Long Sleeve vs Sleeveless Gymnastics Leotards: Which to Choose?

Long sleeves or no sleeves? It is one of the first questions when choosing a gymnastics leotard, and the answer depends on what the leotard is for: training, competition, or both. Here is a simple guide from Startner, a family workshop that has been making gymnastics leotards in Marseille, France, since 1968.

Quick answer

Sleeveless is the practical choice for training: cooler, easier to move in and easy to wash. Long sleeves (or 3/4 mesh sleeves) are the classic choice for competition: they look more elegant on the floor, show off crystals and colour, and keep the arms warm between rotations. Many gymnasts have one of each.

Sleeveless leotards: best for training

• Freedom of movement: nothing on the shoulders or arms, which many gymnasts prefer on bars and beam.
• Cooler: ideal for warm gyms, summer camps and long training sessions.
• Easy care: less fabric, quicker to dry, so they cope well with several sessions a week.

See our sleeveless gymnastics leotards and our training leotards, designed to be worn week after week.

Long-sleeved leotards: best for competition

• Presentation: long or 3/4 sleeves draw clean lines in the arm movements, which suits floor and beam choreography.
• Room for decoration: mesh sleeves can carry crystals and gradients, so the whole silhouette sparkles under the lights.
• Warmth: arms stay warm while waiting between rotations, which is a real plus in cold sports halls.

Browse our long-sleeved gymnastics leotards.

What about mesh sleeves?

Mesh sleeves combine the look of a long-sleeved leotard with the lightness of a sleeveless one. They are very popular for competition: the sleeve almost disappears on the skin, while the crystals and bands stay visible. On our club leotard design tool, the preview even shows the mesh on light, medium or dark skin.

Are both allowed in competition?

Yes. In women's artistic gymnastics, leotards may be worn with or without sleeves. What matters is that the leotard is well fitted and decent, and that a team competes in matching outfits. Always check the specific rules of your federation or event, which may add their own requirements.

At a glance

Getting the size right

Whatever the sleeve, the fit is what matters most: a leotard that is too small rides up, one that is too big wrinkles. Measure chest, waist and hips and compare with our EU, UK and US size chart. For long sleeves, also check that the sleeve does not stop the arm from stretching fully above the head.

Caring for a competition leotard

Leotards with crystals need a gentle wash, inside out, by hand or on a delicate cycle, and should never go in the dryer. Our guide on how to wash a competition leotard explains everything.

See all our gymnastics leotards →