CHILDREN'S & THEMED LEOTARDS

This is VINKOVA's rhythmic gymnastics clothing for girls: leotards, tops and sets made for gymnasts who are starting out and for those already competing in the younger categories. Full children's size range, colours to choose from, and the same print quality we use on the senior competition leotards.

If this is her first year at the club, start here.

What a girl starting rhythmic gymnastics actually needs

Less than you would think. For the first months, this is enough:

• A comfortable training leotard that takes washing and does not bother her when she raises her arms.
• Toe shoes to work on the carpet without friction burns — see rhythmic gymnastics toe shoes.
• Leg warmers for warm-up, especially from October to March — see leg warmers.
• The apparatus for her category; her coach will tell you which. They are all in rhythmic gymnastics apparatus.

The competition leotard, with crystals and a worked design, comes later, when there is an actual competition ahead. There is no rush.

Leotard, maillot or set: don't get lost in the words

Clubs use these words interchangeably and it sometimes causes confusion when buying. Leotard and maillot are the same garment: the one-piece that covers the torso. A set usually means the leotard plus a training piece — shorts, crop top, leg warmers. If the coach asked for a "rhythmic leotard", it is what you will find on this page.

Children's sizes: by height, never by age

This is the most common mistake. Two girls the same age can take two different sizes, because in rhythmic gymnastics what counts is height and then torso length (shoulder – crotch – shoulder). Step by step in how to take the measurements.

• Fitted, not tight. If raising the arms pulls at the shoulder, the size is too small.
• Don't buy a size up "to grow into". It bags at the back, wrinkles at the torso, and she spends the routine pulling it back into place.
• Re-measure every season. At these ages growth is fast and last year's size almost never works.

Everyday training: what really wears out

A girl's training leotard lives through two or three sessions a week and a wash after each one. That is why it is better plain and without crystals: rhinestones snag and come off with daily use, and they make a garment expensive that will only last as long as the growth spurt. Save the special design for competing. This collection also includes the basic leotards from the former Essential line: simple, without rhinestones and made for everyday use.

Affordable rhythmic gymnastics leotards: the basics to start with

If you are looking for a cheap rhythmic gymnastics leotard for training, these are the basics from €49: plain or simple-print designs, no crystals, a full range of children's sizes and the same sublimation printing as the rest of the catalogue. They are the former Essential models, now gathered here. They cost less because they take less handwork, not because the fabric is different.

The first competition leotard

When the first competition arrives, the leotard stops being just clothing: it is part of how the gymnast presents herself and how she feels stepping onto the carpet. Our competition models for girls use the same sublimation printing as the senior ones — the colour enters the fibre and does not crack — in small sizes. If the club wants one design for the whole group, we make it made to measure, to each girl's measurements.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do girls start rhythmic gymnastics?
Usually between 4 and 6, in a playful way, working on motor skills and getting used to the apparatus. Technique comes later.

What goes under the leotard?
Nothing, or seamless underwear that does not show. In rhythmic gymnastics the line of the body is part of the score, so anything that marks is avoided.

How is it washed?
By hand, cold water and neutral soap, dried flat on a towel. No tumble dryer, no iron, no bleach. That way the colour lasts the whole season.

Will an artistic gymnastics leotard do?
To start with it might, but it is not the same: rhythmic leotards are designed for arms working overhead and for handling the apparatus, with cuts and elastics made for that.

See also all our rhythmic gymnastics leotards and the rest of the accessories.