Gymnastic leotards can be an expensive clothing item to purchase, so in these difficult economic times when spending cut backs may be necessary, we thought we’d give you the rundown on the best way to keep your leotards in tip-top condition so that they continue to look good and last you longer.

Our first money-saving tip would be to buy your gymnastic leotards from a reputable manufacturer.  The larger well-known brands of gymnastic leotards make their garments from high-quality, durable fabrics like lycra that have been tested and proven to last, so it’s worth paying a few extra dollars to know that your gymnastic leotards are not going to fall apart after the first wash.

Specialty fabrics like mesh, hologram, sparkle or glitter velvet, and foils tend to be more delicate, so be aware before you buy your leotards that these materials will require extra care.  If you just can’t resist the allure of shiny, sparkly leotards, then be sure to take particular care when applying your deodorant or any alcohol-based aerosol products.  Deodorant, perspiration and repeated washing can cause gymnastic leotards made from delicate fabrics to quickly fade or lose foil.

Another money-saving factor to be aware of before you buy is that white or light-coloured gymnastic leotards can sometimes pose a problem in terms of colour bleeding.  Try to avoid designs that have a light colour seamed with a darker colour under the arm as perspiration and deodorant application can cause colour transference in this area, ruining the look of your leotards.  The same principle applies if you are wearing light-coloured gymnastic leotards under darker-coloured warm-up apparel.  Another hint is to never leave damp or sweaty gymnastic leotards stuffed in your gym bag for any length of time.  Apart from causing unpleasant odours, it can also create problems with colour transference.

The best way to launder your gymnastic leotards is to turn them inside out and machine wash them in plenty of water using a mild liquid detergent. Avoid using bleaches, fabric softeners or harsh detergents as these products may damage your gymnastic leotards.  Once your wash cycle is complete, just pop your leotards into the tumble dryer on a low or no heat setting for best results.  By following these simple guidelines you can ensure that your gymnastic leotards stay looking good for many years to come.