Caring for a rhinestone leotard: washing, storage and maintenance

Written by Raysport Team

Leotards and competition costumes decorated with rhinestones require particularly delicate care. This applies not only to rhythmic gymnastics leotards, but also to models designed for acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and majorettes.

These outfits are made from delicate stretch fabrics and decorated with rhinestones, appliqués, mesh and other ornamental elements. Improper washing or incorrect storage can quickly affect their appearance, elasticity and the hold of the decorations.

Why do rhinestone leotards require special care?

Competition leotards for aesthetic sports are very different from standard sportswear. In rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and majorette sports, appearance plays an essential role. Costumes are therefore often decorated with a large number of rhinestones, decorative elements and sophisticated fabrics.

The rhinestones are attached using a specific glue, while the fabrics remain particularly delicate and sensitive to external stress. High temperatures, intensive friction, harsh detergents, improper drying or unsuitable storage can gradually affect the elasticity of the fabric, the sparkle of the rhinestones and the overall appearance of the leotard. Lycra and velvet models, as well as leotards with a lot of mesh and decorative elements, require special care.

How to wash a rhinestone leotard or costume properly

The most important rule is to wash leotards decorated with rhinestones exclusively by hand. Machine washing, even on a delicate cycle, can damage the rhinestones, weaken their attachment, deform elastic fabrics, damage the mesh and decorative elements, and significantly reduce the lifespan of the leotard.

It is recommended to use cold or slightly lukewarm water (maximum 30°C). Water that is too hot can damage the fibres of the fabric, reduce its elasticity and weaken the glue used to attach the rhinestones, which can cause them to come off prematurely.

Pay particular attention to the areas most exposed to perspiration and friction, especially the armpits and crotch. In case of soiling, gently clean these areas by hand using a mild soap, without excessive rubbing, in order to preserve the fibres of the fabric as well as the decorative elements.

It is also advisable:

to use mild products without harsh ingredients;
not to use bleach;
not to leave the leotard soaking for too long;
not to rub the areas decorated with rhinestones;
to gently rinse the garment by hand.

After competitions or performances, it is especially important not to leave a damp leotard in a closed bag or garment cover for too long, as this can damage the fabrics, the glue and the decorative elements.

How to dry a leotard properly

After washing, it is important not to wring or stretch the leotard in order to preserve its shape and the elasticity of the fabric. Excess water can be gently absorbed with a clean towel, without rubbing. It is recommended to dry the leotard:

flat on a clean surface;
away from radiators and any other source of heat;
without direct exposure to sunlight;
in a dry, well-ventilated place.

High temperatures can weaken the rhinestone adhesion and damage stretch fabrics. It is also not recommended to use a hairdryer, a tumble dryer or to leave the leotard on a hot surface.

For rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, figure skating and artistic swimming leotards, it is especially important to preserve the shape of the fabric, as even a slight distortion can affect the cut and the overall appearance of the costume.

Can you iron a rhinestone leotard?

In most cases, ironing a rhinestone leotard is not recommended. Excessive heat can damage the glue, deform the rhinestones, damage the stretch fabrics and leave marks on velvet or mesh.

If the leotard still needs to be de-creased, this must be done with the utmost care:

only on the inside of the garment;
using a protective cloth between the iron and the leotard;
at the lowest temperature setting;
never to iron directly over areas decorated with rhinestones, sequins or other ornaments.

Using a garment steamer is also not recommended near the rhinestones, as the heat and moisture can weaken their adhesion.

Velvet leotards require special care, as this delicate material is sensitive to heat, pressure and distortion.

What is the difference between caring for lycra and velvet?

Rhythmic gymnastics leotards, figure skating leotards, artistic swimming swimsuits and outfits for other artistic sports are generally made from carefully selected technical fabrics.

The most commonly used materials are lycra, velvet, mesh or stretch tulle, each with specific characteristics that require appropriate care in order to preserve their quality, elasticity and appearance.

Lycra

Lycra stands out for its high elasticity, flexibility and ability to dry quickly. Leotards made from this material generally cope better with regular use and intensive training. This is why lycra is particularly popular in rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and among majorettes.

However, even high-quality lycra requires appropriate care. Improper washing or repeated exposure to excessive heat can gradually alter its properties: loss of elasticity, stretching of the fabric, dulling of the colours or deformation of the garment.

To preserve the appearance and performance of the leotard over time, it is recommended to avoid hot water, drying near radiators or other sources of heat, as well as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Velvet

Velvet leotards offer a particularly elegant look in competition thanks to the depth of their colours, the richness of their texture and their ability to catch and reflect the light. This is why velvet is frequently used to make leotards for rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating, twirling and other artistic disciplines.

However, velvet is a delicate material that requires special attention. More sensitive to friction than lycra, it can show marks, lose its even appearance or become crushed if stored incorrectly. It is also more vulnerable to high temperatures and prolonged pressure.

Velvet leotards therefore require particularly careful drying, transport and storage. To preserve the texture of the fabric, the intensity of the colours and the overall look of the garment, it is recommended to store them carefully, without excessive folding, and to avoid any pressure on the velvet, the rhinestones and the other decorative elements.

At Raysport, you will find a wide selection of leotards and competition costumes made from mesh, lycra, velvet and other high-quality technical fabrics. Our models are specially designed for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and majorettes, combining elegance, comfort and performance.

How should you store a leotard properly?

Proper storage is essential to preserve the appearance, shape and quality of the leotard between training sessions, camps and competitions.

It is recommended:

to store the leotard in an individual garment bag to protect it from dust, friction and snags;
to avoid any excessive pressure on the rhinestones, appliqués and other decorative elements;
not to fold the areas decorated with rhinestones inwards in order to avoid them coming off or being damaged;
never to store a leotard that is damp or not fully dry, in order to avoid the appearance of odours, mould or damage to the fabrics;
to keep it in a dry, clean place away from direct sunlight;
to avoid placing heavy objects on the leotard during transport or storage.

Careful storage helps preserve the brightness of the colors, the hold of the rhinestones and the quality of the fabrics over time, allowing the leotard to retain all its elegance throughout training sessions and competitions.

It is also recommended not to leave the leotard in a car exposed to heat or near a radiator, as high temperatures can damage elastic fabrics, deform certain materials, and weaken the rhinestone settings.

Leotards with many rhinestones, appliqués, mesh sections or voluminous decorations require special attention. Inadequate storage can gradually affect not only the overall appearance of the costume, but also the strength of the decorative elements.

When travelling to competitions, it is important to avoid any friction between the leotard and other clothing or accessories. For optimal protection, it is advisable to transport the leotard in an individual garment cover, separately from shoes, hair accessories and metal objects that could damage the fabric, mesh or rhinestones.

Whether for rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling or majorettes, proper storage helps preserve the professional look of the costume, the sparkle of the decorations and the quality of the materials.

What should I do if the rhinestones start to come off

Even with careful maintenance, some rhinestones may start to come loose over time, especially after numerous training sessions, trips and competitions. This most often occurs in areas where the fabric is under high tension, subject to repeated friction, or after improper washing and drying.

In this case, it is important to use a professional glue specifically designed for textiles and rhinestones. Ordinary glues can damage the fabric, leave visible marks, reduce the elasticity of the material or spoil the appearance of the leotard.

Before gluing new rhinestones back on, it is recommended:

to gently clean the surface of the fabric;
to check that the material is completely dry;
not to apply an excessive amount of glue;
to allow the glue to dry completely before wearing the leotard.

After re-gluing the rhinestones, it is also advisable to avoid washing and strong tension on the fabric for several hours so that the adhesion can fully stabilise.

At Raysport, you’ll find a professional rhinestone glue suitable for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics leotards, figure skating, artistic swimming, twirling and other aesthetic sports.

The most common mistakes when caring for rhinestone leotards

Even a high-quality professional leotard can quickly lose its appearance if it is poorly maintained.

The most common mistakes are:

machine washing;
using hot water;
drying on a radiator;
using a tumble dryer;
storing a damp leotard;
the use of harsh chemicals;
ironing directly on the rhinestones;
storing the leotard folded for long periods;
strong pressure on the decorative elements.

In many cases, the consequences of poor care are not immediately visible. Over time, the fabric may lose its elasticity, the colors may fade, the rhinestones may lose their sparkle or fall off, and the leotard may gradually lose its shape and professional appearance.

That’s why a quality competition leotard deserves regular, gentle care tailored to its materials. A few simple steps will help preserve the costume’s beauty, the hold of its decorations and the performance of its fabrics over the long term, while extending its lifespan.

How to keep a leotard in perfect condition for longer

To preserve the appearance of the leotard, the elasticity of the fabrics and the sparkle of the rhinestones over time, it is essential to adopt regular, appropriate care habits. Even professional leotards designed for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, figure skating, artistic swimming, twirling or majorettes are subjected to significant stress during training sessions, competitions and travel.

To keep your leotard in excellent condition for as long as possible, it is recommended:

to wash it as soon as possible after a competition or intensive training session;
to opt exclusively for gentle hand washing;
to transport it carefully in a suitable garment cover;
to store it separately from shoes, accessories and other clothing;
to avoid any exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight;
to quickly replace any missing or damaged rhinestones in order to preserve the harmony of the design.

It is also advisable to regularly check the condition of the decorative elements, especially after competitions and transport. Even slight lifting or weakening of the rhinestone settings should be dealt with quickly to prevent more serious damage to the fabric or ornaments.

Careful maintenance and proper storage help preserve the leotard’s elegance, fabric quality and decorative sparkle over the long term, so that it retains all its beauty and professional look season after season. For leotards with many rhinestones, appliqués, mesh and velvet elements, it is particularly important to avoid heavy friction, pressure and long-term storage in a folded position. Careful storage and transport help maintain the costume’s professional appearance for much longer.

At Raysport, discover a wide selection of leotards and competition costumes adorned with rhinestones, designed for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, figure skating, artistic swimming, twirling and majorettes. Our creations combine elegance, comfort and quality to support athletes during their training sessions and competitions. The brand’s collections offer models in lycra, velvet and other professional fabrics with different styles of decoration and design.

Conclusion

Rhinestone leotards designed for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and majorettes require particularly careful maintenance. Proper washing, drying and storage will preserve the quality of the costume over time and significantly extend its lifespan while maintaining its professional appearance.

It is essential to take into account the specific characteristics of each material—lycra, velvet, mesh and other decorative elements—as each reacts differently to moisture, heat, friction and storage conditions.

With regular, appropriate care, a competition leotard can retain the intensity of its colours, the sparkle of its rhinestones, the quality of its fabrics and its elegance for a long time, even after many training sessions, trips and competitions.

Taking care of your leotard means preserving not only its appearance, but also the investment it represents and the pleasure of wearing it at every training session and every competition.

If you have any questions about caring for, storing, repairing or replacing the rhinestones on your leotard, the Raysport team is here to help. Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or by email support@raysport.com. We will be happy to advise you and help you care for your competition outfit.

Raysport - Justaucorps de gymnastique rythmique (justaucorps de GRS)

Article written by Raysport – a French brand specialising in leotards and competition costumes for rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, artistic swimming, figure skating, twirling and majorettes. Discover our collection of rhinestone leotards, training wear and accessories designed to support athletes at every level.