When your youngster is beginning their gymnastics journey, having the proper equipment is crucial. And the leotard is one of the most important pieces that every gymnast should own. There’s no thrill like the first time your little girl puts on her junior leotard. However, it might be difficult to know what to look for when shopping for one, as there are many different styles and materials available. Let’s go over the top factors you should consider for choosing the ideal leotard for your little gymnast.
Colour
Just like when you’re purchasing ordinary clothes, you can find colourful gymnastics wear that can express your little one’s personality. The online treasure trove for dance and gymnastics enthusiasts boasts a vibrant range of leotards in different hues that will make her stand out. Leotards come in many different hues and hue combinations, but the most popular options are blue, pink, black, and purple. To spice up the outfit a little more, choose a leotard embellished with glitter, beads, or textiles with eye-catching textures and designs.
Style
Does she prefer crisp lines or curls? Symmetrical or asymmetrical patterns? Conventional cut or mesh cut-outs? Racerback or cross-back? There are many different styles of gymnastics clothing to choose from. Include your little gymnast in the search for the perfect leotard, so that she ends up with a design that makes her feel good and expresses her personality. She will adore the vibrant and fashionable design and will likely feel more motivated to improve her skills.
Comfort
Gymnastics is a fun activity for kids, as it helps them discover how to do amazing feats with their bodies that they never would have imagined. However, it’s crucial to make them feel comfortable while they’re practicing their craft. So, make sure to invest in gymnastics wear that’s comfortable, light, stretchy, and breathable. Blends of spandex and nylon or polyester provide a generous amount of stretchiness for all the turns and spins your kid may be doing.
Designs with racerback and mesh provide a pleasant, airy feel, which is ideal for the warmer seasons. On the other hand, make sure to avoid materials that feel scratchy or unpleasant against the skin. Comfort is always important, and the last thing your kid should have to worry about is being uncomfortable in the clothes they practice and compete in.
Size and Fit
Leotard sizes are different than those for your typical clothes. For leotards, torso length is typically the deciding element. The ideal way to assess the correct size for your child is for them to try it. Alternatively, you can look for a gymnast in their group who has a certain brand’s leotard so they can try it on. If your child can’t try on the gymnastics apparel, consult the brand’s sizing guide or get in touch with them for more advice. When you can’t decide between two sizes, always go with the larger one. If it doesn’t fit, a tailor can always make it smaller.
How Tight Should a Leotard Be?
The ideal fit for a child’s leotard suits them like a second skin and has no excess material dangling around. Having a skin-tight fit isn’t necessarily bad for your child. These garments usually consist of stretch fabrics that adapt to the body’s movement. Leotards with a bad fit can conceal poor posture, so the instructor won’t realise the need for correction. On the other hand, an overly small leotard can pinch at the shoulders, causing discomfort and limiting the range of motion, and it may pull upward at the hips.
Purpose
Are you buying gymnastics wear online for demonstration, competition, or training? Thinking about the purpose of the leotard can help you make the right choice. Keep in mind any important dress codes and communicate with your little gymnast, so you can choose the ideal style and design for her. For an important performance, she’ll need a leotard that fits the theme and topic. The moves, makeup, and attire together paint the final picture of an ideal performance.
Sleeves or No Sleeves?
Gymnastics clothing is available in different sleeve lengths. It’s entirely up to you and your little gymnast as to which one you’ll choose unless the teacher specifies a certain dress code. Sleeveless leotards are ideal for the warmer months, as they keep your arms cool. They also give you more freedom for movement, as there’s no fabric wrapping around your arms. On the other hand, leotards with three-quarter sleeves keep you warm when the weather’s chilly. They’re more common for contests, and they leave more space for sparkles and embellishments.
Responsiveness
Before buying the leotard, make sure to check out the company’s return policy. When you’re shopping online, you need to give your child plenty of time to try on their gymnastics apparel in multiple sizes and return any items that don’t fit. Additionally, in an era where building human connections is more crucial than ever, we should support businesses that prioritise their customers. Good customer service speaks a lot about a company and shows how much they appreciate their clients.
