In American gymnastics, we are all about individuality. Every gymnast has their style, their signature move, and their leotard. This is what makes gymnastics such a unique sport. The individuality of every gymnast is respected and celebrated. Even though there are so many differences between American and international gymnastics, leotards are the same across the board. 

The leotards worn by members of the US gymnastics team are very different from leotards worn by members of the international gymnastics community. Now, before you think that means only American gymnasts can wear leotards made by Under Armour, think again. Different countries and organizations have different requirements for what makes a gymnastics uniform. These requirements are usually defined by the governing body that oversees that country's gymnastics program.

To better understand the differences between international and American gymnastics leotards, continue reading to learn more about the international/American leotard divide. 

Why are US gymnastics leotards different? 

It is important to understand that different countries have different requirements for what makes a gymnastics uniform. Specifically, the governing body that oversees the country's gymnastics program sets these standards.

The rules governing our uniforms are set by USA Gymnastics (USAG) in the US. Within their rules, USAG lays out a list of requirements for a leotard to be considered an "approved" USAG leotard:

• The front of the leotard must be solid black and reveal no flesh when worn
• The back of the leotard must be solid black and reveal no flesh when worn
• The crotch area must be lined with black fabric
• No designs or pictures can be shown on any part of the apparel
• There can not be more than two patches on each side (left and right) of the leotard, both of which must contain only one letter or numeral on each patch
• Puff sleeves are not allowed
• No pouches are allowed
• Patches may only contain letters and numbers with no design
• No stripes are allowed on either side of leotards (left and right)

The International Gymnastics Leotard 

The international gymnastics leotard is a one-piece unitard. Although some countries change the traditional color to suit their needs, the standard color is blue. The material used to make the leotard can vary as well - traditionally, they are made of cotton and wool, but more modern materials include polyester and Lycra.

The international gymnastics leotard is designed with various stitches and seams to ensure that it has a snug fit. These stitches help to keep the gymnast from slipping or falling off the beam or the bars during their routine. The stitches also protect sensitive areas like a girl's chest or waistline. Additionally, these seams help keep the fabric from bunching up or moving too much during competition or training.

The American Gymnastics Leotard 

In American gymnastics, the leotard is designed to be a uniform. This means that it has to be a solid color and must meet a specific set of requirements for it to match the other team members. The design is simple and there are usually two colors (usually black and white).

The color of the leotard can vary based on the gymnast's preference, but they all have to be the same. And while these leotards may not be flashy or bright like those worn by international gymnasts, they're still very powerful.

American gymnasts wear this type of leotard to look consistent. When you see someone wearing an American gymnastics uniform, you know they are part of that team because their outfit matches everyone else's. This creates unity among teammates which makes them work together better during competitions. International teams also wear uniforms that represent their team as a whole - but there are some differences between the two styles of leotards. 

The Differences Between Gymnastics Uniforms 

The differences between international and American gymnastics leotards stem from the governing body of the gymnastics program.

International: International-level gymnasts must wear a two-piece suit that covers every inch of their body except for their hands, feet, and face. These leotards also need to be made of a flexible material so that each movement can be unrestricted. These leotards are often made with nylon or polyester fibers to ensure this is the case.

American: American-level gymnasts are only required to wear a one-piece suit that leaves their midriff open. This uniform style is shorter than the international version, exposing more skin and giving American gymnasts more flexibility in movement. American uniforms are also typically made with spandex and Lycra to give them enough stretch while still maintaining structure.

Gymnastics uniforms come in a variety of styles and colors. Many different sports require special uniforms, like cheerleading, acrobatics, and dance. Gymnastics uniforms are designed to be form-fitting and made of light materials.

The differences between gymnastics uniforms come down to function and style. All uniforms protect the athlete's skin from the apparatus, but there are some differences between uniforms for different sports. Cheerleading uniforms are typically not form-fitting, while acrobatics uniforms are more form-fitting.