One of the most common problems when making a rhythmic gymnastics leotard is the appearance of wrinkles or bagging in the lower back area.
We often think the problem lies in the seam, the fabric, or even the gymnast's measurements… but the reality is usually something else:
Most of the time, the problem is in the pattern base.
And this is something I understood after many, many years working on and correcting leotards on real bodies.
A leotard doesn't work like a regular garment
In rhythmic gymnastics, the leotard has to behave like a second skin.
The gymnast jumps, spins, arches her back, lifts her legs, stretches her shoulders… and the leotard has to follow all those movements without bagging, pulling, or losing its shape.
That's why traditional pattern-making rules often don't work correctly for this type of garment.
Why does bagging appear in the back?
There are several causes, but one of the most common is that the waist of the pattern has too much width in the lumbar area.
When that happens, the excess fabric ends up gathering in the back, creating those uncomfortable wrinkles.
In many cases, the solution lies in correctly readjusting the waistline and then compensating the placement of the skirt to prevent it from flaring up.
The mistake of copying any pattern
Many people start by downloading generic patterns from the internet or copying a basic bodysuit.
But that doesn't guarantee the leotard will fit well on a real gymnast.
A good pattern base requires years of testing, corrections, and experience understanding the specific morphology of this sport.
The Tanitex Pattern Making System
After more than 20 years working in the world of rhythmic gymnastics, I developed my own pattern making system designed to create custom-fit leotards — both in person and remotely.
It's not just a pattern base.
It's a working method created to help you achieve the correct morphology, a better fit, and the peace of mind of knowing the leotard will look great when it reaches the gymnast.
You can discover my pattern making system here: Digital Kit (PDF/TIFF) - Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotard Pattern Base and Premium Pattern Making Kit for Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotards.