German Gymnasts’ Full-Body Suits: A Bold Stand Against Sexualization

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In high school, I was part of the cheerleading squad, sporting adorable uniforms that featured a purple-and-white tank top with a “V” design and a flouncy skirt that danced with every twirl. I relished cheerleading and adored my outfit—except for one thing: the vulnerability I felt during moves that required me to spread my legs. As we executed flips and jumps on the sidelines, our skirts would fly up, exposing our bloomers. The thought of someone potentially seeing “too much” or a creep in the stands trying to catch a glimpse of my private parts filled me with anxiety. I had a meticulous shaving routine before game day, ensuring no hair escaped my bloomers, and kept my razor burn in check. I even wore wedgie-proof bloomers.

This preoccupation with appearance and modesty was the norm for us; it was simply part of our sport that we accepted without question.

The Right to Choose Attire

Recently, German gymnast Mia Schmidt made headlines for her choice to compete in a full-body unitard at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Basel, Switzerland. Two of Schmidt’s teammates also chose to wear unitards. Looking back, I wish I had the option for more coverage during my cheerleading days, especially considering I was performing for a small audience.

In an interview with ZDF, Schmidt expressed, “We women all want to feel comfortable in our skin. In gymnastics, it becomes increasingly challenging to feel at ease as we transition out of our childlike bodies. As a girl, I didn’t think much of the form-fitting outfits, but puberty changed that.” The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has fully supported their gymnasts, advocating that female athletes should feel at ease in their clothing and standing against the sexualization in gymnastics. Schmidt hopes that gymnasts who feel uncomfortable in traditional outfits will find courage in their example.

The Evolution of Gymnastics Attire

Photographs from the 1908 Olympics show female gymnasts wearing outfits resembling stuffy dresses rather than practical performance wear. These suits featured long, puffy sleeves and baggy skorts that covered nearly everything. By the 1948 Olympics, gymnastics attire had begun to evolve into the more streamlined versions we see today, with form-fitting designs that reveal the athletes’ legs.

Today’s leotards are typically made from tight, shiny fabrics that accentuate every curve of the gymnast’s body. They are often long-sleeved with high-cut legs, intended to create the illusion of elongated legs. Competition leotards are expected to showcase individuality and boost a gymnast’s confidence.

Uncomfortable Norms in the Sport

Due to the nature of the fabric, leotards can sometimes slide into uncomfortable positions, leading to wedgies and unwanted exposure. If a gymnast adjusts her leotard during a performance, judges may penalize her with point deductions. To combat this, many female athletes use a spray called TuffSkin to keep their leotards in place.

While the current convention dictates that leotards must be worn, shorts are not officially banned but are also not considered acceptable attire. Although unitards that cover from hip to ankle are allowed, female gymnasts risk losing points if they choose to compete in shorts. A change.org petition is currently garnering support to modify these rules, emphasizing that young female athletes should not be forced to wear minimal coverage during their menstrual cycles.

Covering Up Is Not a Shield Against Sexual Assault

It’s crucial to clarify that opting for more coverage does not equate to protection from sexualization or assault, nor does wearing traditional leotards imply consent. Aly Raisman highlighted this issue in 2018 amid discussions about appropriate attire in light of the Larry Nassar scandal. The core of this matter is personal choice and consent. While each sport has its standards, there should be flexibility for athletes who prefer more coverage.

Even sports like beach volleyball have evolved their uniform requirements, allowing female players to wear shorts instead of bikinis. This kind of flexibility should be adopted across all sports, granting athletes the right to cover their bodies without facing penalties.

Mia Schmidt may not have been satisfied with her performance on the beam in Basel, but she proudly embraced her decision to wear a unitard—an outfit that looked fantastic on her. In her Instagram post, she stated, “Feeling good and looking elegant? Why not?” We couldn’t agree more, Mia.

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In summary, the evolution of gymnastics attire reflects a broader conversation about bodily autonomy and comfort for female athletes. The recent choices made by German gymnasts highlight the need for progress in sports fashion and the importance of allowing athletes to perform in ways that make them feel secure and confident.