3 things to look for in a practice leo
If your child is new to gymnastics, figuring out what they actually need to wear to practice can be a little confusing. There are so many cute leotards to choose from, but what really matters when your gymnast is spending hours moving, stretching, tumbling, and training?
As a coach, I keep it simple.
When choosing a practice leo, I look for three things: comfort, a secure fit, and freedom to move.
1. Comfort
Practice can be long, and your gymnast shouldn’t be thinking about their clothing the whole time.
Look for a leotard made from soft, stretchy fabric that feels comfortable against the skin. A good practice leo should move with your gymnast rather than feeling stiff or restrictive.
Coach Mady’s tip: If your gymnast is constantly pulling, adjusting, or complaining about their leotard during practice, it may not be the right fit or fabric for them.
2. A Secure Fit
Gymnastics involves a lot of movement, so a leotard needs to stay where it’s supposed to.
Check that the straps stay comfortably in place and that the leg openings aren’t digging in or shifting around. The leotard should fit close to the body without feeling too tight.
And don’t rely on the size alone when ordering online. Always check the brand’s size chart. Different gymnastics brands can fit differently, even when the size numbers look the same.
3. Freedom to Move
This is probably the most important one.
Your gymnast should be able to stretch, jump, tumble, swing, and move without their leotard getting in the way.
That’s why I like practice leos with plenty of stretch and designs that allow a full range of movement.
A gymnast shouldn’t have to think about their clothes while they’re working on their skills.
And yes — it can be cute, too!
Once you’ve found a leo that fits well and feels comfortable, have some fun with it!
There are so many colorful gymnastics leotards available now, from simple everyday styles to bright prints, shimmer, and sparkle. If your gymnast loves what they’re wearing, that’s a nice bonus.
Just remember: cute comes after comfortable and functional.
Coach Mady’s Bottom Line
You don’t need a huge collection of practice leotards, especially when your child is just getting started.
I’d start with a couple of comfortable options and see what your gymnast actually likes. Over time, you’ll probably discover favorite brands, fabrics, and styles.
When you’re shopping for a practice leo, remember:
✓ Comfortable fabric
✓ A secure fit
✓ Plenty of freedom to move
That’s really it.
Your gymnast is going to spend practice learning skills, getting stronger, and having fun. Their leotard should help them do that — not distract them.
Looking for Practice Leotards?
I’ve gathered some practice leotards that caught Coach Mady’s eye, including colorful styles for gymnasts who like a little sparkle!
See Coach Mady’s Favorite Practice Leotards for 2026 →
Some links on TumbleChic are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you.