Does my child need to buy a specific club leotard straight away?

Not usually. Most clubs allow children to attend a trial session or even a full first term in their own plain gymnastics kit before committing to a club uniform. Ask the club directly, as policies vary. When you are ready to buy, check whether the club sells second-hand uniforms, as this can save a significant amount.

Can my daughter wear a sports bra under her leotard?

For younger girls this is not necessary. For older girls and teenagers who feel more comfortable with extra support, a plain, close-fitting crop-style sports bra can be worn under the leotard provided the straps do not create a trip or safety hazard. Avoid anything with clasps, underwiring or rigid parts. If in doubt, ask the coach before the session.

My child is sensitive to certain fabrics. Are there alternatives to standard leotards?

Yes. Many gymnastics brands now produce leotards in softer or seamless fabrics, and fitted gymnastics unitards (which cover the legs as well) are also widely available. The important thing is that the fit is close and there are no loose hems or fastenings. Let the coach know about any sensory needs; they will be happy to work with you.

What about glasses? My child wears them every day.

Many children do gymnastics wearing glasses without any issues, particularly in recreational classes. A sports strap that keeps the glasses close to the head is a sensible addition. Some coaches prefer glasses to be removed for specific skills like backward rolls. Have a conversation with the coach before the first session so they know, and follow the club's guidance.

How much should I expect to spend on a starter gymnastics kit?

In general terms, a basic gymnastics leotard from a high-street sports retailer or online supplier typically costs somewhere in the range of £10 to £30 in the UK as of 2026, though prices vary widely depending on brand, fabric and retailer. A club or competition leotard can cost significantly more. Always confirm with the club what they require before buying anything, and ask about second-hand options first.

Do boys need a leotard for gymnastics?

For recreational and beginner classes, no. Fitted shorts and a close-fitting T-shirt or vest is perfectly acceptable. As boys progress into more structured or competitive programmes, they may move into specific gymnastics shorts and a fitted vest or unitard, but this is a conversation for much further down the line. Start simple.

What to Wear to Gymnastics 2026 | Beginner's Guide

The Short Answer

For most children starting gymnastics in the UK, a well-fitting leotard (with or without shorts or leggings over the top) and bare feet is all they need. Avoid baggy clothes, jeans, belts, zips and jewellery. Your club will tell you if they have a specific uniform, but for a first taster session, simple, close-fitting sportswear is absolutely fine.

Why Clothing Matters in Gymnastics

Gymnastics involves rolling, handstands, cartwheels and balancing on beams. Loose fabric can catch on equipment, ride up unexpectedly or make it harder for a coach to spot a child safely. A well-fitted outfit is a safety consideration, not just a style preference.

It also helps your child move freely and confidently. When they are not tugging at their sleeves or tripping over trailing hems, they can focus on learning the skill in front of them.

Before you spend anything, ring the club and ask whether they have a club leotard or a recommended supplier. Many clubs have uniform discounts through a preferred local sports shop or sell second-hand leotards themselves. A nearly-new club leotard at a fraction of the original price is a great starting point for a child who may grow several sizes in a year.

What Girls Typically Wear

The leotard

A gymnastics leotard is the standard choice. It stays tucked in, does not ride up during inverted skills and allows a coach to see body position clearly. Short-sleeved, long-sleeved and sleeveless styles all work well. The key is fit: it should be snug but not restrictive, with no excess fabric bunching around the seat or armpits.

Shorts or leggings

Many girls, particularly younger children, prefer to wear cycling shorts, gym shorts or footless leggings over their leotard. This is perfectly acceptable in recreational classes and adds a layer of comfort and confidence. Make sure they are close-fitting rather than wide-leg, and elasticated rather than drawstring-waisted, to avoid any hardware near the floor or equipment.

Hair

Long hair must be tied up. A bun, French plait or tight ponytail that sits flat against the head is ideal, because a high ponytail can be uncomfortable when lying on a mat or doing a backward roll. Avoid large, hard hair clips or decorated headbands with rigid parts.

What Boys Typically Wear

Shorts and a fitted top

For recreational and beginner classes, close-fitting shorts (not basketball shorts) and a fitted T-shirt or vest work well. The fabric should not hang loose. Gymnastic shorts come in a range of lengths; mid-thigh is a good practical choice.

Gymnastics vests or crop tops

Older boys in more structured programmes often switch to a fitted gymnastics vest or a leotard-style unitard, particularly as they progress to more advanced skills on apparatus. For the very early stages, a plain fitted sports T-shirt is fine.

Underwear

Children generally do not wear separate underwear under a gymnastics leotard because the gusset is built in. For boys in shorts, standard sports underwear is fine. If your child is unsure or self-conscious about this, the coach or another parent at the club will be happy to advise quietly.

Footwear: What Goes on the Feet

Bare feet for most classes

The majority of gymnastics in the UK is done in bare feet. This gives the best grip on the floor, the beam and the vault, and it allows coaches to see foot and ankle alignment. Most clubs ask children to arrive with shoes on, remove them at the edge of the mat area, and store them neatly.

Gymnastics shoes or socks

Some clubs, particularly those running classes on a sprung wooden floor rather than matted areas, permit or prefer gymnastics shoes or half-sole ballet-style grip socks. These look like a small leather or fabric sole that covers just the ball of the foot. If your child has a condition that means they need footwear, speak to the coach before the first session.

Do not let your child wear ordinary socks on a gymnastics floor without grip. Smooth socks on a sprung or wooden surface are a genuine slip hazard. If socks are worn for any reason, they must have rubber grip dots on the sole.

What to wear to and from the club

Encourage your child to arrive in their gymnastics kit underneath a tracksuit or jogging bottoms and a hoodie. This saves time getting changed, keeps them warm before and after class, and means they are ready to go the moment they reach the mat.

What to Avoid and Practical Checklist

A few items cause problems regularly, so it is worth going through this list before your child's first class.

Item	Why to avoid it
Jeans or denim	No stretch, uncomfortable on mats, can scratch equipment
Zips, poppers or buckles	Scratch equipment and can injure the child or a partner
Earrings or necklaces	British Gymnastics rules require jewellery to be removed; studs should be taped
Watches and fitness trackers	Hard edges on the wrist are a risk during floor work
Baggy T-shirts or hoodies	Interfere with coaching spotting and can catch on equipment
Crop tops and casual bralettes	Move around unpredictably during inverted skills
Shoes or trainers on the mat	Damage mat surfaces and break hygiene rules at most clubs

You do not need to spend a lot to get started. A single plain leotard, a pair of fitted shorts if your child prefers them, and bare feet is everything required for the first term. Once you know your child enjoys it and which discipline they will focus on, you can invest in anything more specific the club recommends.

What to Wear to Gymnastics: A Beginner's Guide