Choosing the right outfit for gymnastics helps your child feel comfortable, safe, and confident in class. This guide covers exactly what to wear—leotards, shorts, hair & accessories, boys’ outfits, and what to avoid—plus budget picks and pro tips from a former judge and coach.
🔎 Looking for practice leotards only? See our full guide:
Best Leotards for Gymnastics Practice (comfort, fit & budget).
Best Outfit for Gymnastics (Quick Answer)
- Girls: Leotard (tank), optional fitted shorts, hair secured, no jewelry.
- Boys: Fitted tee + shorts; no zippers/snaps.
- Shoes: Barefoot for better grip.
The “proper” gymnastics attire for girls is a leotard. You can buy leotards online, at local gymnastics/dance stores, and sometimes big-box retailers. For more buying tips, see where to buy leotards online. Younger gymnasts are usually fine in just a tank leo; older gymnasts often prefer a leo + shorts.
Jump to:
Toddlers (2–5) •
Young Beginners •
Ages 6–8 •
Tweens & Teens (8+) •
Boys •
What Not to Wear •
FAQ
What to Wear to Gymnastics by Age
What to Wear: Gymnastics Outfit for Toddlers (Ages 2–5)
Girls ages 2–5 usually wear a leotard with hair pulled back in a ponytail or bun.
Girls
Leotard or Biketard
A unitard/biketard (shorts attached) can be comfier for toddlers who wear underwear or a diaper. Tank leos also work—occasional underwear peek is normal at this age.
Hair Pulled Back
Use soft elastics/scrunchies; avoid hard clips.
Boys
Shorts & T-Shirt
Choose snug, comfy pieces with no snaps, zippers or buckles that can catch on equipment.
| Item | Sizes | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Friend-Chip Goals Leotard |
CXXS (3x) – CXL (12) | Soft, donut print toddlers love. | $34.99 Check Price |
Nude High-Cut Seamless Briefs |
Kids 3–5 – Adult L | Seamless, high cut. Optional under a leo. | $24.99 Check Price |
More toddler favorites:
Gymnastics Outfit for Young Beginners
Leotard: Tank leos are most popular at this stage.
Hair: Ponytail, bun, or braid; keep it out of their eyes.
Jewelry: None, except small studs.
What to Wear: Outfits for Ages 6–8
| Item | Sizes | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Colorblock Leotards |
CS – AS | Buttery soft & comfy; coral, ocean, plum. | $39.95 |
| Nude High-Cut Seamless Briefs |
Kids 3–5 – Adult L | Optional under leo; seamless & discreet. | $24.99 Check Price |
Destira Compression Shorts |
Child XXS (3x) – Adult XL | Great over a leo for comfort/modesty. | $28.00 Check Price |
More picks for young gymnasts:
- DIY Decal Leotards
- Holographic Tie Dye Burst Leotard
- DIY Tie Dye Leotards (multi)
- Colored Stripes Leotards
Gymnastics Outfit for Tweens & Teens (8+)
Support: Many tweens/teens add a low-profile racerback sports bra under their leo.
Shorts: Helpful for comfort/modesty over a leo.
Hair: Secure bun/pony/braid.
Jewelry: None beyond small studs.
| Item | Sizes | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Tie Dyin’ Love Leotard |
CS – AS | Soft tie-dye with heart detail. | $34.95 |
Nike Racerback Sports Bra |
XS – XXL | Low-profile, multiple colors. | $27.50–$45.90 Alt option |
| Destira Compression Shorts |
Child XXS – Adult XL | Stay-put coverage over leos. | $28.00 Check Price |
USA Rhinestone Grip Bag |
One size | Tie-dye with rhinestones. | $25.95 |
Bailie Beginner Dowel Grips |
XXS – L | Easier break-in; more bar feel. | $34.95 Check Price |
Work Hard Dream Big Backpack |
One size | TONS of pockets + shoe compartment. | $39.95 Check Price |
Mindset & Meet Journal |
N/A | Mindset work + meet logs. | $25.95 |
What should boys wear to gymnastics class?
Boys: Fitted t-shirt or singlet with athletic shorts. Avoid zippers/snaps/buttons. Practice is typically barefoot.
Should you wear underwear under a leotard?
Personal preference. If your gymnast prefers it, choose seamless, nude, high-cut briefs that sit cleanly under the leo.
What Not to Wear to Gymnastics
- Baggy clothes, skirts, or loose drawstrings
- Zippers, snaps, or buttons that can catch on equipment
- Jewelry (stud earrings only)
- Socks (slippery on apparatus)
Other Things to Think About
- Bare Feet: Most gyms are barefoot for grip.
- Glasses: Use a sports strap (example).
- Hair: Tie back securely. For inspo: gymnastics hairstyles.
Want our best practice leotard picks?
We tested for comfort, fit, fabric, and budget. Read the deep-dive:
Best Leotards for Gymnastics Practice.
FAQ: What Should My Child Wear to Gymnastics Class?
What’s the best outfit? A tank leotard (optional fitted shorts), hair secured, no jewelry. Boys wear a fitted tee with athletic shorts; barefoot is typical.
What about socks/shoes? Usually barefoot for grip unless your gym says otherwise.
Cold weather? Layer a fitted top over a leo; avoid bulky sweaters.
Long torso? Check brand size charts; consider sizing up or trying brands known for longer torso fits.
Now that you’re ready for class, check out 10 Ways to Get the Most out of your Gymnastics Class!
58 Comments
My daughter starts today. She is only 5 yrs old and I have the least bit of idea what she should wear.
She should wear a leotard and she will be asked to take her shoes and socks of- which is known as being in bare feet
A Leo & gymnastic shorts is perfect for your little one hope she has fun!
what about me i am 13 but size of adult
My daughter starts today. She is only 5 yrs old and I have the least bit of idea what she should wear. I know the instructor said a leotard, but I also got a lilitard.
Hello.
I would buy a leotard for your daughter. remember when you get to the gymnastics class your daughter will be asked to take any jewellery out, and to take her shoes and socks of- to be in bare feet.
Where a leo or a t shirt and shirt or yoga Capri pants
Thank you SO much for this article!!!! My daughter is about to start gymnastics & i had no idea what she should wear or where to get it. Now i know. 🙂
So glad it was helpful! And hopefully she loves gymnastics!
Great site thanks
My daughter is a year and a half and is starting tumbling class. Does she need a leo or is there something else for a toddler to wear?
A Leo is probably the best option. You can find Leo’s at target for low prices. She could also wear a unitard. (Which are also available at target)
I agree leotard is better for females in my days it was navy blue pe knickers leotards were just catching on
In my experience a Leotard and leggings is the best thing to wear to a gymnastics class. Sports bras are not needed because the leo covers and holds a lot. Always bring water and a pair of comfy shoes! THx
I have noticed you don’t monetize your blog, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn extra cash every month because you’ve got
high quality content. If you want to know how to make extra
money, search for: Mrdalekjd methods for $$$
My boy (6 years) is really shy about going barefooted. Can he wear something or should I try to get him over the fear and do it in his barefeet?
.
I did gymnastics barefoot once and really didn’t like it. Floor was too cold my toes felt numb
Also should i be allowed to use the toilet during gymnastics? My instructor told me to hold it in when my bladder was about to burst. Surly thats dangerous?
That is weird. My Coach always lets me when I need to.
My child goes to Dana mannix and 4/5 is not wearing a leotard. Most of them are girls and they just wear t-shirts bras and shorts
If they are just trying it out, shorts and t- shirts are ok, but it’s so much better to dress for the sport you’re in, and gymnasts wear leotards. Most sports have a standard uniform, e.g., football players wear pads and a helmet,etc… Your student will be safer, and feel more confident as she dresses in a leotard (think Olympic gymnasts, or look to see what the team girls are wearing.
Should girls wear underwear and bras
they can–but don’t have to 🙂
I appreciate the tips on the proper attire for girls to wear to gymnastics class, like leotards and unitard. I enrolled my daughter in a gymnastics class, and we’re looking for the attire that she’ll be using. I think that a leotard paired with gymnastic leggings would also be perfect. I’ll start looking for high-quality products for gymnastics attire later. Thanks for the advice!
Thank you article awesome
what is the purpose of hipster shorts?
I agree what is the point of hipster shorts my daughter hates them .
I agree. I’m 10 and I don’t like wearing shorts
It may be uncomfortable as it was for me, but when you et to the age of your period, you’ll realize how much it will help since girls usually start out wearing thin pads to practice before a tampon. But before that, shorts help hide the underwear and keep skin from tearing it when on the bar. Make sure to be grateful you have shorts!
Real, genuine question here: My 3. (Nearly 4) yo boy is starting this week. I was going to get him a Spiderman leotard or something, but I’m reading that he’s fine in shorts and a tank top. Why are girls supposed to wear leotards, then? It creeps me out a little that there’s a difference. In the beginning classes they’ll be doing the same exercises. Why is there a difference? Thanks much for this list!!
Hi! Yes your boy will be fine in shorts and a shirt and girls at that young age are really fine to wear shorts and a T-shirt too. At the higher levels a leotard is important so it doesn’t get caught on the beam or bars. At higher levels there are different skills so this is less important for boys (although they tuck their tank tops in for the same reason..so they won’t get caught)
Hey I was wandering what should I do with the blisters she will get
I’m in level 6, I’m only a gymnast, but we usually put vaseline on our hands to keep them from drying out (let it sit overnight) and once we get to the level it is needed, we use grips(level 2-3). If there are no grips, when the gymnast asks the coach, they will usually put tape on the gymnast’s hands! Hope this helps
This was helpful! I am a teen and I am a self-taught gymnast. And I do not know what to wear at home. So this helped me a lot! Thank you!
Hi . I am a girl from Nigeria. I love gymnastics and I have always wanted to learn. Is there a place where I can be enrolled
Hello,
My daughter (10) is starting gymnastics soon. And I don’t know what to get her. I’m not sure if she needs to wear a sports bra under her shirt or not.
One thing they said for older gymnasts is that they should wear shorts. The thing is you don’t need to wear shorts if you don’t want to .I’m 10 and I don’t wear shorts, and I practice 9 hours a week. Wearing shorts is the gymnasts choice. If they want to wear them, they can wear them. If they do not want to wear them, than they do not need to wear them. SHORTS ARE NOT A REQIURMENT. If they compete, than they are not allowed to wear shorts during competitions any ways.
I wear spandex shorts to gymnastics, they build up pit fragments really fast, i don’t know if i should keep wearing them or not. And, just another question, should i keep wearing bra pads to gymnastics?
There is nothing else to where. The only option is bare feet, shoes, or socks, and shoes/socks aren’t allowed.
My daughter is ten should she be wearing a sports bra to gymnastics she is in level4
I’m doing gymnastics today, what should I wear? I don’t have money or a leotard.I’m 11 years old
You can wear athletic attire – leggings or shorts and a shirt or sports bra. Whatever you feel comfortable in.
Thank you!!
When I started gymnastics at first wore shorts and a top with a built-in bra, however the best choice is a leotard and shorts.
When I was looking for a leotard I found that the Target and Walmart ones were not my style so I did some research and made up my choice to buy a Destira one. I was looking at gk elite but they were all very spendy but will be buying some of them because of the good reviews. I also wear a pair of short Athleta running shorts and love them. In the future I will be buying another destira leotard and nike volleyball shorts! At your local gymnastics they may have their own apparel including leotards and shorts, so be sure to check that out. If your daughter is starting gymnastics be sure to tell her to be confident, because it is much needed in gymnastics. Also Destira and gk elite have many different leotards and both have amazing Quality. I hope this helped your search for gymnastics apparel!
Hi 🙂 I’m 14, and I’m a cheerleader looking into gymnastics to improve my tumbling and flexibility. I have no clue where to start. Where can I get a leotard? What do I do with these C-cup boobs?? Any recommendations on a sports bra???
Great post! Gymnastics clothing is an absolute game-changer in the world of gymnastics, and your blog perfectly captures the essence of how these garments elevate a gymnast’s performance and confidence. Have you seen these models https://www.dancestore.com.au/dance-wear/gymnastics/ ?
Can you wear pants to gymnastics??
thanks!
Loved how this post explained why proper gymnastics clothing matters for safety and performance. The details on fit and fabric are spot on breathable and stretchable materials make all the difference. At Swades Sports we create kids gymnastics leotards and activewear that allow easy movement and full flexibility during routines. Thanks for sharing such practical advice for parents!