To Wear or Not to Wear Underwear?

The question every gymnastics parent has at some point, but nobody talks about... To wear or not to wear underwear under a leotard? Luckily, we are here to help and good news is you have some options...

Option Number 1: Confidence is Key

As you are dressing your little girl for gymnastics that day, you carefully pick out their favorite princess undies and shimmy their colorful leotard on. While you are sitting and watching your child laugh and have a good time jumping on the trampoline at gymnastics, you notice that you can see Rapunzel from all the way across the gym. In this case, confidence is key. Let your child strut their stuff and leave those undies to shine in all their glory. 

Option Number 2: Athletic Shorts

If your child is slightly self-conscience about their undies on display, you can throw on some athletic shorts and call it a day. It’s best to opt for tight fitting shorts and leave the parachute pants for another occasion.

Option Number 3: All About the High Rise

There is a particular type of undergarment called hi-cut underwear. They are specially designed to cut above the hip which happens to be perfect for leotards. You can order them online or find them in a local department store. These undies are usually designed for adults so pay special attention to the sizing!

Option Number 4: Unitards

Unitards may not be the prettiest article of athletic wear, however, they are incredibly convenient (and can be pretty cute if you are under the age of 12). A common misconception is that leotards and unitards are synonymous. Well myth buster time, they actually aren’t! Unitards are leotards, BUT they have shorts attached to them to make the outfit into one piece instead of two. Think of them as an athletic romper, or a spandex jumpsuit.

 Option Number 5: Going Commando

When you are picking out cute bathing suits for your little one you don’t worry for a second whether they should wear undies with them or not. Because let’s face it, that would be just silly.  So, think of leotards in the same way. I mean they practically ARE the same thing, so going commando is just a natural thing to do.

Bottom line: You Do You. 

Unless your little one is participating in a sanctioned competition, in which case lose that underwear because gymnasts will get a deduction if the judge sees them hanging out. Other than that, your child can wear whatever type of undergarment they feel comfortable in. At the end of the day, nobody has the perfect answer, and it is all about what your kid feels comfortable and confident in.