How to create your custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard: the 5 steps
Creating a custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard is not simply a matter of choosing a color and a few rhinestones. It is a genuine design process: music, choreography, and personality must be translated into an outfit that remains balanced, legible, and comfortable on the floor.
Maëlys Marin, former French rhythmic gymnastics vice-champion and founder of NovaRythm, supports gymnasts through this process, from the first inspirations to final approval. Her approach is based on a simple idea: a beautiful leotard should never distract attention from the gymnast. It should support her style, enhance her movements, and give her confidence when she steps onto the competition floor.
In this guide, discover the five essential steps for creating a competition leotard truly suited to your project: defining an artistic direction, selecting materials and colors, planning the embellishments, providing precise measurements, and anticipating production.
Why choose a custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard?
A custom design becomes particularly worthwhile when you are looking for an outfit that does more than fit well—it should fully integrate with your routine. It allows you to adapt the cut to your body shape, choose a palette that complements your music, and develop the visual details according to the desired effect on the floor.
A custom leotard may be a suitable choice if:
- you need a more precise fit than standard sizes;
- you want to build a strong visual identity around your choreography;
- you are preparing for an important competition;
- you want to control the colors, materials, sleeves, skirt, and embellishments;
- you have sufficient time to design and approve the project with peace of mind.
By contrast, a catalog model remains an excellent option for a first competition, a short deadline, or a more limited budget. The right choice depends less on the gymnast’s level than on the time available, the desired degree of customization, and the level of precision required.
At NovaRythm, custom creations are available from €233. The final price depends in particular on the complexity of the design, the materials selected, and the level of embellishment.
Step 1 — Define your visual identity
Creation begins well before taking measurements. The first step is to define what your leotard should express.
Your music is often the best place to start. Is it gentle, theatrical, radiant, dramatic, or highly rhythmic? Does your choreography rely on fluidity, power, precision, or contrast? These elements help create a cohesive artistic direction rather than simply assembling details that look beautiful on their own.
Gathering the right inspiration
Prepare a short, focused selection:
- leotards whose cut or color distribution you like;
- a palette of two or three main shades;
- references related to your music, a costume, an era, or a mood;
- the elements you absolutely want to include;
- those you would rather avoid.
A mood board of five to ten images is generally sufficient. The goal is not to reproduce an existing design, but to identify what appeals to you: a diagonal line, a gradient, a contrast, an asymmetrical sleeve, a particular type of skirt, or a sheer panel.
“A successful leotard should be easy to take in at a glance. One dominant color, a strong line, and details that enhance movement are often more effective than an accumulation of effects.”
— Maëlys Marin
Avoiding a “cluttered” look
One of the most common mistakes is trying to incorporate all your inspirations into a single creation. Too many colors, materials, and patterns can blur the silhouette, especially from a distance.
The design process is therefore also about making choices. A clear direction will often produce a more premium and memorable result than an excessively busy design.
Step 2 — Choosing materials and colors
Once the overall concept has been defined, it is time to choose the materials. They determine more than just the appearance of the leotard: they also affect its support, flexibility, and behavior during movement.
Premium Lycra
Premium Lycra forms the basis of many competition designs. Stretching in several directions, it follows the full range of motion without stiffening the silhouette. Its subtly shiny or pearlescent finish enhances colors under gym lighting.
It is particularly suitable for areas that need to remain flexible and well-fitted: the bodice, hips, back, and sleeves.
Velvet
Velvet adds greater depth and a more sophisticated visual texture. It can define certain areas or create an appealing contrast with Lycra. However, its use must remain consistent with the cut to preserve freedom of movement.
Mesh, netting, and sheer fabrics
Transparent fabrics can visually lighten a design, shape a neckline, or create the impression of cutouts. They must be positioned precisely and remain compliant with the regulations applicable to your category.
Choosing a palette suited to the competition floor
A color does not appear the same on a screen, in natural light, and under the lighting in a gymnasium. It is therefore useful to consider how it will look from a distance.
- A dominant color provides a clear reading of the silhouette.
- A second color creates contrast or complements the movement.
- An accent color draws attention to a specific area.
The color must also work with the gymnast’s complexion, apparatus, music, and the overall feel of the routine. A successful choice is not necessarily the most spectacular on a sample: it is the one that remains harmonious once the garment is worn and in motion.
Step 3 — Considering rhinestones and embellishments
Embellishments are intended to work with the light and reinforce the design lines. Their effectiveness depends less on their quantity than on their placement.
Creating points of light
Rhinestones can highlight a shoulder, extend a diagonal line, define the waist, or follow the movement of a sleeve. When arranged intentionally, they add dimension to the leotard without weighing it down.
Uniform density across the entire garment can, on the contrary, soften the contrasts. The eye no longer knows where to focus, and the design loses clarity.
Sewn and glued rhinestones
Glued rhinestones make it possible to create delicate patterns and add numerous points of sparkle. Sewn rhinestones provide particularly durable attachment for larger elements or highly stressed areas.
NovaRythm uses, among other things, Preciosa rhinestones sewn by hand onto the designs concerned. Their size, shape, and position are chosen according to the approved design.
The final choice should always serve the gymnast: embellishments must not hinder movement, add unnecessary weight, or weaken areas subject to tension.
Step 4 — Taking accurate measurements
The quality of the fit depends directly on the accuracy of the measurements provided. A leotard can be perfectly designed and carefully made: if the measurements are inaccurate, the result cannot be fully satisfactory.
It is therefore preferable to have someone else take the measurements using a flexible tape measure, over a close-fitting garment and without pulling it too tightly.
Essential measurements
- Bust circumference: measured at the fullest point, without compressing.
- Waist circumference: measured at the narrowest point.
- Hip circumference: measured at the widest point.
- Torso length: a crucial measurement for preventing a leotard from pulling at the crotch or forming folds.
- Arm length: essential for sleeved designs.
- Arm and thigh circumference: useful depending on the planned cut and finishing details.
The gymnast should stand upright in a natural posture, without pulling in her stomach or altering her breathing. A measurement taken too tightly may result in an uncomfortable fit; one taken too loosely may create folds or insufficient support.
To check each step, consult our GRS leotard size guide.
Planning for growth
For a young gymnast, growth should be taken into account carefully. Adding excessive allowance may compromise the fit of the leotard on competition day. Conversely, ignoring rapid growth may shorten its useful lifespan.
The goal is not to plan several sizes ahead, but to share the competition date, the gymnast’s age and any recent changes in her measurements with the team.
Step 5 — Approve the design and begin production
Once the inspirations, fabrics, colors, embellishments and measurements have been defined, the project enters its approval phase.
This step is essential. It ensures that the design properly reflects the original intention before production begins.
Review the project as a whole
Before approving, take the time to check:
- the color harmony with the music and apparatus;
- the cut of the front and back;
- whether or not sleeves are included;
- the shape and material of the skirt;
- the sheer panels;
- the rhinestone placement;
- the measurements provided;
- the date on which the outfit must be worn.
A modification remains simple as long as production has not started. Once the fabrics have been cut, the pieces assembled or the embellishments applied, some changes become technically difficult or even impossible.
What happens during production
- Preparing the pattern based on the approved measurements.
- Cutting the fabrics according to the design’s construction.
- Assembly of the different pieces.
- Finishing details: edging, sleeves, skirt and sheer panels.
- Application of embellishments according to the chosen design.
- Final inspection before shipping.
Each step requires precision. The making time therefore covers more than just sewing: it also includes preparation, finishing, decoration, and quality control of the design.
How much time should you allow for a custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard?
A custom project must be planned in advance. The earlier the request is prepared, the more calmly decisions can be made and the more comfortable time you will have before the competition.
The exact lead time depends on the period, the complexity of the design, and the workshop’s workload. You should also allow time for discussions and design approval.
Ideally, start your project several weeks before the first competition date. Always mention your deadline at the first contact so that the team can confirm whether the schedule is feasible.
If your competition is approaching and the lead time for a custom design is no longer compatible, take a look at our rhythmic gymnastics competition leotard collection instead.
How much should you budget for a custom leotard?
At NovaRythm, a custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard is available from €233.
The price varies according to several criteria:
- the complexity of the cut;
- the number of materials used;
- whether sleeves, drapes, or specific details are included;
- the density and type of embellishments;
- the time required for making and finishing.
Comparing only the final price is not enough. You should also look at what is included: guidance throughout the creation process, customization, choice of materials, level of decoration, and quality of the finishing.
Mistakes to avoid when creating your design
Choosing solely from a photo
An inspiration photo is useful, but it does not always show how the outfit behaves in motion. A cut that looks very attractive in an image may need to be adapted to suit your body shape or choreography.
Adding too many effects without a clear hierarchy
A leotard does not need to incorporate every trend to stand out. A clear design, a well-balanced palette, and a few carefully placed details often create a more elegant result.
Taking measurements alone
This method increases the risk of errors, especially for the torso, back, and arm length. Ask an attentive person to help you and take each measurement a second time.
Start too late
A timeline that is too short leaves less room for discussions, approval, and any necessary checks. Planning ahead allows you to experience the creation process pleasantly rather than as a race against time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a NovaRythm custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard cost?
Custom creations start at 233 €. The final price depends on the design, materials, and level of embellishment. The project details are defined before production begins.
Do I need to already have a precise design in mind?
No. You can start with a piece of music, a few colors, or several inspirational images. The important thing is to explain what you like, what you want to avoid, and the effect you are looking for on the floor.
Can a leotard inspired by an existing model be created?
An existing creation can serve as a reference for a color, cut, or mood. However, the project must be adapted to create an outfit that is coherent with your body shape, program, and personal identity.
Can the design be modified after approval?
The options depend on how far production has progressed. Before cutting, some adjustments may still be possible. Once assembly or embellishment has begun, changes may be limited.
What should I do if the leotard needs an adjustment?
Contact the team as soon as you try it on, describing the issue precisely and attaching photos. The solution will depend on the nature of the adjustment and the measurements originally provided.
Can custom leotards be created for a group or club?
Yes. The design can be adapted for several gymnasts, taking their sizes and body shapes into account while maintaining a shared visual identity.
In summary
Creating a custom rhythmic gymnastics leotard involves following five essential steps:
- Define your aesthetic based on the music, choreography, and your inspirations.
- Choose the materials and colors with both comfort and the look on the floor in mind.
- Distribute the embellishments to emphasize movement without overwhelming the silhouette.
- Take precise measurements with the help of another person.
- Approve every detail before production begins.
Custom design allows you to create an outfit that reflects who you are, but above all, one designed to be worn. Every choice should serve the same purpose: allowing you to step onto the floor with a cohesive silhouette, freedom of movement preserved, and the confidence of wearing a creation designed around your project.
