Girls' GRS leotard size guide: how to choose the right size?
Choosing the right GRS leotard size for a girl requires more precision than choosing a standard garment. The leotard should fit the body closely, remain stable during movement, and cause neither discomfort, excessive wrinkling, nor painful tension.
Age or ready-to-wear size alone is not enough. Two gymnasts of the same age may have very different proportions in the torso, shoulders, hips, or body length.
This guide explains which measurements to take, how to take them correctly, what to do when between sizes, and when a custom-made option becomes the most suitable solution.
Why the size of a GRS leotard should not be chosen based on age alone
A rhythmic gymnastics leotard is designed to follow a wide range of movements. It must stay in place during jumps, pivots, walkovers, balances, and floor work.
A size that is too large can cause:
- wrinkles around the bust or hips;
- a skirt that shifts;
- a neckline or armholes that gape;
- insufficient support during rotations;
- a less polished appearance on the floor.
A size that is too small can cause:
- excessive tension at the crotch;
- a leotard that rides up;
- discomfort around the shoulders;
- marks or a feeling of compression;
- restricted movement.
The right fit therefore lies between support and freedom of movement.
Essential measurements for choosing a standard size
For an initial comparison with a size chart, three measurements are particularly important: bust, waist, and body length. Depending on the design, hip measurement may also be decisive.
1. Bust measurement
Place a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of the bust, passing under the armpits and across the back. The tape should remain horizontal and lie flat against the body without compressing it.
The gymnast should breathe normally and keep her arms relaxed.
2. Waist measurement
Measure the narrowest part of the torso, generally located above the navel. Do not suck in your stomach or pull the tape tight.
This measurement helps check that the leotard stays secure around the middle of the body and does not gape.
3. Hip measurement
Place the tape around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks. This measurement is useful for very fitted designs, leotards with shorts, and leotards with a structured skirt.
4. Body length or girth
This is often the most important measurement. It helps ensure that the leotard will be neither too short nor too long through the torso.
The tape starts at the top of the shoulder, goes down the front of the body, passes between the legs, and then comes back up the back to the starting point. The tape should follow the body without pulling.
This measurement is sometimes called body circumference, girth, or full loop.
5. Additional Measurements for Certain Designs
When the leotard has long sleeves or a special construction, additional measurements may be required:
- arm length;
- arm circumference;
- shoulder width;
- shoulder-to-waist length;
- total height;
- thigh circumference for certain unitards.
For a made-to-measure design, always follow the measurement guide provided by the brand rather than a generic list.
How to Take Measurements Correctly
A difference of a few centimeters can affect the final size choice. For reliable measurements:
- Use a flexible measuring tape;
- Take measurements over thin underwear or a close-fitting outfit;
- Ask another person to take the measurements;
- Maintain a natural posture without arching your back or pulling in your stomach;
- Keep the tape flat and do not pull it tight;
- Take each measurement a second time;
- Record the measurements immediately in centimeters.
Avoid taking measurements immediately after an intense workout if posture or breathing have not returned to normal.
NovaRythm Size Chart
Always compare the gymnast’s measurements with the official size chart for the model. Fits may vary slightly depending on the fabric, the presence of sleeves, the skirt, or the back construction.
If a product page contains a specific recommendation, it should take priority over a general rule.
What should you do if the measurements correspond to two different sizes?
It is common for a gymnast to match one size for chest circumference and another for torso length.
In this case, do not automatically choose the larger size. First, analyze the measurement causing the discrepancy.
If the torso length is too short in the smaller size
The larger size is generally the safer choice, because a leotard that is too short can pull at the crotch, compress the shoulders, and ride up during movement.
If only the bust width is slightly larger
Stretchy fabric can sometimes accommodate a small difference, but this depends on the design. Ask for advice before ordering rather than assuming that the fabric will always adapt.
If there is a significant difference between the upper and lower body
A standard size may create an imperfect compromise. A custom-made leotard can then prevent the outfit from being too loose in one area and too tight in another.
Should you buy a larger size to allow for growth?
Intentionally choosing a leotard that is too large is not recommended for competition. Creases, insufficient support, and shifting fabric can hinder the gymnast and detract from the visual appearance.
For a growing child:
- retake the measurements shortly before placing the order;
- indicate the competition date;
- mention any recent or rapid growth;
- ask whether the design is very fitted or more flexible;
- do not add several centimeters to the measurements yourself.
Any allowance should be determined by the brand or atelier, depending on the cut.
How can you check the size during a fitting?
A fitting should not be limited to looking at the outfit while standing in front of a mirror.
Ask the gymnast to perform several movements:
- raise her arms above her head;
- bend forward;
- do a split or a position close to her usual range of motion;
- perform a few pivots;
- sit down and then stand up;
- simulate the most demanding parts of her routine.
The leotard should remain stable. The straps or sleeves should not dig into the skin, the crotch should not pull, and the fabric should not form significant creases.
Signs that a size is too small
- the leotard rides up significantly;
- the seams pull around the shoulders or hips;
- the gymnast feels discomfort when raising her arms;
- the mesh appears excessively stretched;
- the crotch creates pain or pressure;
- the armholes leave deep marks on the skin.
Signs that a size is too large
- creases appear on the stomach or back;
- the neckline or armholes gape;
- the skirt rotates or slips down;
- the fabric shifts during pivots;
- the sleeves are too long or form waves;
- the bottom of the leotard lacks support.
When should you choose a custom-made rhythmic gymnastics leotard?
A custom-made leotard is especially relevant when:
- the gymnast consistently falls between two sizes;
- her torso length does not correspond to her bust and waist measurements;
- she has a very petite, very tall, or atypical body shape for standard sizing;
- the design features complex cutouts;
- the routine requires an outfit perfectly suited to the choreography;
- you want to customize the cut, sleeves, colors, and decoration.
At NovaRythm, the custom-made rhythmic gymnastics leotard is available from €233. The final price depends on the design, materials, and embellishments chosen.
The source document recommends allowing at least 60 days for production and starting the project around 90 days before the competition. The exact schedule must be confirmed when the quote is prepared.
The most common mistakes
- Choosing solely based on age: proportions vary greatly from one child to another.
- Using measurements from an old order: a young gymnast can grow quickly in just a few months.
- Measuring alone: posture and tape placement are often poorly controlled.
- Pulling the tape tight: the measurements become artificially small.
- Randomly adding room for growth: this may result in a garment that is too large.
- Neglecting body length: this is one of the main causes of discomfort.
- Ordering without asking for advice when between two sizes: each model may fit differently.
Frequently asked questions
Should measurements be retaken for every order?
Yes, especially for a child or teenager. Retake the measurements even if the previous size fit perfectly.
Should a leotard be very tight?
It should fit securely and stay in place, but it must not cause pain, restrict movement, or leave excessive marks on the skin.
Which measurement should be prioritized when between two sizes?
Body length is often decisive, but the decision also depends on the model and other discrepancies. If in doubt, send all the measurements to the brand.
Can you choose a size based solely on the child’s height in centimeters?
No. Total height is a reference point, but it does not replace chest, waist, hip, and body length measurements.
Can a standard size be altered?
Some minor alterations may technically be possible, but they depend on the model’s construction. Check the conditions before having the garment altered.
What should you do if you are unsure before placing your order?
Send the complete measurements, the intended size, and the model link to the team. A recommendation provided before purchase is preferable to an approximate choice.
In summary
To choose the right size, do not rely solely on age. Take at least the chest, waist, hip, and body length measurements, then compare them with the model’s official size chart.
When between two sizes, prioritize comfort in length and ask for advice if the proportions do not match a single row in the chart.
