When we design a rhythmic gymnastics or figure skating leotard, we usually focus on the design, the colors, or the type of crystals. However, there is one detail that will make the difference between professional work and a garment that starts losing stones after just a few training sessions: the glue.
After more than 20 years of making leotards for gymnasts around the world, if there is one thing I have learned, it is that the quality of the adhesive is just as important as the quality of the crystal.
A sports leotard demands much more
A leotard is not a garment for everyday use.
During training or competition, the lycra is continuously subjected to stretching, twisting, jumps, turns, and high-intensity movements. Furthermore, the garment is folded, stored, transported, and worn for many hours.
For this reason, the adhesive must be able to keep up with the elasticity of the fabric without peeling off or hardening the lycra.
Hotfix or individually glued?
Hotfix crystals incorporate a heat-activated adhesive that can be convenient for certain applications.
However, when looking for a truly professional finish and greater durability, I always recommend gluing the crystals one by one with a good textile adhesive.
This type of glue creates a true bond between the crystal and the lycra, offering a much stronger hold against the intensive use typical of rhythmic gymnastics and figure skating.
What should a good glue be like?
Not just any adhesive is suitable for decorating a leotard.
The best glues for crystals usually share these characteristics:
- Specific adhesion for fabrics.
- High flexibility once dry.
- Dries completely transparent.
- Does not leave visible residue.
- Does not harden the lycra.
- Maintains the elasticity of the fabric.
- Allows for precise placement of crystals.
Drying time is also important
Many people think that the faster a glue dries, the better.
In reality, the opposite is true when placing crystals.
The ideal approach is to use an adhesive that remains wet for a few minutes. That small window allows you to apply small drops of glue and place each crystal calmly, correcting its position if necessary.
Once the work is finished, the glue finishes drying and remains completely transparent, forming a strong and flexible bond.
Less glue, better results
One of the most common mistakes is using too much glue.
A small drop is sufficient to properly fix each crystal.
When an excessive amount is applied:
- the adhesive can seep out around the crystal;
- the finish loses its clean look;
- it takes longer to dry;
- and it can unnecessarily harden the area.
In leotard decoration, precision always offers better results than quantity.
My recommended glues
Over the years, I have tested numerous adhesives for textiles and crystals.
Among those that have given me the best results are brands like Cléopâtre Textile, as well as other specialized adhesives widely used by professionals in the sector.
Each one has its advantages, but they all share something fundamental: they offer a flexible, strong, and durable bond on elastic fabrics.
My recommendation
If you have spent hours designing and making a leotard, it is worth investing a few more minutes to correctly place the crystals.
Gluing them one by one with a good textile adhesive provides a much cleaner, more professional, and more resistant finish than relying solely on the Hotfix adhesive incorporated into some crystals.
In the end, a good leotard should not only impress on the day of the competition. It must also continue to shine just as brightly after many training sessions, trips, and performances.
Discover the Crystal Art collection by Tanitex
If you want to learn much more about professional leotard decoration, visit my Crystal Art collection.
You will find specialized resources to learn how to distribute crystals, create gradients, achieve professional shine effects, and make the most of rhinestones in your designs.
✨ Discover the Crystal Art collection and take your leotard decoration to a professional level.