Rhythmics Gymnastics is identified by colorful and detailed design leotards. The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) is the supreme authority on international gymnastics and it sets the guidelines for the dress code of the gymnasts.

According to FIG a Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) leotard must be in non-transparent material therefore, leotards that have some part in lace have to be lined. This refers to the torso (from the trunk to the chest) the arms may include a mesh type material in the color of the body. The neckline of the front and back of the leotard must be no further down than half of the sternum and the lower line of the shoulder blades. Leotards may be with or without sleeves but leotards with narrow straps (Tank leotards) are not allowed. The cut of the leotard at the top of the legs must not go beyond the fold of the crotch. The leotard must be skin tight to enable the judges to evaluate, during the exercise, the correct position of every part of the body. The leotard may have small crystal attached to it. The crystals make the leotard “glitter” and it is common to see designs that include thousands of such Swarovski crystals.

It is not common but it is allowed to wear long tights down to the ankles, over or under the leotard. A full-length one-peace unitard is also allowed provided that it is skin tight. The length and colors(s) of the fabric covering the legs must be identical on both legs. This means that no “harlequin” look is allowed. Only the cut or decorations may be different between the legs.

It is possible to wear a skirt as long as it does not fall further than the pelvic area. The skirt can be worn over the leotard, tights or unitard. There are no special guidelines for the style of the skirt (cut or decorations), but the skirt must always fall back on the hips of the gymnast (the look of “ballet tutu” is forbidden).

Gymnasts may perform their exercise with bare feet or with gymnastic slippers. The hairstyle must be neat and trim and the make-up clear and light. Jewelry of all types and piercing are not allowed because they could jeopardize the security of the gymnast.

For group exercises, the leotards of the gymnasts must be identical in shape and in color.

The scoring of an exercise includes also an artistic value which includes, between others, the outfit of the gymnast and how well it relates to the music and expresses it.

When looking for a Rhythmic Gymnastics leotard it is important to look for a manufacture with good design skills and that is experienced in sewing leotards using stretch fabrics so that they perfectly fit the gymnast’s body.