Continue reading »]]> Gymnastics leotards come in a huge selection of styles, but there are basically two kinds of leotards you will need for gymnastics:  workout leotards and competition leotards.  When it comes to workout leotards, you will find yourself spoilt for choice.  Because these leotards are only used for training, you may select a workout leotard based on your own personal preference in terms of colour, style, pattern and cut.  A gymnastics unitard, which is like a leotard that extends down to the middle of the thigh, is also an acceptable option for training.

Some girls may choose to train in leotard shorts worn over the top of their gymnastics leotards.  Be aware that many coaches prefer gymnasts to train in the same type of apparel that they will compete in, and since shorts are not permitted in competition, a properly fitting pair of gymnastics leotards may be viewed as the singular best option for training.  Whichever style of workout gear you choose, make sure you buy gymnastics leotards and not dance leotards.

Alpha Factor's 'Arabian' Competition Leotards

Competition leotards are only worn at gymnastics competitions and there are strict rules governing their appearance.  No cut-outs, criss-cross designs or straps under five centimetres in width are allowed.  Points are deducted if underwear is visible, or even if there are underwear lines showing through the garment, so it pays to keep this in mind when choosing a gymnastics leotard for competition purposes. Often gymnastics leotards for competition are long-sleeved, high quality garments which feature a design and colours picked out by the coach or the gymnastics team or they may be custom-designed and created especially for the occasion.    Some manufacturers, such as Dreamlight Activewear, offer online custom leotard design software and will provide you with sample swatches to help you create a unique pair of competition leotards that are exactly suited to your specifications.

Continue reading »]]> A gymnastic leotard is an essential piece of apparel for the aspiring gymnast.  These days there is almost an endless variety of colours, patterns, styles and fabrics to choose from, so the task of choosing the right gymnastic leotard can be a bit bewildering for those who are just beginning with the sport.  This article will provide some helpful hints to assist you in purchasing the perfect pair of leotards for you.

The first and most important thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for your gym wear is that you need to make sure you buy a gymnastic leotard and not a dance leotard.   How can you tell the difference?  Simple – gymnastic leotards are like swimsuits that are cut right below the hips and fit tightly around the thighs.  This is to help the gymnastic leotard to stay put while the gymnast is tumbling and vaulting, rather than riding up and causing wedgies.  In a competition, points are deducted every time the competitor picks or pulls at their garment, so it’s important that the gymnastic leotard you choose fits well.  You will find that dance leotards are much looser fitting and higher cut than a proper gymnastic leotard and will not give satisfactory results.

Another factor to consider when buying your gymnastic leotard is the kind of fabric it is made out of.   There are many different materials to choose from including lycra and velour, along with specialty fabrics like mesh, and glitter or foiled finishes.  Whatever material you choose for your gymnastic leotard, make sure it does not cause itchiness or irritation. If you have sensitive skin it’s especially important to check that the leotard feels comfortable against your skin so that you will get maximum use out of it.

When it comes to picking a style for your gymnastic leotard, you’ll certainly find that there is plenty of variety to choose from.  Sleeve style choices vary from full length, to three quarter length, short and sleeveless.  Competition leotards generally feature full length sleeves, but most girls opt for sleeveless gymnastic  leotards for everyday training since they tend to be much cooler.   In the sleeveless leotards you will find everything from spaghetti straps, to criss-crosses and racer back styles.  The choice is up to you, but be sure to take into consideration whether or not the style you choose will expose your bra straps if you will be wearing one under your gymnastic leotard.

With these few basic pieces of advice in mind, you can now focus on the fun part – selecting the perfect gymnastic leotard to suit your body shape from the many different styles and colours that are available.  Check out the great range of gymnastic leotards online or visit a specialty activewear store in your area to get your gym kit underway today.

Continue reading »]]> If you are competing or performing in your gym leotards then naturally you’ll want to look and feel your best.  Unfortunately mishaps can happen, and if you spill something on your leotards it may leave a mark.  The good news is that many blemishes can be removed from gym leotards with a little help from some common household ingredients.  You may even want to consider packing some of these solutions into a small ‘emergency kit’ to carry with you to important events just in case you do accidentally get something on your gym leotards at the last minute.

The first handy item we suggest you put into your gym leotards crisis kit is a packet of Huggies baby wipes.  You will find that these are invaluable for helping to remove traces of lipstick or make-up which may have found their way onto your leotards.  Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) is another helpful solution to have in your kit.  This can help to eliminate blood, coffee, ketchup and mustard stains from your gym leotards.  Dab some onto your leotards and leave for approximately five minutes before rinsing in warm water.   You can also try using club soda on other food-soiled areas, and corn starch is reputed to be effective when it comes to ridding leotards of tomato sauce marks.

For greasy and oily marks you will need to apply some kind of absorbent to your leotards.  Salt, cornstarch or talcum powder are all common absorbents that work well if the spot is relatively small and you treat it quickly.  Apply the absorbent to your gym leotards and allow it to sit on the grease mark for a couple of minutes before simply brushing it off.

Ink can be a problem on any clothing item, but if you do happen to get some on your gym leotards then reach for a bottle of rubbing alcohol.  Put the leotards over a light coloured towel and blot them with a clean white cloth until the ink is removed.  You can also try hairspray if you have some on hand, but the effectiveness of this solution will vary, depending on the alcohol content of your hairspray.  Be sure to rinse your gym leotards thoroughly after either of these treatments, as these chemicals can damage leotard fabric.

Don’t forget that you should always test any spot treatment method you use on your leotards by treating a small inconspicuous area on an inside seam first.  If the colour changes in that area, then don’t use this solution to treat the rest of your gym leotards.   For more information about how to care for your leotards and keep them looking new, click here.

Continue reading »]]> When your budding ballerina starts her first dance classes, she’ll look forward to having her very own set of leotards and tights.  If there’s one thing a mother loves, it’s the chance to dress her daughter up and share in her delight at feeling beautiful.  So here’s some advice to help you find the right leotards for your child.

Before you hit the shops in search of the cutest ballet leotards you can find, first check with your child’s dance school as to their requirements.  Many dance schools prefer you to buy the leotards directly from them so that they can maintain a certain uniformity of colour and style among their students.  Busy mothers will appreciate the time and stress this saves when it comes to finding the perfect pair of leotards.   If your dance school does not have a preferred uniform, you’ll need to visit some of your local dancewear stores or look online for a variety of leotard options.  Buying your leotards online will prove cost-effective and provide you with many more options than what is available on the rack, however it can be tricky to get the sizing just right, so be sure that you can return them if needed.

It’s important that you get the fit right on your daughter’s first pair of leotards and that you choose a style that works with her body shape.  You want her to be as comfortable and confident in her new leotards as possible so that she will develop a positive attitude towards her dance classes and want to continue with them.   Have your child try some on and ask her to simulate some dance movements.  Check what happens with the leotard straps when she bends over.  If the straps fall down when your child moves, or pull and cause shoulder pain, then you should try the leotard in a different size.   Look at how the leotards move as your daughter bends and lifts her legs.    They should stretch nicely without pulling awkwardly under the arms, pinching or riding up in the crotch area. A good leotard will firmly hug body contours without being too tight or too baggy.

It may take a little time to get the perfect fit on your daughter’s first pair of leotards, but rest assured that your efforts will be rewarded in the enjoyment your child gains from many years of happy and comfortable dance classes to come.

Continue reading »]]> Gymnastic leotards can be an expensive clothing item to purchase, so in these difficult economic times when spending cut backs may be necessary, we thought we’d give you the rundown on the best way to keep your leotards in tip-top condition so that they continue to look good and last you longer.

Our first money-saving tip would be to buy your gymnastic leotards from a reputable manufacturer.  The larger well-known brands of gymnastic leotards make their garments from high-quality, durable fabrics like lycra that have been tested and proven to last, so it’s worth paying a few extra dollars to know that your gymnastic leotards are not going to fall apart after the first wash.

Specialty fabrics like mesh, hologram, sparkle or glitter velvet, and foils tend to be more delicate, so be aware before you buy your leotards that these materials will require extra care.  If you just can’t resist the allure of shiny, sparkly leotards, then be sure to take particular care when applying your deodorant or any alcohol-based aerosol products.  Deodorant, perspiration and repeated washing can cause gymnastic leotards made from delicate fabrics to quickly fade or lose foil.

Another money-saving factor to be aware of before you buy is that white or light-coloured gymnastic leotards can sometimes pose a problem in terms of colour bleeding.  Try to avoid designs that have a light colour seamed with a darker colour under the arm as perspiration and deodorant application can cause colour transference in this area, ruining the look of your leotards.  The same principle applies if you are wearing light-coloured gymnastic leotards under darker-coloured warm-up apparel.  Another hint is to never leave damp or sweaty gymnastic leotards stuffed in your gym bag for any length of time.  Apart from causing unpleasant odours, it can also create problems with colour transference.

The best way to launder your gymnastic leotards is to turn them inside out and machine wash them in plenty of water using a mild liquid detergent. Avoid using bleaches, fabric softeners or harsh detergents as these products may damage your gymnastic leotards.  Once your wash cycle is complete, just pop your leotards into the tumble dryer on a low or no heat setting for best results.  By following these simple guidelines you can ensure that your gymnastic leotards stay looking good for many years to come.

Continue reading »]]> Knowing a few simple rules when it comes to choosing your leotards can greatly enhance both your figure and your confidence. Let’s face it, most of us are highly self-conscious when it comes to the way we look.  No matter how much we fine-tune our physique, we all have those body bits that we’d love to trade in for something that’s just a little bit more to our liking.  Disguising those troublesome parts is usually not too difficult when it comes to regular clothing choices, but what do you do when faced with the challenge of squeezing yourself into a skin-tight pair of leotards?    Not only do you have to contend with the fact that the lycra those leotards are made from is guaranteed to hug every contour, but also the fact that there is a distinct absence of lycra in a lot of places, leaving some body parts completely exposed.

The first thing to realise is that not all leotards are created equal. Check out a few of the online leotards catalogues and you’ll soon find there’s a huge variety of necklines, backlines, strap configurations, collar shapes, sleeve options, bodice types and leg cuts to choose from.  Knowing which styles of leotards best suit your body shape can make you look and feel your best.

Here are a few of the basic keys you need to know when choosing your leotards.  If you have a larger bust size you should avoid leotards with a high neckline such as boatneck, triangle halter or high-collared leotards as these will draw attention to your chest.  Similarly, sleeveless leotards such as those with camisole straps are likely to enhance the size of your shoulders, arms and chest.  Instead, try leotards that provide a scoop neck with three-quarter sleeve option to elongate your neck and minimise the chest area, or you might also opt for a sleeveless v-neck leotard if you have well-toned arms.

If you happen to be less well-endowed, then you’ll find that the opposite advice applies when choosing your leotards.  You’ll look your best in high-necked leotards with cut away sleeves such as halternecks or workout tanks.  A boatneck leotard with dainty cap sleeves will help to create the appearance of more up top.  You’ll also look and feel great wearing back-exposing leotards such as those with ballet or keyhole backs.

Leotard with low bodice and ballet back

Pear-shaped girls with larger hips and thighs might find their proportions look more balanced in sleeved leotards with a low bodice that provides a different colour fabric above the hipline.   This style of leotards will help to accentuate the top part of your body and the slimness of your waist, rather than focusing attention on those annoying saddlebags.

And remember, if you’re battling with trying to find the right leotard fit for your unique proportions, there are plenty of manufacturers such as Activewear 4U who will custom make a pair of leotards just for you.

Continue reading »]]> Check out a few of the new spring gymnastics leotards catalogues and you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve opened a display cabinet at your local jeweler’s shop.  A dazzling array of gymnastics leotards in shimmering, jewel-like colours dance across the pages in hues that range from rich ruby reds to alluring turquoises and deep amethysts.  Whether you’re looking for a new workout tank that will make you feel just that little bit special every time you put it on, or some team leotards that will turn heads in competition, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the absolutely beautiful selection of gymnastics leotards that are available this season.  Some of our favorites include the striking new range from GK.  Featuring flamboyant slashes of color set across a vibrant background their latest sleeveless gymnastics leotards  are a feast for the eyes and there are a host of wonderful patterns and colors to choose from.

Snowflake's Celebrity Purple Leotards

Many of the gymnastics leotards collections this season feature crystal embellishments in stars and swirls, such as Snowflake’s celebrity competition range which comes in purple, pink and dark blue.  These shiny little numbers even come complete with genuine Swarovski rhinestones, the perfect touch to help lift your confidence and make you look and feel like the champion you are.    Some of our other top picks from this manufacturer include the Monarch range, which feature a beautiful oversized butterfly design in pink or orange, and also their super shiny diamond dust range which boasts silverfoiled holographic swirls.   If it’s a bolder statement that you’re looking for, then check out the current Motionwear range which includes leotards that offer both daring patterns and asymmetrical configurations.   We liked the look of their High Voltage gymnastics leotard which features a cami strap with v-back and a riot of electric swirls for real wow factor.

Many of the spring gymnastics leotards collections feature specialty fabrics and embellishments so do keep in mind that these designs will need extra care to keep them looking like new.  Once you get a glimpse of the dazzling designs we’re sure you’ll agree its worth the effort.  So wash away those winter blues: check out the latest looks online and adorn yourself in some new jewel-bright gymnastics leotards for training or competition this spring.