"Flying lines": leotards for rhythmic gymnastics

Here the image decides, if not everything, then a lot. In rhythmic gymnastics, they are greeted by their clothes.

This, perhaps, one of the most beautiful and spectacular sports, traditionally attracts many young graces every year.

A little later, they will become Olympic champions and the pride of the country, which they will represent at prestigious competitions.

In the meantime, the first steps in sports, and a lot of questions, the main of which is what to dress a gymnast in, how to create a unique, vivid and memorable image?

Professional gymnasts also have problems with costumes. The huge number of offers only complicates the choice.

It so happened that in rhythmic gymnastics it is customary to perform in leotards. Such an outfit does not hide the figure, and the judges can discern all the nuances of the athlete's performance of techniques. A skirt, even not long, can hide flaws in the exercise. And the graces themselves would be uncomfortable in her.

Therefore, a swimsuit must meet all the requirements. When choosing it, it is important to remember a few key points:

1. The outfit must be approved as equipment that meets the sporting criteria of the association;
2. The swimsuit must be made from environmentally friendly materials in compliance with technology, otherwise health problems cannot be avoided;
3. A performance costume should fit "like a glove": neither a little larger, nor a little smaller. Any slight fluctuation will complicate the task of the athlete;
4. A swimsuit does not "live" long: one outfit - one number. In another performance, a different swimsuit is used;
5. The cost of a swimsuit will directly depend on the exclusivity of the model, the design solution, as well as the abundance of rhinestones and other decorative elements.

Long gone are the days when gymnastic leotards were modest, unpretentious, and designed for the sole purpose of being comfortable during a program. And they became elastic only in the 70s of the last century.

The 90s brought something completely new to the look of the swimsuit - the grace began to appear in overalls. This became possible after such outfits were allowed to be used by Muslim athletes. But the representatives of other confessions liked the closed dresses almost immediately.

Gymnastics leotards acquired their brightness and boldness at the beginning of the 2000s. So, in 2000, at the Summer Olympics in Sydney, the Association allowed "artists" to supplement a swimsuit with a small skirt, and subsequently the ban on fringes, asymmetry, an abundance of rhinestones and a riot of colors was lifted.

Fashion trends do not stand still, adding new touches to gymnastics outfits every year.

So, in 2017, at the peak of popularity, bright colors and incredible combinations of scales - the more festive the swimsuit is, the better. The rule remains unchanged, requiring a certain degree of modesty from the "artist's" sports outfit - the outfit should not be frank and defiant.

In order to emphasize the dignity and hide what should be kept secret, flesh-colored fabric is used. Leotard sleeves are most often sewn from it - long or 3/4 sleeves, small stand-up collars. Sleeveless swimsuits are generally used less and less lately.

An abundance of rhinestones is in fashion. Swimwear literally shines from the scattering of small stones. But sequins are gradually becoming a thing of the past - they try to use them to a minimum.

Noticeably "flourished" and everyday, training leotards of gymnasts. Although they are devoid of jewelry, they now also use bright fabrics for their sewing. The time of matching black swimsuits has long since sunk into oblivion.

The so-called "dancing leotards" are in great demand. They perfectly match the theme of the performance and even the music that will sound during it. The effect of the magical movement of the picture is achieved by the careful work of the designers.

They think over the appliqué so that the individual elements visually "move" along with the body of grace. This creates a truly fantastic and mesmerizing image. These swimwear are made of elastane or polyamide.

The individual elements on it must be a solid whole so that the "dancing leotard" looks organic during the performance. This will require a special approach when sewing.

The most popular brands of gymnastic leotards in Russia are Arina Ballerina, PlayToday, KICKERS.

Gym swimwear is a delicate matter. Literally and figuratively. After all, special fabrics are used to tailor the outfit of athletes, from which they will never make outfits for swimmers. It is important here that the suit fits the figure as tightly as possible, but does not squeeze.

For this, various types of supplex are taken, usually Korean or Italian. Stretch velvet is widely used. The composition of the fabric is of great importance; synthetic fibers should not prevail over natural material in it.

The color schemes of fabrics in 2017 give immense scope for designers' imagination to fly. At the height of fashion, neon colors. All shades of light green, orange, blue, red and even white. It is the white one that requires a great deal of courage from the gymnast. Not a single flaw can be hidden in it.

But it is the white gymnastic leotard that gives the image the charm: the girl looks more confident. Often, when decorating white swimsuits, hand embroidery is used, and this gives additional charm.

Usually in the arsenal of a professional athlete - from 6 to 10 leotards for performances and 2-3 training outfits.

It is worth starting the choice only after clarifying a number of important points:

• Single or group performance to be performed;
• The theme of the performance and the image that the gymnast should reproduce. The coach will inform you about it;
• How long does the athlete have to wear the swimsuit? If it is not the Olympic Games, and there are only two or three performances, experts recommend renting a swimsuit.

When choosing a leotard for rhythmic gymnastics, you cannot do without trying on. It should fit perfectly. Do not chafe, squeeze or sag. For this reason, buying a used outfit is not the best solution. After all, two identical figures do not exist. Each athlete has her own nuances.

It is better to consult with representatives of the regional sports association about the depth of the cutouts, groin lines, the presence or absence of decorative elements. Some require the fabric to be opaque, others want chiffon lightness. The requirements are the same for athletes of all ages.

Particular attention should be paid to the environmental friendliness of the material. A gymnastic swimsuit must "breathe", because sport is not only a bright celebration of beauty and grace, but also exhausting work. The gymnasts are sweating, and therefore the outfit must compensate for the discomfort while remaining dry. The swimsuit should stretch well, and after getting wet, it should not lose its shape.

If you decide to sew a swimsuit to order, carefully and without fuss, you need to approach the choice of an atelier. Get acquainted with the finished works of the masters, check if the measurements were taken correctly. Services for sewing gymnastic equipment are now presented in almost every city in Russia.

The price of a finished swimsuit starts at 2,000 rubles and can grow indefinitely, like sportsmanship. It all depends on the exclusivity of the model (serial ones are much cheaper), materials, and decorative ornaments. Sometimes the cost of rhinestones and lace appliques exceeds the cost of design, sewing and fabric combined. The main thing is not to overdo it - the decor should not interfere with the performance of the gymnast.

If the choice is made, and the desired swimsuit is purchased, it is important to remember the simple rules for caring for it.

1. The swimsuit must be washed after each performance. Even a small amount of sweat spoils the fabric and does not add charm to the athlete. This should be done exclusively by hand; it is strictly forbidden to wash a swimsuit in a typewriter. Do not soak the item, especially in hot water, do not use bleach or iron.
2. If the swimsuit is trimmed with a huge amount of rhinestones, be careful when rinsing. It is better to refrain from washing for several days after gluing the jewelry. Gymnastics leotards cannot be dry cleaned.
3. Hanging a wet swimsuit with dripping water is not recommended. It will lose its shape. Dry it unfolded on a soft towel with medium bristles.
4. Do not store your swimsuit in the open sun. The fabric may lose its original color.It is advisable to use a cover for storage. It is better to hang a swimsuit in a dry place. Match the shoulders to the size of the swimsuit to avoid stretching.
5. If something "ripped off" or a seam has come apart, you should not correct the situation yourself. Take the item to the atelier, where it will be carefully repaired.
6. If a swimsuit is purchased for a child, be sure to explain to him the rules for using an elegant new thing. In gymnastic equipment designed for performances, there is no need to lie on the carpet again, fiddle with a skirt with your hands or try to see if shiny stones are attached well. All this can lead to damage to the swimsuit.

A leotard for rhythmic gymnastics has long ceased to be just an athlete's outfit. This is a real work of art. Like gymnastics itself, it has long been not only a demonstration of a refined technique for performing elements.

This is a mini-performance, a performance with a storyline. That is why gymnasts, with the help of outfits and makeup, transform into different images - into heroines of films and novels, fairy-tale characters and historical figures, fantastic and unearthly, romantic and magical. After all, their sport gives aesthetic pleasure to everyone, without exception. It is impossible not to admire the grace.