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Why do USA gymnast wear different leotards?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 20, 2026

According to Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, who's providing commentary for NBC in Tokyo, the reason is simple. Blue leotards are for those competing in the team events. The red ones are for those who are competing only in individual events.

Why USA gymnasts have different leotards?

Laurie Hernandez, who was formerly Biles' teammate and part of the "Final Five" at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, clarified that the different colors were used to designate the competitors' different roles.

Why do USA Gymnastics have different uniforms?

The answer, it turns out, is quite simple. Only four of the gymnasts are competing for a team medal, while the two additional Americans are competing only for individual medals, and not wearing the full team uniform. NBC introduced the “core four” team members ahead of the prime-time broadcast Sunday.

Why do gymnasts wear long sleeve leotards?

It's believed by some people that when performing in a long sleeved gymnastics leotard, the gymnast's arms appear to be longer. Therefore, if the routine requires a lot of focus on the arms, this type of gymnastics leotard could enhance it, potentially leading to a higher score.

Are gymnasts required to wear leotards?

Leotards are often required by the studio to be worn during practice and in some cases, they require the same outfit when going to a competition. Safety is another reason leotards are required to prevent the child from tripping over loose clothing or avoid the outfit from affecting their balance.

33 related questions found

Do gymnasts like leotards?

While U.S. gymnasts embrace the idea of choice, all who were asked said they would stick to traditional leotards — for now, anyway. “Personally, I feel comfortable in a leo, and that's more my style,” said Simone Biles, who at 4 feet, 8 inches tall prefers the leg-lengthening look of leotards.

Why do two of the USA gymnasts wear red?

The red ones are for those who are competing only in individual events. Typically, the U.S. would be sending five women to the Olympics, not six. Those five spots are determined at the Olympic Trials: four team members, and one individual event specialist.

Why are 2 of the USA gymnasts wearing red?

According to Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, who's providing commentary for NBC in Tokyo, the reason is simple. Blue leotards are for those competing in the team events. The red ones are for those who are competing only in individual events.

Why are two USA gymnasts in red?

According to Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, who's providing commentary for NBC in Tokyo, the reason is simple. Blue leotards are for those competing in the team events. The red ones are for those who are competing only in individual events.

Why is jade not on Team USA?

Ms Carey was not actually a member of Team USA, because of new qualifying rules that only apply to the Tokyo Olympics. The reason for her competing as an individual is due to a team-structure change that the International Gymnastics Federation announced in 2015.

How much do the Olympic gymnastics leotards cost?

This year's official Olympic leotards reportedly cost $700 to $1,200 each. Each individual gymnast will also have their own respective wardrobes, including practice leotards, that is estimated to be around $12,000 total.

How do gymnasts keep their leotard?

Gymnasts (and dancers alike) often apply "butt glue" along the outline of their leotards, according to Livestrong, to make it stay in place. "Butt glue" is actually body adhesive that was first used in pageants to keep swimsuits from riding up.

Who designed USA Gymnastics leotards?

Jeanne Diaz, senior designer and director of custom at GK Elite, the leotard manufacturer that for the first time made the women's Olympic uniforms, says the theme for the leotards was Modern Warrior.

Do gymnasts wax?

Do gymnasts get waxed? Women gymnasts have come to resemble swimmers in their uniform lack of body hair— waxing being an unspoken mandate that has as much to do with aesthetics as with aerodynamics. (Well groomed in her appearance.)

Why are college gymnastics leotards so high cut?

The cuts, to a modern eye, look dramatically different: "The leg line is higher, which [gives] the girls a longer line," she explains. The higher cut helps create the optical illusion that gymnasts, typically among the shortest of athletes, have longer legs than they actually do.

Do the gymnasts wear tights?

Some leotards have built-in liners which can be removed and washed, and ballet dancers usually just use their tights as underwear. Gymnasts and dancers can actually wear all sorts of things under their leotards — so you have a few options and you totally don't have to go commando if you don't want to!

What do gymnasts spray under their leotards?

A: Gelatin! Team USA synchronized swimmer Mariya Koroleva told Vogue that she and her teammates use Knox gelatin as a sort of super-duper hairspray. "It's like unflavored Jell-O — we mix it with water, and it turns into a gooey mixture," she said.

What is the purpose of a leotard?

Leotards are used for a variety of purposes, including yoga, exercise, dance (particularly for ballet and/or modern), as pajamas, for additional layered warmth under clothing, and for recreational and casual wear. They may form a part of children's dressing up and play outfits and can also be worn as a top.

Why do gymnasts wear bodysuits?

Germany's Olympic gymnastic team debuted full-length bodysuits during podium training on Thursday. The unitards have previously been worn in a stance against the sexualization of gymnasts. Gymnast Sarah Voss said she hoped she could be a role model for younger athletes in the sport.