Having a kid who’s new to gymnastics, and loves the sport, but not so much the clothes, is not uncommon. Finding you child girls gymnastics leotards that they actually like can be a challenge, but there are a few strategies to help them out.
Biketards
Yeah it’s a funny name, but biketards can be the solution to your child’s wedgie woes. Especially if your daughter is in an awkward in between phase where her body is changing shape, it can be difficult to find leotards that are actually comfortable on her. For competition, she probably has to suck it up, but for practice, biketards could be your answer. These garments are usually made of Lycra, cotton or spandex, just like regular leotards, but instead of cutting off at the hips, they basically add on a pair of bike shorts. It keeps your kid wedgie free, and also provides them with a little more modesty than the traditional gymnastics leotard, which gives them a very high leg cut. If you have a young child, or one who is new to gymnastics, a biketard may be the way to go as they adjust to the tight fitting ways of gymnastics apparel.
Mind the Fabric
As much as your child may be drawn to the shiny, metallic, leotard, don’t cave to that pressure. Sure, she likes the way it looks, but metallic or sparkly fabrics have a habit of being itchy. She may not notice it when she first tries it on, but after a full practice wearing it? She’ll be complaining and you’ll be up a creek. Stick to simpler materials for the first few practice leotards, and if she later on still wants to give metallic a shot, then you can let her try it out.
Sleeve Length
Competition leotards are usually long sleeved. It’s easy to wonder whose idea that was, as meets can get hot and sweaty fast, but at this point it’s pretty much here to stay. Chances are, your new gymnast won’t be thrilled about this fact, and may complain or try to fight you on it. There are a few strategies to ease this hardship. Mesh sleeves are an extremely popular option, as they give the more formal appearance while still allowing the gymnast’s skin to breath. Another idea is three-quarter sleeved leotards, which make the gymnast feel less restricted but still allow for a fancier appearance.
Getting your child into girl’s gymnastics leotards can be an uphill battle, but if she finds a sport that she loves, it will definitely be worth it.
