If you've invested time, passion and attention to detail in a hand-painted rhythmic gymnastics leotard… the last thing you want is for it to lose its colour, shine or shape within a few weeks.
The good news is that, if it's been properly made and properly cared for, it can stay perfect throughout the entire season (and beyond).
In this article I'll explain exactly how to do it 👇
🎨 1. The Foundation of Everything: Properly Fixed Paint
Even before thinking about care, there's something fundamental:
👉 A hand-painted leotard will only be long-lasting if the textile paint has been correctly fixed.
To do this, you must follow this process:
- Allow the paint to dry for at least 48 hours
- Apply heat to fix it:
- 🔸 With an iron (protecting the painted area)
- 🔸 Or in an oven (recommended professional method)
🔥 Oven Fixing Method:
- Wrap the leotard in a neutral white cloth
- Place it in the centre of the oven
- Apply: 150ºC for 10 minutes
⚠️ Important: The paint must be completely dry before applying heat.
✔️ If this process is done correctly:
👉 The paint won't lose colour, even with sweat or washing
🧼 2. How to Wash Your Hand-Painted Leotard Correctly
This is where many people make mistakes.
❌ What you should NEVER do:
- Put it in the washing machine
- Wash it with other garments
- Use hot water
- Leave it to soak
✅ How to wash it correctly:
- Always hand wash
- In cold water
- Use a detergent for delicate garments (such as Woolite or similar)
- Dip and lift (without soaking)
👉 Don't scrub the entire leotard. Only work on specific key areas 👇
🧵 3. Where to Scrub and Where Not To
🔹 Areas where you CAN gently scrub:
- Underarms
- Groin area
👉 These are the areas where sweat accumulates most
🔹 The rest of the leotard:
- Simply submerge
- Move gently in the water
- No scrubbing
🧽 4. How to Remove Stains Without Damaging the Design
🟡 Regular stain (sweat, dirt…)
- Use a damp neutral white cloth
- Gently rub only the affected area
🎨 Paint stain:
- Use a cotton bud or neutral cloth
- Apply a small amount of alcohol
- Work only on the stain itself
⚠️ Always with precision, without spreading
💡 Important: Always use neutral white cloths
👉 This prevents colour transfer onto the leotard
🌬️ 5. How to Dry the Leotard Correctly
This step is KEY to maintaining the shape.
❌ Avoid:
- Hanging it folded
- Using pegs/clips
- Putting it in the dryer
- Storing it while damp
✅ Correct method:
- Hang on a hanger
- Air dry
👉 This way the leotard maintains:
- Its shape
- Its elasticity
- And its perfect drape
✨ Tanitex Conclusion
A hand-painted leotard is not just any garment. It's a unique piece that combines technique, design and many hours of work.
If it's properly fixed and properly cared for:
- 💎 It won't lose its colour
- 💎 It won't lose its shape
- 💎 And it will keep shining on the floor all season long
💬 Tanitex Tip
"A well-cared-for leotard doesn't just last longer… it keeps transmitting the same magic every time the gymnast steps onto the floor."
🔗 Want to learn how to make leotards like this from scratch?
Discover the Tanitex base pattern system, a method proven over 20 years to create perfectly fitted leotards: