Competing at a gymnastics meet can be exciting, but it’s important to know the guidelines for what to wear to ensure your gymnast feels comfortable, confident, and meet-ready. If you’re wondering what gymnasts wear to meets, from leotards and warm-ups to hair, nails, and even what goes in the gym bag—this guide covers it all. Proper attire is key not only for performance but also for adhering to the rules of competition. Here are essential tips and guidelines to follow for getting dressed for a gymnastics meet, although you should always check the specific rules for your organization or state.
Making sure you have the right things to wear to your gymnastics meet isn’t the only prep you should do! Check out our guide on how to prepare for a gymnastics meet. You can also check out our recommendations for essential practice gear!
What to Wear to a Gymnastics Meet
Here are some of the things you need to help you get dressed for your gymnastics meet!
Leotard & Warm-Up Suit:
The most important piece of attire for a gymnastics meet is the leotard. Here are some key things to remember:
- Competition Leotard: Your gymnast will need to wear their team’s competition leotard, which is usually provided by the gym or purchased in advance. Make sure it fits snugly but isn’t too tight to allow full range of motion.
- Sleeves: Most competition leotards have long sleeves, though some levels or gyms may wear sleeveless letoards.
- No Underwear or Underwear that Won’t Show: Many gymnasts don’t wear underwear under their leotards as it can show during routines and result in deductions. Leotards are designed to provide full coverage, so no additional undergarments are necessary. However, you might choose to wear underwear, just make sure it is cut high enough that it won’t show.
- Warm-Ups: If you have a warm-up suit then wear your leotard with your warm-up suit on top.
Hair: Neat and Pulled Back
Gymnastics is all about precision and focus, so having hair neatly secured is essential to avoid distractions during routines. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Tie it up: Hair must be pulled back tightly in a ponytail, bun, or braid to keep it away from the face. Loose hair can obstruct vision or get caught during a performance. Check out
- Use Hair Accessories: Scrunchies, hair ties, and bobby pins can help keep hair secure. Make sure any hair accessories match the leotard or are neutral in color to avoid drawing attention.
- No Glitter or Large Accessories: While it can be tempting to add glitter or bold accessories, most meets prohibit anything that could become a distraction or fall out during the routine.
Makeup and Nails: Keep It Simple
Many gymnasts enjoy adding a bit of makeup or nail polish for the big day, but there are a few important guidelines to follow:
- Minimal Makeup: If your gymnast wants to wear makeup, keep it light and natural. Bold or heavy makeup can be distracting and is typically discouraged in competition.
- Nail Length and Color: Fingernails should be short and neat to avoid scratching during routines. You should not be wearing nail polish. Judges can deduct for polish on your fingers or toenails at meets, so avoid this. If you want to earn bonus points with your teammates–be the gymnast or gymnast’s mom with nail polish remover in your bag.
Jewelry Rules
You cannot wear any jewelry while competing in gymnastics meets. Jewelry can be a safety risk. The only jewelry you can wear is stud earrings.
Foot & Hand Wear
- No Shoes: Gymnasts should not be wearing shoes or socks once they get on the competition floor at a gymnastics meet.
- Grips: If your gymnast wears grips then make sure you have them packed in her gym bag!
Pack Your Gym Bag
Pack your gym bag the night before a meet so you are ready and prepared. Your gym bag should contain:
- Hairspray– for last minute hair fixes
- Bobby Pins and extra hair ties– in case your hair comes undone and needs to be fixed
- Water Bottle & Snack– Gymnastics meets can run 4 hours or more
- Extra Leotard– Just in case you have a wardrobe malfunction!
Want to make sure you don’t forget a thing? Download our Free Gymnastics Meet Morning Checklist here 👇🏼
Final Tips for Meet Day
- Try Everything On: Make sure to try on the full meet outfit, including leotard, hair accessories, and warm-up gear, a few days before the meet to ensure everything fits and is comfortable.
- Stay Hydrated: While not clothing-related, reminding your gymnast to stay hydrated and pack snacks is important for keeping their energy up throughout the day.
Dressing for a gymnastics meet doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these guidelines and making sure your gymnast is comfortable and meet-ready, they can focus on doing their best and enjoying the competition. Make sure you also check out our article about things you should do to calm your nerves so you can perform your best.
Meet Day FAQs
What should my gymnast wear to a meet?
A clean team leotard (or required uniform), hair secured off the face, and no jewelry (unless medical/approved). Warm-ups over the leo per team rules, and grip bag if they use grips. Keep nails short and tidy.
Can you wear underwear under a leotard?
Most meets require no visible undergarments. Many leotards have a liner; if your gymnast prefers underwear, choose skin-tone, seamless, and ensure it doesn’t show in any position.
Do gymnasts wear nail polish at meets?
Policies vary, but best practice is neutral/none. Long or chipped polish can be flagged by judges/meet directors. Keep nails short, clean, and safe.
Can gymnasts wear jewelry?
Generally no jewelry for safety (and deductions): remove necklaces, bracelets, watches, and dangling earrings. Small, flat studs may be allowed—check meet/USAG rules and your coach.
What should parents pack for meet day?
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Competition essentials: grips/tape, wristbands, hair ties, clips, extra scrunchie
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Hygiene: deodorant, wipes, mini hand sanitizer
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Comfort: water bottle, light snacks (coach-approved), jacket/warm-ups, spare socks
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Docs/tech: athlete number (if used), schedule/map, cash/card for entry/parking
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Recovery: small bandages, pre-wrap, athletic tape
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Mindset: journal/checklist, headphones (if allowed), calming routine items
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22 Comments
hi! my name is abby and i am going to a free trial to a gym with my friend and the only thing that shocked me a bout gymnastics from this web is that you cannot wear nail polish!! :/
Hi Abby! You can wear nail polish to a gymnastics class, just not to a meet! Hope you had fun 🙂
at my gym not usa we need a kip on bars and a backhandspring on beam for competitive. i have zero upper body strength and beam is my weakness. how do i get the team
My 6 year old is in Xcel Bronze, she doesn’t like to do her hair in buns, because it throws her off balance when she rolls. She likes the ponytail. However her hair is long and even when in a ponytail it is almost at the end of her shoulder blades. She had her 1st meet last weekend and another parent mentioned to me that she could get a deduction because her hair may touch the vault etc. Is this true?
maybe try a gym bun/croissant bun? its not as tight.
This really helped! I am in Excel Bronze and I have. A lot of meets coming up. Thank you!
Glad this helped Lilly!
Can I wear french tips at a level 8 usag meet
its not an actual deduction anymore I think, but keep it just white. I’ve never had problems with it.
What set of rules are you referring to where stud earrings are allowed? Your site is causing for some confusion and challenges at high school meets in the state of Washington. Jewelry is not allowed during any interscholastic practice or competition in any sport in the state of Washington. Maybe you could add to check the rules for your state or organization on your site?
One pair of stud earrings are allowed at all USA Gymnastics meets and AAU meets. But I just added that you should check with your organization at the top of this post.
Hi my name is Zoe! Tomorrow I have my first gymnastics meet and I’m super nervous. I have really short curly hair that is too short to fit in a pony, braids, or buns. But it still flops into my face. How do I handle it?
hair clips! my friend also used to just use a bunch of gel and clump it to a bun. I hope that helps!
Hi. I’m preparing for my very first gymnastics meet. I have hair that goes down to just below my shoulders. In my floor routine, I have to do a backwards roll. How should I wear my hair?
Are we allowed to wear makeup at a meet?
Yes, you can wear make-up at a meet. Just don’t wear too much.
Can I wear french tips at a level 8 usag competition
Can I wear french tip nails at a gymnastics meet
Is my daughter allowed to wear french tip, beige, or white nail polish. She also has permanent jewelry. So what do I do? Should I call the coaches and explain?
There is no deduction towards nail polish of any kind.
While that is true now, It used to be a deduction until they just recently changed it to allowed. But some judges might be older and still follow the no nail polish rule. And nail polish on feet can lead to more flexed feet deductions (it’s easier to see flexed feet with nail polish on than flexed feet with no nail polish on). <3