German gymnast Sarah Voss said, “We wanted to feel comfortable, and show every woman she can decide.” That moment sparked global discussion around choice and confidence.
In the U.S. club scene, a 2024 survey of 174 coaches found that 68% would allow unitards by request, while only 7% require them for modesty. Most simply let the gymnast choose.
In college gymnastics, athletes often go with leggings over leotards for added comfort without the heat of a full unitard—especially in crowded, high-energy arenas.
The trend is clear: gymnasts want clothing that helps them focus, feel good, and perform their best.
Source: abcnews.go.com, collegegymnews.com
How to Decide as a Beginner
If you’re new to gymnastics, choosing between a leotard and a unitard can feel like a big decision. Here’s how to simplify it:
- Check your gym’s policy: Some programs prefer leotards for uniformity. Others let athletes choose what they’re most comfortable in.
- Consider comfort and confidence: If your child prefers leggings at home or is shy about their body, a unitard can be a great starting point.
- Think about meets: If your gym competes, ask what the team uniform is. Many gymnasts train in unitards but wear leotards on meet day.
- Plan for growth: Kids grow fast! Choose a size with a bit of room—especially for unitards, which should still reach the ankle after a growth spurt.
The Road Ahead
The future of gymnastics style is all about flexibility.
At the 2024 Olympics, Nike offered both briefs-cut leotards and biker-length unitards—proof that even big brands are ready for more variety. FIG’s next round of rule updates may revisit “line visibility,” but for now, gymnasts can still choose what suits them best.
Experts predict a hybrid future:
- Leotards for finals and high-level competitions
- Unitards for youth gymnasts and daily practice
- Leggings-over-leotards as the go-to in NCAA meets
Bottom line: the sport is moving toward more choice, more expression, and more support for what makes gymnasts feel strong, confident, and in control.
