| The usual gymnastics wear for women during | | | | Lycra and spandex became popular since the |
| competition is the leotard. It is a skin-tight, | | | | 1980s. |
| one-piece garment that covers the upper body | | | | More sophisticated fabrics have been made since |
| but leaves the legs free, made famous by Jules | | | | the 1990s. Velvet, velour, mesh, metallic fabrics, |
| Leotard, a French acrobatic artist. | | | | foils and sparkling "hologram" fabric have also |
| By tradition, leotards worn during competitions | | | | revolutionized gymnastics wear. There are styles |
| have long sleeves. Some changes have recently | | | | that are adorned with rhinestones and metallic |
| taken place where half-length sleeved and | | | | jewels. These are set on the fabric using heat so |
| sleeveless versions have been worn by | | | | that they do not fall off when washed. |
| competitors. The Code of Points already permits | | | | Gymnasts may wear any hair style and hair |
| this type of wear to be worn by teams at the | | | | length, but should always keep long hair tied back |
| World Gymnastics Championships and other major | | | | into a ponytail, bun or braid. To make them look |
| meets. During practice, gymnasts usually wear | | | | tidier, hair ties that match their competition |
| sleeveless styles. | | | | leotards are given to gymnasts. |
| Individual gymnasts and teams may be penalized | | | | Any type of leotard could be worn by gymnasts |
| for some faults in the way they wear their | | | | during trainings and practice. The usual attires |
| competition attire. The correct way of wearing | | | | worn by women during physical exercises in |
| the leotards is that it must neither ride too high | | | | combination with their sleeveless leotards are |
| nor be out too low on the hip. The materials used | | | | leggings, shorts, bicycle shorts or tank tops. |
| have also changed over time. Polyester and | | | | However, as part of their gymnastics wear, they |
| related fabrics were very typical in the 1970s. | | | | must always see to it that their hair is tied. |