Current Leotard Trends
1. Mesh
Despite mesh being a delicate fabric, it’s being seen on leotards more now than ever and in a variety of colors and places. It is most commonly seen for sleeves and upper bodices. It makes for an interesting contrast between the normal leotard fabrics. These leotards are often very mature and sophisticated looking.
2. Collars
Many dislike the turtleneck-like feel to the collared leotards. However, they are being seen more and more recently even though they are actually a blast from past leotard styles of the '90s. Just like in the fashion world, trends often do come back around.
3. Pink
Pink leotards have become something of a regular in the past 4-6 years. This trend has been a topic of discussion and debate in the gymnastics world for quite some time when it comes to the US women consistently wearing them in international competitions. Many people do not think the leotards display patriotism. However, the other side of the debate is the fact that the leotards stand out in competitions and look good across a variety of skin tones. Even despite the objections, we continue to see many gymnasts sporting the color.
4. Ombré
Ombre has been a trend throughout the year, but not originally for leotards. Ombre, or a gradient of color, has been spotted on t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, and even hair. This is a relatively new design to leotards, but the color change adds a very subtle look to a gymnast's leotard and may be a trend that is around for a while.
5. Metallics
Many gymnasts have recently been wearing dark metallics, such as silver, bronze and gold. These leotards are refined and polished and are often accented with rhinestones.
6. Neons
Neons, especially in green, have become popular recently amongst teams. The pops of color are easy to spot on the competition floor and make a big statement.
7. Jewels
Rhinestones are no longer used for the sole purpose of highlighting the design of a leotard or adding a splash of sparkle. Gymnasts now are using rhinestones to create elaborate designs, such as swirling and geometric patterns.
Click on the pictures below for descriptions.
(Photo credits: USA Gymnastics archive)
Despite mesh being a delicate fabric, it’s being seen on leotards more now than ever and in a variety of colors and places. It is most commonly seen for sleeves and upper bodices. It makes for an interesting contrast between the normal leotard fabrics. These leotards are often very mature and sophisticated looking.
2. Collars
Many dislike the turtleneck-like feel to the collared leotards. However, they are being seen more and more recently even though they are actually a blast from past leotard styles of the '90s. Just like in the fashion world, trends often do come back around.
3. Pink
Pink leotards have become something of a regular in the past 4-6 years. This trend has been a topic of discussion and debate in the gymnastics world for quite some time when it comes to the US women consistently wearing them in international competitions. Many people do not think the leotards display patriotism. However, the other side of the debate is the fact that the leotards stand out in competitions and look good across a variety of skin tones. Even despite the objections, we continue to see many gymnasts sporting the color.
4. Ombré
Ombre has been a trend throughout the year, but not originally for leotards. Ombre, or a gradient of color, has been spotted on t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, and even hair. This is a relatively new design to leotards, but the color change adds a very subtle look to a gymnast's leotard and may be a trend that is around for a while.
5. Metallics
Many gymnasts have recently been wearing dark metallics, such as silver, bronze and gold. These leotards are refined and polished and are often accented with rhinestones.
6. Neons
Neons, especially in green, have become popular recently amongst teams. The pops of color are easy to spot on the competition floor and make a big statement.
7. Jewels
Rhinestones are no longer used for the sole purpose of highlighting the design of a leotard or adding a splash of sparkle. Gymnasts now are using rhinestones to create elaborate designs, such as swirling and geometric patterns.
Click on the pictures below for descriptions.
(Photo credits: USA Gymnastics archive)