Gymnastics Kit Guide: Leotards, Shorts, Handguards and Grips

Most beginners need very little kit to start; a few items become relevant only as training gets more regular and competitions come into view.

Training basics

British Gymnastics’ dress code applies in every session: clothing that doesn’t restrict movement and isn’t loose enough to be a hazard, no buckles, clasps or raised decorations, long hair tied back, and bare feet or gymnastics slippers. A leotard, or fitted leggings or shorts with a fitted top, covers most recreational classes. See what to wear to a first class for the full rules, including jewellery.

Handguards (“grips”)

Handguards are leather or synthetic pads worn on the hands for bar and ring work, protecting the skin and improving contact with the apparatus. Beginners in general recreational classes don’t usually need them; a coach will normally advise once a gymnast is doing enough bar or ring work to benefit.

British Gymnastics’ guidance says special equipment such as handguards must be suitable, not loose-fitting, and in good order — so fit and condition matter as much as the type. See grips and handguards for more.

Competition kit

At British Gymnastics competitions, the code of dress for gymnasts is the one set by the FIG for that discipline, with any concessions or variations published in the event’s handbook — so check the handbook before entering. Families who need a variation for religious reasons can apply using a clothing modification form, submitted with the entry; British Gymnastics’ guidance says the organiser will respond within 10 working days and refund the entry fee in full if the request is declined, provided the form was sent before the closing date.

Clubs usually have their own competition leotard or kit, and in team events team-mates are expected to match.

What the elite rules say

The FIG’s 2025–2028 Codes of Points set the attire rules for international competition, which national competitions build on.

Women must wear a non-transparent leotard or unitard (a one-piece with full-length legs). Shoulder straps must be at least 4 cm wide, the leg cut can’t go above the hip bone, and full leg coverings in the same colour as the leotard are allowed. Gymnastic slippers and socks are optional, and a head covering is permitted under the FIG’s clothing rules.

Men must wear a gymnastics singlet on every apparatus, and long gymnastics trousers with socks on pommel horse, rings, parallel bars and horizontal bar. On floor and vault they can choose shorts (with or without socks) or long trousers. Long trousers, socks and slippers in black or darker shades of blue, brown or green are not permitted.

Both may wear handguards, body bandages and wrist wraps, provided they are securely fastened and in good repair; skin-coloured bandages are required (women, where available) or recommended (men), and compression sleeves aren’t allowed. Team members must wear identical competition kit in the qualification round and team final.

Fit and safety

Whatever the item, fit matters for safety as much as comfort: clothing that’s too loose can catch on apparatus, and handguards that don’t fit properly can affect grip rather than improve it. When in doubt, ask your club rather than guessing.