Key Takeaways
- Women wear long-sleeve leotards, while men wear singlets or competition shirts and gymnastics shorts or pants.
- Undergarments must be completely hidden.
- Only bare feet, gymnastics shoes, or slippers are allowed.
- Warm-ups should look polished and professional.
- Long hair must be pulled back and secured.
- Avoid anything that could get caught on equipment.
Gymnastics organizations have strict requirements for what you can and can’t wear while competing. Failing to adhere to the guidelines can lead to a deduction of .20 points if an infraction occurs after an initial warning.
Fortunately, uniform-related penalties are easily avoidable if you brush up on the rules beforehand and buy apparel from a trusted source, like GK Elite. In this blog, we’re going to break down what to wear to gymnastics competitions and what to leave at home. Let’s leap into it!
The Basics: Leotards & Singlets
Women wear gymnastics competition leotards. Men wear singlets (male versions of leotards), or competition shirts paired with shorts for the floor and vault, or pants for the pommel horse, still rings, and parallel bars.
While leotards can certainly reflect your unique personality and style, modesty is a must. The leg opening can’t be rolled or cut above the hipbone, and bare midriffs are prohibited.
As you plan what to wear to gymnastics meets, make sure the back of your leotard doesn’t have an opening that extends wider than the vertical midpoint of your shoulder blades and more than two inches past your shoulder blades.
Leotards with openings larger than those standards are considered “backless” and don’t meet the gymnastics dress code. Racerback leotards and leotards with spaghetti straps are also prohibited in competitions.
Undergarments Must Be Completely Hidden
Undergarments can’t be visible (including sports bras), with clear bra straps being the exception to the rule. Our seamless women’s undergarments are designed specifically for gymnastics competitions. Not only do they stay hidden, but they’ll keep you comfortable and supported.
Wear Gymnastics Footwear or Go Bare
As you choose what to wear to gymnastics meets, don’t forget your feet! But, of course, if you compete barefoot, you can skip this step. Normal tennis shoes and athletic sneakers aren’t allowed. Only wear gymnastics slippers designed specifically for competitions.
Warm-Ups Should Look Professional
While gymnastics organizations may not be as strict about warm-up jackets and warm-up pants, it’s still important to maintain a professional, polished appearance. Don’t wear baggy, dirty, or torn warm-ups. Embellishments are available to show off your team spirit and give you extra bling.
Keep Your Hair Pulled Back and Secured
Now that you know what to wear to gymnastics competitions, let’s talk about hair. In general, you should be well-groomed, and that means keeping your hair tidy. This isn’t just for aesthetics. Long hair can obstruct your vision and get caught in the apparatus. You’ll need to use gymnastics scrunchies, headbands, or other hair accessories to put your hair into a ponytail, bun, or braids.
Need a little help choosing a hairstyle that fits the gymnastics dress code? Here are some popular suggestions: 5 Gymnastics Competition Hairstyle Ideas.
What NOT to Wear
If you’re not sure if a piece of clothing or accessory is appropriate, it’s best to leave it at home. After picking out what to wear to your gymnastics competition, double-check to make sure you’re not wearing any of the following items:
- Jewelry and Piercings: With the exception of stud earrings, jewelry and piercings are prohibited. You’ll have to take out any piercings, as covering them with a bandage or tape isn’t allowed.
- T-Shirts: T-shirts can get caught in the equipment.
- Casts: Gymnasts aren’t allowed to wear hard, non-removable casts during competitions or warm-ups, but you can still show up to support the team!
- Earbuds: Earbuds aren’t allowed while you perform, so listen to your pump-up music before the event!
- Snag Hazards: Avoid loose, baggy clothing. All apparel should be form-fitting to prevent it from getting caught in the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear leggings to gymnastics?
Yes, gymnastics leggings can be worn under or over the leotard, but they must be the length of capris or longer. If the leggings don’t match your leotard, they must be black or skin-toned to meet the gymnastics dress code.
Why do gymnasts wear one sock?
Some gymnasts wear a single sock to reduce friction during difficult turns. Although soft, non-slip socks may be allowed, they’re not recommended unless you need them for a specific skill.
What is the white stuff gymnasts put on their hands?
That white stuff is gym chalk. It’s used to improve grip, manage friction, and mark equipment.
Learn more here: Why Do Gymnasts Use Chalk?
Shop Best-in-Class Apparel & Accessories
We hope this guide is helpful as you gear up for the next event! For more inspiration, check out these helpful blogs:
- 7 Gymnastics Essentials: What Do Female Gymnasts Wear?
- 6 Gymnastics Essentials: What Do Men Wear for Gymnastics?
GK Elite is where top-level professional gymnasts get their gymnastics competition leotards, training leotards, and fitness clothes. When you shop with us, choosing what to wear to gymnastics is fun and easy! Don’t let the gymnastics dress code stand in the way of your self-expression. Pick out your favorite styles, and be the star of the next competition!
