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THE EVOLUTION OF GYMNASTICS ATTIRE: FROM PAST TO PRESENT
THE EVOLUTION OF GYMNASTICS ATTIRE: FROM PAST TO PRESENT
Gymnastics is a sport that has been around for a very long time. Right from ancient Greece to the modern-day Olympics, this sport has stolen many hearts. This sport requires balance, flexibility, strength, grace, control, and coordination. And it’s a high-energy sport that boosts our physical strength and mental health. In this article, we will explain how gymnastics attire has evolved over centuries, the history of leotards, from past to present day.

EARLY BEGINNINGS: THE SIMPLICITY OF THE PAST
The origins of gymnastic attire is traced back from the simpler days of the late 19th century. During those times, particularly in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, dance was becoming popular. Most dancers were looking for a dance costume where they can easily move and showcase their dance moves freely. The first dance leotard was introduced, which was a one-piece garment that covered the whole body. The focus was on modesty and simplicity rather than performance and aesthetics.

WHO INVENTED LEOTARDS?
Leotard was invented by the French acrobat Jules Léotard in the 19th century. The garment leotard was originally known as maillot, and it was named after him in 1886, many years after his death in 1870. This garment was made with a stretchy material to perform his daring aerial stunts with ease. He wore a one-piece garment that covered his entire body.

THE 1930S AND 1940S: THE BIRTH OF THE LEOTARDS
The beginning of the leotard trend wasn’t until the early 19th century. Previously, gymnasts wore clothing that was worn for any physical activities, such as the shorts and t-shirts. Later they switched to leotards for many reasons. One reason was to allow free movement and flexibility which is necessary in gymnastics. Another reason is the audience and the judges. Judges started rating them based on clothing that would allow them to evaluate their gymnastic techniques and movements.

During this period, gymnastics attire started to prioritize functionality. The need for clothing that allowed unrestricted movement and comfort during performances became evident. Leotards began to replace the bulkier attire, providing a more practical option for gymnasts.
https://www.joy-stream.com/blogs/blogs/the-evolution-of-gymnastics-attire?srsltid=AfmBOooUIC3wq4zf1oxYh8z8SO-ICFzuBLpfsKnwsVpojkkxrT4_teBz