Selecting the best gymnastics leotard brand is crucial for both comfort and performance for practice. With numerous options available, identifying the most suitable brand for your child can be challenging. This guide will navigate you through the leading options online right now, ensuring you make an informed choice that meets your needs.
The standard setters in the leotard industry are undoubtedly GK, Destira, Milano and Sylvia P. Each brand tends to have subtle but important differences based on material and fit but all of these brands are recognised for their quality and durability.
Read on for a definitive list of the best gymnastics leotard brands and our expert opinion on each one.
Popular Gymnastics Leotard Brands
There is a wide range of popular gymnastics leotard brands on the market today, all of them providing clothing for practice and meets. Every popular leotard brand has an online presence either through their website and some, but not all, sell through Amazon as well.
GK
GK Elite has been a top pick for gymnasts for years, blending quality and style. They offer a wide range of designs, some more glitzy than others but even their more modest designs look stylish and bold. Prices start at around a very reasonable $20 up to around $50 for the more sparkly and glamorous garments.
GK are regularly endorsed by top US gymnasts including Simone Biles who has her own GK range of leotards.
Fit and Sizing: GK leotards are known for their consistent sizing, but it’s always best to consult their size chart to ensure the perfect fit. Some gymnasts mention that GK sizes can run smaller compared to other brands, so if you’re between sizes, consider sizing up. For instance, a gymnast who typically wears a medium in other brands might find a large in GK fits better.
Material and Comfort: The materials used in GK leotards are praised for their stretch and breathability, providing comfort during intense routines. The fabric’s quality ensures longevity, even with frequent use and washing. Some gymnasts appreciate the variety of fabrics available, from soft velvets to sleek spandex blends.
Design and Style: GK offers a wide range of designs, catering to different tastes—from simple, elegant styles to bold, vibrant patterns. Their collaboration with top athletes, like Simone Biles, brings exclusive designs that inspire young gymnasts. Additionally, GK provides customization options, allowing teams to create unique leotards that reflect their identity.
Price Point: While GK leotards are on the pricier side, many parents and gymnasts find the investment worthwhile due to their durability and quality. For those on a budget, visit the GK Amazon store as they tend to sell more affordable ranges like the Glitz and Glam on the platform.
In summary, if you are looking for a comfortable and stylish leotard and don’t mind paying a little bit more than average, GK is an excellent brand for you.
What we like about GK:
- Established for over 30 years
- Simone Biles endorsement
- Excellent customer service
Destira
Destira leotards are a favorite among gymnasts for their comfort, quality, and trendy designs. If you are looking for something that will stand out, or has a humorous twist, Destira has plenty of designs to choose from.
Ice Cream, Flamingos and French Fries are just a few examples of what can be done to a leotard design with a bit of imagination! Even the more modest designs still have a bold and unique look to them.
Parents and athletes often praise their soft, stretchy fabric, which provides a comfortable fit during practice and performance. The brand offers a wide range of styles, from vibrant patterns to classic designs, catering to various preferences. According to feedback we have heard from gymnasts, Destira leotards use softer and stretchier material than other leotards, which those gymnasts prefer.
However, some parent have mentioned that Destira leotards can run longer in length compared to other brands like GK and Snowflake, so it’s advisable to consult the size chart and consider sizing down if your child is shorter or has a shorter torso.
Overall, Destira leotards are a reliable choice for gymnasts seeking something unique and high quality. They are pricier than most other brands however they do sell a limited range on the Destira Amazon store as well and there are constantly sales on their own Destira website.
What we like:
- Bold and empowering designs
- Superb fit suitable for all ages and levels
- Easy to use website
- Also available on Amazon
Use the code HAPPY15 for a 15% discount on the Destira website
Obersee
For those looking for resilience without sacrificing style, Obersee leotards are the go-to brand. These leotards are crafted to endure the demands of training, offering an extensive selection of colorful designs that will catch the eye of many younger gymnasts. They also sell a separate tank and shorts set which is ideal for gymnasts that struggle to use the bathroom when wearing a leotard!
Obersee rucksacks and other gymnastics apparel are cool too!
The prices for Obersee garments are at the higher end of the market with a typical leotard like the Rainbow design above costing around $50. The excellent fabric and fit are worth the money though.
United All Around
Providing exceptional value, United All Around leotards are synonymous with affordability and quality. Constructed from breathable and long-lasting materials, these leotards are a wise investment for continuous training and competition.
United All Around are not considered a major brand in the same category of GK or Destira but they do have a fantastic wide range of options on Amazon and the brand has excellent reviews from customers.
If you are looking for a good-value leotard on Amazon, United All Around is a great option.
What we like:
- Wide range of colorful designs
- Excellent reviews on Amazon
- Cheaper than bigger brands
Quatro
If you’re looking for unique and stand-out designs, Quatro leotards are a great choice. Quatro leotards feature bold and innovative designs that are sure to turn heads. This brand offers a wide range of leotards, from simple and classic designs to more elaborate and intricate styles.
Quatro is based out of the UK and is considered one of the premium leotard brands in the country. Many top gymnasts and clubs use Quatro to provide competition leotards and although they cost upward of $60 you will feel the difference in fabric quality.
Designs are generally colorful but are generally not as bold as brands such as Destira or Obersee.
What we like:
- Premium quality fabric
- Elegant designs
- Available on both Amazon and the Quatro website
Ozone
Next, we have Ozone, known for its stylish and fun designs. Ozone leotards are designed to be both functional and fashionable, and their wide range of designs caters to a variety of personal styles. This brand is a popular choice among gymnasts who want to stand out and make a statement with their leotards.
Ozone is based out of Tennessee, USA and according to their website:
“Our focus at OZONE is on creating a quality product at an affordable price. We are on the cutting edge of innovation leading the way in style and design. Through exceptional customer service, we provide competitive and practice apparel for every athlete at every level.”
What we like:
- Affordable price and quality fabric
- A mix of designs including classic and fun
- Nastia Liukin Signature range
The Zone
The Zone is known for its great value and fresh leotards. If you are looking for something on a budget but don’t just want an unknown Amazon brand, The Zone is for you.
Designs are fun and they also have a good selection of leotards for male gymnasts which many other brands overlook. The Zone leotards fit well and are generally comfortable to wear and are popular with recreational gymnasts. They may lack the glamour of some of the biggest brands like Quatro and GK however, their garments are robust and durable.
The Zone is based out of the UK and is very popular with recreational-level gymnasts. They are visible at many meets and often have shops set up at events which is great if you want to try before you buy. If you don’t come across them at a meet, they have a great website and also have an Amazon store.
What we like:
- Classic designs
- Crushed velour options
- Affordable
Decathlon
Decathlon leotards are fantastic value and of great quality. The range is not the biggest but what they do sell is done very well. Highly recommended for beginners or gymnasts on a budget.
Sylvia P
Sylvia P is a brand that has been making waves in the industry for years. Known for their fun, bright leotards that are made in Australia, Sylvia P offers a range of styles that are perfect for gymnasts of all ages and abilities. Their leotards are made from high-quality materials that provide excellent stretch and support, while also being durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily practice and competition. What’s more, their leotards come in a range of sizes and styles, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
GMD Activewear
GMD is known for its beautiful and wide-ranging selection of leotards, which come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Their leotards are made from high-quality materials that are designed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility, while also being breathable and moisture-wicking. This is especially important for gymnasts who need to stay cool and dry during intense training sessions or competitions.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a gymnastics leotard, it’s important to consider brands that specialize in using excellent material and have cool designs that will inspire your gymnast. Whether you seek empowering designs, durability, or statement-making styles, the best leotard brands offer options that cater to every gymnast’s needs.
By selecting from an established leotard brand, you have a much better chance of it being durable, long-lasting and fitting well.
FAQs
What are the best gymnastics leotard brands?
The best gymnastics leotard brands include GK, Destira, The Zone (UK), Milano (UK) and Sylvia P (Australia). Most of the best brands ship worldwide even if you are not based in that country.
What can I use instead of a leotard?
Alternatives to a leotard include:
- A Unitard (also called Biketard) is a one-piece garment that combines a leotard and shorts together. It’s tight-fitting like a leotard and is a popular option for younger gymnasts.
- Leggings are another option as they too are tight-fitting and enable the gymnast to be barefoot.
What do female gymnasts wear under a leotard?
Whatever gymnasts choose to wear under a leotard should be discreet and not visible, especially at a meet as they will lose marks should something be visible. Underwear is not usually worn by younger gymnasts which makes it important to choose a leotard that’s tight-fitting.
Can girls wear shorts in gymnastics?
Girls can usually wear shorts at practice, depending on the coach or club rules in place. At competitions, shorts are not usually allowed.
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