The rhythmic gymnastics leotard is not just an aesthetic garment. It is regulated by the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) Code of Points.
👉 And failure to comply with these rules can lead to penalties.
🎯 Basic principle
The leotard must:
- ✔ Fit the body perfectly
- ✔ Allow body lines to be clearly seen
- ✔ Not interfere with the judges' assessment
👉 In other words: it should help, not confuse.
👗 What should a leotard be like?
✔ One piece
The leotard must be a single piece (bodysuit type). Also allowed:
- Unitard (long leg)
- Full tights
❌ Not allowed: shorts or separate pieces.
✔ Close-fitting
The leotard must be completely tight-fitting. 👉 It cannot be loose or create wrinkles, as this hinders technical evaluation.
⚠️ Transparencies: the most important thing
✔ Transparencies are allowed… BUT:
- Only in specific areas (sleeves, details…)
- They must have a base (lining) in intimate areas
- They should not give the impression of excessive nudity
👉 The torso (chest and central area) cannot be transparent without lining.
❌ NOT allowed: "total nude" effect, excessive flesh-colored fabric that simulates nudity, or transparencies without structure.
💡 This can lead to direct penalties.
📏 Necklines and cuts
- Front neckline: no lower than the middle of the sternum
- Back: no lower than the bottom line of the shoulder blades
👉 It must be elegant and sporty.
🦵 Leg cut
It cannot be excessively high and must correctly cover the area. 👉 "Thong" effect or extreme cuts are not allowed.
✨ Decoration and rhinestones
✔ Allowed: crystals, sequins, embroidery, and paint. But they must be well-secured and not come off.
💡 If decoration falls off → penalty.
🎨 Design and aesthetics
✔ Colors: free. ✔ Designs: free. But always with coherence, elegance, and without visual excess. The goal is to highlight movement and not distract the judges.
⚠️ Things that are NOT allowed
- ❌ Loose accessories (gloves, unfixed external elements)
- ❌ Elements that can fall onto the mat
- ❌ Garments that are not part of the leotard
- ❌ Exaggerated differences between legs (in unitard or tights)
👯♀️ In groups
All gymnasts must wear identical leotards: same design, same color, and same shape.
⚠️ Penalties
If the leotard does not comply with regulations, there may be: penalty in score, warnings, or even disqualification in serious cases.
✨ Tanitex Advice
Don't design just thinking about aesthetics. 👉 Design thinking about compliance with regulations. Because a spectacular leotard… if it doesn't comply with the rules, it's useless.
💎 Conclusion
The perfect leotard is one that manages to make a visual impact, respect regulations, and facilitate movement. And that balance is what defines the professional level.