Category: Blog

The week before competition isn’t where great programs are built. It’s where preparation is revealed.

Here’s what high-performing coaches do months before the first meet.

They Set Expectations Early and Repeat Them Often

Great coaches don’t surprise their athletes. They communicate expectations at the start of the season and reinforce them constantly:

• What competition week looks like

• What is expected in warm-ups, in behavior, in focus

• What it means to represent your program

Repetition isn’t redundancy. It’s culture-building.

They Plan for the Logistics, Not Just the Skills

Skills training gets most of the attention. But the coaches who run stress-free competition seasons plan:

• Uniform orders well in advance

• Travel logistics with buffer time

• Athlete check-in systems

• Parent communication schedules

When logistics are handled, athletes can focus entirely on performance.

They Simulate Competition Conditions

The best coaches train the full experience, not just the routines.

• Full run-throughs in uniform

• Performing in front of coaches and peers

• Practicing pre-competition routines

The goal is to make competition feel familiar, not foreign.

They Protect Their Athletes’ Mental State

Pressure is part of the sport. But unnecessary pressure is a coaching choice.

Before competition season, the best coaches:

• Reduce the noise

• Increase the affirmation

• Create calm in the environment, even when the stakes are high

Athletes perform best when they feel secure, not anxious.

They Review the Season Honestly

Before building toward competition, they look back:

• What worked last season?

• Where did we lose time?

• What did athletes struggle with that wasn’t about skill?

The answers shape the entire next season’s approach.

Preparation isn’t a sprint before competition day. It’s a long game of consistent, intentional decisions. That’s what separates great programs from average ones.

Ordering a competition leotard isn’t just about colors and crystals.
It’s about compliance.

And here’s the part many teams overlook:
If we don’t know which regulation your athletes are competing under, we could design something beautiful that ends up costing you points.

There isn’t just one “gymnastics rulebook.”
Different levels and organizations follow different standards.

Before we design anything, we need clarity.

1. Not All Gymnasts Follow the Same Rules

Are your athletes competing under:

• USAG Development Program?

• Xcel?

• NCAA?

• Another federation or invitational-specific rules?

Each may have subtle but important differences in:

• Back coverage

• Cutout allowances

• Strap width

• Sheer fabric use

• Embellishment placement

A design that works perfectly for one level may be non-compliant for another. And judges don’t deduct for “it looked great in the mockup.”

2. Coverage and Modesty Requirements Can Affect Design Direction

Trends change quickly.

Open backs. Illusion mesh. Deep cuts.

But competition regulations prioritize:

• Proper torso coverage

• Secure fit

• Appropriate lining

• No excessive exposure

If we are not told the specific regulation your team is following, we may unknowingly design outside your compliance zone.

That risk is avoidable, with one clear conversation at the beginning.

3. Sheer Fabrics and Lighting Can Create Unintended Issues

Under gym lighting, some fabrics behave differently.

Under competition lighting, everything is amplified.

If a design includes:

• Nude mesh

• Light-colored panels

• High-stretch areas

We must ensure opacity under stretch and spotlight.

Regulations often require full coverage in certain areas — even if fabric technically looks opaque at rest.

4. Embellishments Must Respect Both Rules and Movement

Crystals are stunning.

But placement matters.

Heavy embellishment in high-flex zones can:

• Affect durability

• Compromise stretch

• Draw scrutiny in certain divisions

Some levels also restrict excessive decorative elements.

We design differently when we know the regulation from day one.

5. The Real Risk: Beautiful Design, Unexpected Deduction

This is what no coach wants:

Competition day.
Athletes look incredible.
But judges notice a technical non-compliance detail.

And suddenly, what was meant to elevate your team becomes a preventable distraction.

Design excellence means nothing without regulatory alignment.

What We Need From You Before We Start

To protect your athletes and your program, we need:

• The exact governing body

• The specific level (DP, Xcel, NCAA, etc.)

• Any meet-specific restrictions

• Confirmation if your gym has internal modesty standards beyond federation rules

This allows us to design creatively within the correct boundaries.

Compliance Is a Shared Responsibility

As your design partner, we understand construction, stretch behavior, embellishment limits, and lighting impact.

But only you know exactly which rulebook your athletes are competing under.

The earlier we align on regulations, the safer, and stronger, your final design will be.

Because competition day should be about confidence.

Not deductions.

Designing custom gymnastics leotards for your team is one of the most exciting parts of the season. It’s your chance to showcase your team’s personality, boost confidence, and stand out on the competition floor. Whether you’re refreshing your look or creating something completely new, here’s a simple, stress-free step-by-step guide to bringing your dream leotards to life.

Step 1: Fill Out the Design Form

Every great design starts with clear details.

Begin by completing the custom leotard form here:
https://bold-grit-landing-page-quoter.vercel.app/en

This is where you’ll share everything your design team needs, including:

• Your team logo

• Exact colors (be specific — think navy vs. royal blue)

• Whether you want crystals

• Backs

• Among other details

The more details you provide, the better your first designs will be. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about something, just include as much as you can.

Step 2: Sales Rep Confirmation

Once your form is submitted, a sales representative will review your information and reach out to confirm the details.

This step ensures:

• No design elements were missed

• Colors are accurate

• Logo files are high resolution

• Your timeline is realistic

• Crystal quantities and placement are clarified

Think of this as your quality control checkpoint before design begins.

Step 3: Receive 3 Free Custom Designs

Now the fun really starts.

Your design team will create three completely custom leotard concepts based on your submission. These designs are:

• Tailored to your brand

• Within your requested budget

• Designed to stand out

You’ll get multiple creative directions so your team can compare and choose what feels right.

Step 4: Make Adjustments (Up to 3 Rounds)

Not quite perfect yet? No problem. You’ll have up to three rounds of revisions to tweak and refine your favorite design. This collaborative process ensures the final look is exactly what you envisioned.

Once everything looks perfect, you approve the final design.

Step 5: Receive a Free Sample

Before full production begins, a free physical sample of your leotard is created.

This allows you to:

• Check fabric quality

• See colors in real life

• Review the crystal application in detail, and if you need the sample sooner, we can provide a version with printed placement circles to simulate where the crystals will be applied.

• Confirm overall construction

• Test comfort and stretch

It’s your opportunity to experience the design firsthand.

Step 6: Approve the Sample & Receive Sizers

After reviewing the sample, you’ll confirm final approval.

Next, you’ll receive sizers to ensure each athlete gets the correct fit. Proper sizing is crucial for performance and comfort, and this step eliminates guesswork.

Have your gymnasts try on the sizers, record their sizes, and you’re ready for the final step.

Step 7: Place Your Team Order

With your design approved and sizes collected, it’s time to place your order and pay 50% of your order. Your custom leotards will move into production, and before you know it, your team will be stepping onto the floor in a design made specifically for them.

Why This Process Works

This structured approach ensures:

• No miscommunication

• Clear approvals at every stage

• Zero design guesswork

• Proper sizing for every athlete

• A leotard your team feels proud to wear

From idea to competition floor, the process is designed to be smooth, collaborative, and exciting.

Ready to Get Started?

Your custom team look is just a few steps away.

Start by filling out the form and bring your vision to life:
https://bold-grit-landing-page-quoter.vercel.app/en

Your athletes deserve a leotard as strong and confident as they are.

Every coach reaches this point eventually. The design is approved. The athletes are excited. The season is approaching. And then comes the question: “Do we really need a sample, or should we move straight into production?”

At first glance, skipping the sample can seem like the faster option. After all, you’ve already seen the mockup, approved the colors, and agreed on the overall design.

But here’s the reality: A digital mockup can tell you a lot about how a uniform will look. It can’t tell you everything. That’s why many experienced coaches choose to review a sample whenever timelines allow. In this article, we’ll explain what a sample actually helps you evaluate, why it can save your team from costly surprises, and when it makes sense to move forward without one.

The “We’ll Skip the Sample” Temptation

When coaches decide to skip the sample stage, it’s usually for one of two reasons:

• They want to receive uniforms as quickly as possible.

• They feel confident enough after seeing the design.

Both reasons are understandable. After all, if the mockup looks great, why wait? The answer is simple: because a digital design is still a digital design. Even the most accurate mockup can’t fully replicate what a finished garment will look and feel like in real life.

A sample gives coaches the opportunity to evaluate the product before committing to an entire team order. For many programs, that added confidence is well worth the extra time.

What a Sample Tells You That a Digital Mockup Can’t

One of the biggest misconceptions about samples is that they’re simply a way to confirm the design. In reality, they provide much more information than that.

The Fabric Feel

You can see fabric in a mockup. You cannot feel it. A sample allows coaches and athletes to experience the material firsthand.

They can evaluate:

• Stretch and recovery

• Softness

• Weight

• Compression

• Overall comfort

At Bold&Grit, our gymnastics apparel is manufactured using high-performance bi-stretch fabrics designed for movement and durability. A sample allows athletes to experience that difference directly.

Print Quality and Color Accuracy in Real Life

Colors look different depending on screens, brightness settings, and lighting conditions.

A sample allows coaches to evaluate:

• Color vibrancy

• Print sharpness

• Contrast between design elements

• Overall visual impact

Many coaches are surprised by how different a design can feel once it’s viewed under gym lighting rather than on a computer screen.

How a Leotard Fits on a Real Athlete in Motion

This is often the most valuable part of the sample process. A mockup can show what a leotard looks like. It cannot show how it performs. When an athlete tries on a sample, coaches can evaluate:

• Comfort

• Mobility

• Coverage

• Overall fit

• Appearance during movement

Simple movements such as stretching, jumping, or basic gymnastics skills can reveal details that would never be visible in a digital rendering.

Why Samples Often Prevent Bigger Problems Later

Most teams don’t request a sample because they expect something to go wrong. They request one because they want to be sure everything is right before committing to a full production run. Sometimes a coach loves the design but realizes a color should be adjusted slightly. Sometimes athletes discover they’d prefer a different fit. Sometimes a crystal combination looks different in person than it did on screen. And sometimes everything is exactly as expected, which is also valuable. In every case, the sample provides confidence.

It’s much easier to make adjustments before production begins than after dozens of garments have already been manufactured. That’s why many experienced coaches view the sample stage as an investment in peace of mind rather than an extra step in the process.

How to Request a Sample at Bold&Grit

Requesting a sample is simple. Once your design has been approved, talk with your advisor about whether a sample is recommended for your project and whether your timeline allows for it.

Our team will review:

• Your delivery date

• The complexity of the design

• Production schedules

• Sample feasibility

It’s important to note that our free sample program is designed for team orders, including gyms, schools, colleges, and universities exploring a custom apparel project.

If a sample is a good fit for your project, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

How Long Does the Sample Process Take?

Because samples are individually produced, they require additional time within the overall project timeline. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the design and current production schedules. This is why we always encourage teams to start the process as early as possible.

Beginning early gives you more flexibility to:

• Explore design options

• Review a sample

• Complete sizing

• Finalize the order

• Stay comfortably ahead of important competition dates

When teams wait until the last minute, the sample stage is often the first thing that becomes difficult to accommodate.

When a Full Sample May Not Be Possible

If you’ve made it this far, you can probably tell we’re big believers in the value of reviewing a sample before placing a full team order. Whenever timelines allow, we strongly recommend it.

However, there are situations where a full sample simply isn’t realistic. The most common reason is time. If your team needs uniforms for an upcoming competition and the schedule is already tight, adding a sample stage could put the delivery date at risk. In those situations, protecting the timeline often becomes the priority.

The good news is that a full sample isn’t the only way to validate important details. Depending on your project, we may be able to provide alternatives such as:

• Printed color swatches

• Fabric samples

• Examples of crystal colors and embellishments

• Reference garments from previous projects

While none of these options replace the experience of reviewing a complete sample garment, they can help coaches feel more confident about key decisions when time isn’t on their side. Your advisor can help determine the best approach based on your timeline and project goals.

The Best Time to Evaluate a Uniform Is Before You Order the Entire Team

A sample isn’t required. Many teams successfully move directly from design approval into production. However, whenever timelines allow, reviewing a sample is one of the best ways to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence in your final order. It gives coaches and athletes the opportunity to evaluate the fabric, colors, construction, and fit before committing to a full team purchase. And in many cases, that extra confidence is exactly what turns a good ordering experience into a great one.

Ready to explore your options?

Request a free sample and learn whether it’s the right fit for your project, your timeline, and your team.

Most gyms sell t-shirts. Few sell an experience. Here’s how to build a fanwear program that families actually want to be part of.

Start With Identity, Not Inventory

The mistake most gyms make is ordering generic shirts with a logo slapped on. Families don’t want a shirt. They want to feel connected to something.

Before you order, define:

• What makes your program different?

• What would a proud parent love to wear in public?

• What feeling do you want the gear to create?

Design from that place, not from a catalog.

Offer Pieces, Not Just Shirts

A well-rounded fanwear collection might include:

• A premium hoodie with your program name

• A lightweight jacket for competition days

• A tote bag or bag tag for meets

• A classic tee in your brand colors

When families have options, they spend more. When the items are quality, they wear them longer, which means more visibility for your program.

Time It Right

Fanwear sells best when emotions are high:

• Start of the season

• Right before a major competition

• End-of-year celebrations

A pre-order model also works well, it eliminates leftover inventory and creates urgency.

Involve the Athletes

When athletes feel ownership over the fanwear design, their families buy.

Simple ways to do this:

• Let athletes vote on a hoodie color

• Feature a quote from your team’s season motto

• Include a design detail that references the current year

When athletes are proud of the design, they become your best sales team.

Protect Your Brand

If you don’t offer official fanwear, families will make their own. Well-intentioned, but visually inconsistent. Your logo deserves to appear the way you designed it. Your colors deserve to match competition to competition. A fanwear program isn’t just revenue. It’s brand protection.

Your athletes compete in leotards for minutes. They wear warm-ups for hours. And yet, warm-ups are often the last thing gyms invest in. That’s a missed opportunity.

The Timeline of Visibility

Consider a competition day:

• Athletes arrive in warm-ups.

• They warm up in warm-ups.

• They sit on the sidelines in warm-ups.

• Families photograph them in warm-ups.

• Social media is full of warm-up photos.

The leotard gets the spotlight. The warm-up gets the audience.

Cohesion Communicates Professionalism

When warm-ups match the leotard — in color, in logo placement, in quality — the message is clear: This program pays attention to details. That kind of visual consistency doesn’t go unnoticed by other coaches, judges, or families considering where to enroll their child.

Families Want to Wear It Too

A well-designed warm-up jacket doesn’t stay in the gym bag. It gets worn at school, at practice, at tournaments. Every time a parent or athlete wears your branded gear in public, your program is being promoted. That’s organic marketing. And you control the quality of the impression it creates.

Warm-Ups as Team Ritual

There’s something powerful about putting on the jacket as a team. It signals: we’re here, we’re ready, we represent something. That ritual belongs to warm-ups, not leotards.

What to Look for in Custom Warm-Ups

When ordering:

• Confirm colors match your leotard palette exactly

• Ensure logo placement is consistent across jackets and pants

• Choose fabric that photographs well and holds shape after multiple washes

• Consider sizing range; every athlete, every age, should feel represented

Your warm-up is the first thing people see. Make sure it tells the story you want them to read.

Ordering custom team leotards is very different from buying uniforms off the shelf. When you purchase ready-made apparel, you’re choosing from existing designs, available sizes, and current inventory. The process is relatively simple.

Custom team apparel is different. You’re creating something unique for your athletes, selecting colors, refining design details, confirming sizes, and coordinating timelines. While the process involves a few more steps, it also gives your team the opportunity to wear a uniform that truly represents your program.

If you’ve already decided that custom apparel is the right fit for your gym, you’re probably wondering:

• How long does the process take?

• When do we choose sizes?

• Do we get to see the design before ordering?

• Can we request a sample?

• What happens after we approve the artwork?

In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process, from your first design idea to the moment your order arrives at your gym.

Why Ordering Custom Is Different From Buying Off-the-Rack

Custom apparel isn’t built from existing inventory. Every order is created specifically for your team. That means the process includes a few important stages before production begins:

• Design development

• Design approval

• Sample review (when applicable)

• Team sizing

• Production

• Delivery

Each step exists for a reason: to help ensure your athletes receive uniforms that look great, fit properly, and arrive on time. The good news is that once you understand the process, it’s surprisingly straightforward.

Step 1: Submit Your Team’s Design Idea

Every project starts with an idea. Some coaches arrive with detailed sketches and inspiration boards. Others simply know they want something modern, elegant, or different from what they’ve worn in previous seasons. Both approaches work.

For training leotards, the easiest way to begin is by completing our free proposal form.

What to Include in Your First Message

The more information you provide, the easier it is for our design team to understand your vision.

Helpful information includes:

• Team name

• Team logo

• Preferred colors

• Approximate quantity

• Inspiration images

• Previous uniforms

• Design preferences

• Timeline

Don’t worry if you don’t have every detail figured out. The goal isn’t to submit a perfect design. The goal is to establish a clear creative direction.

A Note About Competition Leotards

Competition leotards often require additional design considerations, including crystal placement, budget discussions, and performance requirements. Because of this, competition projects typically begin through direct communication with our team rather than through a standard online form. Your advisor will help guide you through the process and answer any questions before design work begins.

Step 2: Review Your Custom Mockup

Once we receive your request, our design team begins creating concepts based on your goals and inspiration.

At Bold&Grit, we provide up to three initial design proposals, allowing coaches to explore different creative directions before selecting a favorite.

After reviewing the proposals, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback and request revisions.

Many teams reach a final design within one to three rounds of revisions.

The most successful projects gather all feedback before submitting revision requests. This helps our designers make multiple updates at once and keeps the project moving efficiently.

Once everyone is happy with the design, the artwork is approved and the project moves to the next stage.

Step 3: Request a Free Sample (Optional but Recommended)

One of the biggest concerns coaches have is: “What if the final product doesn’t look or feel like we expected?” That’s why we offer a free sample program for many custom projects.

A sample allows your team to evaluate:

• Fabric quality

• Construction

• Overall fit

• Printing quality

• Design execution

For many coaches, seeing and touching a physical garment provides additional confidence before moving into full production.

Important Timing Considerations

While we highly recommend reviewing a sample whenever possible, it’s important to understand that samples require additional time. If your team is working with a very tight deadline, producing a sample may not be feasible without affecting your delivery date.

In those situations, your advisor will help determine whether it’s best to proceed directly to production or adjust the timeline to accommodate sample approval. The earlier you begin the process, the more flexibility you’ll have to include a sample review.

Step 4: Use Sizers and Confirm Team Sizes

Once the design is approved, and after sample review, if applicable, we move into sizing. This is one of the most important stages of the entire process. Rather than relying exclusively on size charts, we send physical sizing garments to your gym whenever possible. These sizers are selected based on the products you’re ordering.

For example:

• Bomber jacket order? We send bomber jacket sizers.

• Specific leotard back design? We send that back style whenever available.

• Unisex apparel? We send unisex fit samples.

Athletes can try on garments during practice, allowing coaches to make sizing decisions with greater confidence. This process significantly reduces the risk of sizing errors later. Once sizing is complete, you’ll submit your final Purchase Order with athlete sizes and quantities. At this point, all major decisions have been finalized and production can begin.

Step 5: Production and Delivery

Once we receive your approved Purchase Order and the initial 50% payment, your order enters production.

Unlike mass-produced apparel, every garment is manufactured specifically for your team. Because we produce in our own facility, we maintain direct oversight of every stage of the process, helping ensure consistency, quality, and attention to detail from start to finish.

During production, we:

• Cut fabrics

• Print graphics

• Assemble garments

• Apply embellishments and crystals (if applicable)

• Perform quality control inspections

• Prepare the shipment

Once production is complete, your order is carefully packed and shipped directly to your gym.

Your advisor will provide tracking information once the order leaves our facility.

Handling Common Roadblocks

Even well-organized projects occasionally encounter challenges.

Here are some of the most common situations we see.

Missing Sizes

Sometimes athletes miss the sizing session. When this happens, we recommend completing sizing as early as possible and identifying missing athletes before submitting the final Purchase Order.

When Should You Start the Process?

One of the biggest mistakes teams make is waiting until they urgently need uniforms. The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have.

Starting early provides time for:

• Design exploration

• Team feedback

• Sample review

• Sizing sessions

• Production

• Shipping

It also reduces stress for coaches, athletes, and parents. If your athletes need uniforms for a specific competition season, it’s always better to start the conversation sooner rather than later.

Creating Custom Team Apparel Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

At first glance, ordering custom team apparel can seem overwhelming. In reality, it’s a straightforward process when each step is approached one at a time.

From your initial design request to the day your order arrives, every stage is designed to help your team receive uniforms that reflect your identity, fit properly, and perform beautifully.

Ready to get started?

Submit your free proposal form today and take the first step toward creating custom team leotards your athletes will be proud to wear.

Designing custom gymnastics leotards for your team can feel exciting, and a little intimidating.

Many coaches have a clear vision for their program but aren’t sure how to turn that vision into a finished design. Others know they want something unique but have no idea where to start.

Do you need a sketch?

Should you know exactly where every crystal goes?

How many revisions are normal?

What happens if you don’t like the first design?

The good news is that creating custom team apparel is much easier than most coaches expect.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire custom team leotard design process, from your first idea to the moment your mockup is approved for production.

Whether you’re designing your first custom leotard or looking for a better experience than you’ve had with previous vendors, this article will show you exactly what to expect.

Before You Reach Out: What to Bring

One of the biggest misconceptions about custom apparel is that you need a fully developed design before contacting a manufacturer.

You don’t.

In fact, most coaches start with little more than a few ideas.

Before submitting a design request, it helps to gather:

• Team colors

• School or gym logo

• Inspiration photos

• Favorite leotard styles

• Competition themes

• Brand guidelines (if applicable)

• Examples of designs you love—or dislike

Some coaches send a detailed sketch. Others send screenshots from Pinterest and write, “Something like this, but make it our own.” Both approaches work.

The more information you provide, the easier it is for designers to understand your vision, but you don’t need to have every detail figured out before reaching out.

Sending Your First Design Request

Once you’re ready to begin, you’ll submit your design request. At Bold&Grit, the process is intentionally simple, but spending a little time gathering ideas beforehand can make a big difference.

We’ll typically ask for:

• Team name and logo

• Preferred colors

• Approximate quantity

• Inspiration images

• Notes about what you’re hoping to create

Before submitting your request, we encourage coaches to have an initial conversation with their athletes and staff about the overall direction of the design.

What style are you looking for?

Elegant or bold?

Classic or modern?

Minimalist or heavily embellished?

Do you want geometric elements, ombré effects, metallic accents, florals, animal-inspired details, or something completely different?

The clearer your vision is, the easier it is for our designers to create concepts that align with your expectations from the very beginning.

That doesn’t mean you need a finished design. Many teams come to us with a collection of inspiration images, favorite colors, and a general idea of the look they’re trying to achieve.

If you’re not sure where to start, our design team can absolutely help guide the process and suggest creative directions. However, narrowing down your preferences early helps avoid situations where the design feedback shifts dramatically from one concept to another. For example, it’s difficult to create a focused design process if one round is inspired by jungle animals and the next is inspired by neon bubbles.

The goal of the first submission isn’t to provide a finished design. It’s to establish a clear creative direction that allows our designers to develop concepts that truly reflect your team.

How Our Designers Translate Your Idea Into a Mockup

Once we receive your request, our design team begins transforming your ideas into visual concepts. This is where experience matters. Professional sportswear designers don’t simply copy inspiration photos. Instead, they look for recurring themes, preferences, and visual cues that help communicate your team’s identity.

For example:

A coach might say: “We want something elegant, modern, and different from what we’ve worn before.”

Another coach might say: “Our school mascot is a tiger, but we don’t want the design to look childish.”

Both requests provide valuable creative direction.

The designer then combines those inputs with construction knowledge, color theory, performance considerations, and current trends to create initial concepts.

At Bold&Grit, we provide up to three initial design proposals so coaches can explore different creative directions before choosing a favorite.

This stage is often where teams realize possibilities they hadn’t even considered.

What a Good First Mockup Looks Like

Many coaches expect the first mockup to be perfect. In reality, the first mockup is usually a starting point.

A successful first mockup should:

• Capture the overall direction

• Reflect your team’s identity

• Demonstrate the color palette

• Show key design elements

• Provide enough detail to guide feedback

Think of the first mockup as the first draft of a conversation. Sometimes coaches fall in love with the very first concept. More often, the first version helps identify what the team likes and what should be refined. The purpose of the first mockup is not perfection. The purpose is alignment.

Giving Feedback That Gets You Closer Faster

This is where many design projects succeed or stall. The best feedback is specific.

Instead of saying: “I don’t like it.”

Try saying:

• Can we make the shoulders more elegant?

• We’d like less black and more royal blue.

• The crystal pattern feels too busy.

• Can the lines feel more dynamic?

Specific feedback gives designers clear direction. Another helpful strategy is explaining why something doesn’t work.

For example: “Our athletes prefer cleaner designs.” Or: “We want something that feels more collegiate.” The more context you provide, the easier it becomes to move toward the final design.

How Many Rounds Are Normal (And When to Push Harder)

One of the most common questions coaches ask is:

“How many revisions should I expect?”

Most teams reach a final design within one to three rounds of revisions. At Bold&Grit, we include up to three revision rounds as part of the design process.

The good news is that each revision round can include multiple comments and requested changes. We encourage coaches to gather feedback from all relevant stakeholders and submit a consolidated list of revisions whenever possible.

Why does this matter?

Each time a design is revised, it re-enters our design team’s workflow. If a coach requests one change, waits for the updated mockup, then requests another small adjustment, waits again, and later requests a third modification, the timeline can quickly become much longer than necessary.

For example:

• Round 1: “Can we invert the colors?”

• Round 2: “Can we make the logo larger?”

• Round 3: “Can we change the neckline?”

While these are all reasonable requests, handling them separately adds additional design time to the process.

A much more efficient approach is to collect all feedback first and submit it together. For example:

• Invert the colors

• Increase the logo size

• Modify the neckline

• Adjust the crystal placement

This allows our designers to address everything at once and move the project forward much more quickly.

The most successful projects typically have one primary decision-maker who gathers feedback from coaches, athletes, and administrators before sending consolidated comments to the design team.

This keeps the process organized, reduces unnecessary delays, and helps teams reach an approved design faster.

Approving the Mockup: What Changes After Approval

Once the final mockup is approved, the design phase is complete and the project moves into sizing and order preparation.

At this stage, we’ll send your sizer kit so athletes can try on garments and coaches can confidently determine the correct size for each team member. Because the design has already been approved, we can provide sizing samples that closely match the style, fit, and construction of the final product whenever possible.

After the sizing process is complete, you’ll submit your final purchase order with athlete sizes, quantities, and any additional details needed to move the project into production.

By separating design approval from sizing, teams can focus on one decision at a time and move through the process with greater confidence and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Design Questions

Do I Need Drawing Skills?

Not at all. Many of our best projects started with simple descriptions and inspiration photos.

Can You Match Our Existing Team Colors?

Yes. Providing color references, logos, or previous uniforms helps us create the closest possible match.

What If My Athletes Can’t Agree on a Design?

This is very common. We recommend narrowing options down to two finalists before collecting feedback from the team.

Can We Combine Ideas From Multiple Designs?

Absolutely. Many final designs are created by combining favorite elements from several concepts.

What If We’ve Never Ordered Custom Apparel Before?

That’s perfectly normal. Our team guides coaches through every stage of the process, from the initial concept to final approval.

Bringing Your Vision to Life Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Designing custom gymnastics leotards should be exciting, not overwhelming.

The best projects don’t start with perfect sketches or detailed technical drawings. They start with a vision, a conversation, and a team willing to explore creative possibilities.

With the right design process, coaches can move from a rough idea to an approved mockup with confidence, knowing every step is designed to make the experience as simple and collaborative as possible.

Ready to get started?

Submit your free design proposal today and discover how easy it can be to create a custom leotard that truly represents your team.

Ordering custom leotards for an entire gymnastics team is exciting, until sizing becomes part of the conversation.

Most coaches are comfortable evaluating designs, choosing colors, and coordinating athlete preferences. But when it comes to determining the correct size for 12, 20, or even 100 gymnasts, uncertainty quickly appears.

What if an athlete falls between sizes? What if a gymnast grows before competition season? What if multiple leotards arrive and several athletes need exchanges?

These concerns are common, and they’re one of the biggest reasons coaches hesitate before placing a custom order.

In this team leotard sizing guide, we’ll walk through the challenges of sizing a gymnastics team, explain the most common mistakes, and show how a structured sizing process can dramatically reduce errors before production begins.

If you’re exploring options for custom team gymnastics leotards, this guide will help you approach sizing with confidence.

Why Team Sizing Is Harder Than Individual Sizing

Sizing a single athlete is relatively straightforward. Sizing an entire gymnastics team is a completely different challenge. Unlike individual retail purchases, team orders often involve:

• Athletes of different ages and body types

• Growth spurts during the season

• Multiple training groups

• Parent involvement

• Coaches managing dozens of measurements simultaneously

• Tight production timelines

Even when athletes know their current clothing size, gymnastics apparel fits differently than everyday clothing.

A gymnast who wears a youth medium in regular apparel may need a completely different size in a competition or training leotard depending on torso length, body proportions, and fit preference.

This is why relying solely on estimated sizes often creates problems later. The larger the team, the greater the risk that small sizing inaccuracies multiply across the entire order.

The Hidden Cost of Sizing Errors (And Why Coaches Lose Sleep Over This)

When coaches think about sizing mistakes, they usually think about athlete comfort. In reality, the consequences go much further. Incorrect sizing can create:

Delays Before Competition Season

If athletes receive leotards that don’t fit properly, teams may need exchanges or alterations, which can create unnecessary stress before important events.

Additional Administrative Work

Every sizing issue requires communication between coaches, athletes, parents, and vendors. For busy coaches already managing practices, travel plans, and competitions, this quickly becomes time-consuming.

Athlete Dissatisfaction

Gymnasts want to feel confident in their uniforms. A leotard that feels too tight, too loose, or restrictive can affect comfort and confidence during training and competition.

Budget Impact

Sizing corrections after production may involve shipping costs, rush production fees, or replacement garments depending on the situation. Most coaches would rather spend extra time upfront preventing errors than solving them later. That’s why an organized sizing process is so important.

How Most Teams Handle Sizing Today (And Where It Falls Short)

Many gymnastics programs still use one of the following approaches:

Using a Size Chart Only

The coach distributes a size chart and asks athletes or parents to submit measurements.

While this seems simple, it introduces several variables:

• Measurements may be taken incorrectly

• Parents may use different techniques

• Athletes may round measurements

• Fit preferences vary significantly

Even small measurement inaccuracies can affect sizing recommendations.

Ordering Based on Current Apparel Size

Another common method is asking athletes what size they currently wear. The problem is that sizing varies between brands. A gymnast’s current leotard size from another manufacturer doesn’t always translate perfectly to a new custom uniform. Even within the same brand, different styles or back designs can fit differently, so the size may not always be the same.

Guessing Based on Previous Orders

Some teams simply reorder the same sizes used in prior seasons. While this may work for returning athletes, it becomes much less reliable when gymnasts experience growth spurts or when new athletes join the team. These methods aren’t necessarily wrong, but they all rely on assumptions. The most accurate approach involves physically trying on garments before finalizing sizes.

Introducing the Bold&Grit Sizer Kit: How It Works

To help coaches eliminate sizing uncertainty, we offer a sizer kit process for team orders. Instead of relying exclusively on measurements or size charts, athletes can physically try on sample sizes before production begins. This allows coaches to make sizing decisions with significantly more confidence.

What’s in the Kit and How We Ship It to Your Gym

Once your project moves forward, we prepare a sizer kit tailored to the specific products included in your order.

If you’re ordering bomber jackets, we’ll send bomber jacket sizers. If you’re ordering gymnastics leotards with a specific back design, we’ll provide sizers featuring that same back style whenever available. Need a unisex fit? We’ll send unisex sizing samples. Our goal is to make the fitting process as accurate and representative as possible.

In cases where your design is based on a brand-new pattern or style that is not yet available in our sizer inventory, we’ll send the closest available sample and clearly explain any fit differences your team should consider when selecting sizes.

The kit is shipped directly to your gym so athletes can complete fittings in a familiar environment during practice. This approach eliminates much of the guesswork and allows coaches to evaluate fit across multiple athletes in a single session.

Many teams find that a brief, organized fitting session provides far more reliable results than collecting measurements individually or relying solely on size charts.

Step-by-Step Sizing Session With Your Athletes

A typical sizing session looks like this:

Step 1: Schedule a Team Fitting

Choose a practice day when most athletes will be present.

Step 2: Organize Athletes by Age Group

This helps streamline the fitting process and reduce waiting time.

Step 3: Try Multiple Sizes When Needed

If an athlete falls between sizes, coaches can compare options directly.

Step 4: Evaluate Fit in Motion

Gymnasts should move naturally during the fitting process.

Basic stretching and gymnastics movements often reveal fit issues that aren’t obvious while standing still.

Step 5: Record Final Sizes

Once the correct size is identified, coaches simply document the selection for each athlete.

This process creates a much more accurate sizing outcome than relying on estimates alone.

Once your athletes have been fitted, you’ll complete your purchase order with the final sizes for each athlete and submit it to our team.

We recommend taking the time to review all sizes before submitting the order, especially for athletes who are between sizes or expected to experience significant growth before the season begins.

Once we receive your purchase order, those sizes become the basis for production. Our team will review the order and may reach out if we notice anything unusual or have questions about a particular size selection.

This process helps ensure that production begins with the most accurate sizing information possible, giving coaches greater confidence that athletes will receive uniforms that fit as expected.

When to Size Up vs. Size Down: Sport-Specific Tips

One of the most common questions coaches ask is: “Should we size up or size down if an athlete is between sizes?” The answer depends on several factors.

Consider Growth Timing

For younger athletes expected to grow significantly before competition season, sizing up may sometimes be appropriate. However, excessive room can affect appearance and comfort.

Evaluate Torso Length

Gymnastics leotards are heavily influenced by torso measurements.

Athletes with longer torsos often present one of the biggest sizing challenges for coaches. While some brands require these athletes to size up, we offer a Long Torso option that adds length where it’s needed without forcing gymnasts into a larger overall size.

This helps athletes achieve a more comfortable fit while maintaining the intended look and performance of the leotard.

Consider Athlete Preference

Some gymnasts prefer a compressive fit, while others prefer slightly more room. Comfort should always remain part of the conversation.

Competition vs. Training Use

Competition leotards are often expected to have a more precise fit, while training garments may allow slightly greater flexibility.

Whenever possible, a physical fitting remains the best way to resolve sizing uncertainty.

Sizing Mistakes We See Most Often (And How to Avoid Them)

After working with gymnastics teams across the country, we’ve noticed several recurring sizing mistakes.

Mistake #1: Ordering Based on Street Clothing Sizes

Every apparel category fits differently. Always evaluate gymnastics-specific sizing rather than everyday clothing sizes.

Mistake #2: Measuring Without Consistency

Different people measuring athletes often produce different results. If measurements are used, follow a standardized process.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Growth Spurts

Youth athletes can change size surprisingly quickly. Consider timing between fitting sessions and delivery dates.

Mistake #4: Choosing Sizes Too Quickly

If an athlete is clearly between two options, encourage them to try both. A few extra minutes during fitting can prevent future issues.

Mistake #5: Skipping a Formal Sizing Session

Teams that organize a structured fitting process typically experience fewer sizing concerns later. The more systematic the process, the better the outcome.

The Best Team Leotard Sizing Strategy Is the One That Removes Guesswork

Ordering custom uniforms doesn’t have to be stressful.

The most successful gymnastics programs treat sizing as a process rather than a quick administrative task.

A structured fitting session, accurate records, and physical sample garments dramatically reduce the likelihood of sizing issues later.

If you’re currently evaluating custom team gymnastics leotards, taking the time to implement a reliable sizing process can save hours of frustration and help ensure athletes feel confident when their uniforms arrive.

Ready to simplify team sizing? Request a free sample and ask about our sizer kit process, or explore our custom team gymnastics leotards to learn more about how we support coaches from design approval through final delivery.

Uniform season is exciting for coaches. For some parents, it’s stressful. And if that conversation isn’t handled well, it can create friction that affects your whole program culture. Here’s how to lead it with clarity and confidence.

Lead With Purpose, Not Price

Before you mention a dollar amount, anchor the conversation in why uniforms matter.

• Uniforms build identity.

• They signal belonging.

• They carry your program’s values onto the floor.

When parents understand that, cost becomes an investment, not an expense. Showing families how you design your team leotards with purpose helps them understand what they are really investing in.

Be Transparent About the Timeline

Surprises create resentment. Clarity creates trust.

Give parents:

• A firm order deadline

• A payment deadline with options if possible

• A clear breakdown of what they’re getting

• An honest explanation of why custom costs more than generic

Most parents are reasonable when they’re informed early.

Create a Simple FAQ

Answer common questions before they’re asked:

• Why custom and not off the shelf?

• Can we reuse the leotard next season?

• What if my athlete changes sizes?

• Is there a payment plan?

A one-page document shared at the beginning of the season eliminates most of the uncomfortable back-and-forth later.

Acknowledge the Investment

Don’t minimize cost. Acknowledge it.

“We know this is an investment. We chose custom because we want every athlete to feel proud wearing this, not just this season — but every time they put it on.”

That sentence does more than a discount.

When Parents Feel Heard, Programs Run Smoother

Uniform conversations are leadership moments. Handle them with the same intentionality you bring to training.

Because a parent who understands the vision doesn’t just pay the invoice. They become an advocate for your program.