At FlipFlop Leos, I provide gymnastics leotards that celebrate strength, grace, and the power of young athletes. But you may have noticed something different about us—I don’t use live models to display our leotards online. That choice is intentional, and I want to share why.
I believe that every gymnast deserves to feel confident and celebrated for her athletic achievements—not objectified or exposed to unwanted attention. Sadly, in today’s digital world, even innocent photos of children in athletic wear can attract the wrong kind of attention. As a brand founded on protecting and empowering young athletes, I simply won’t take that risk.
Using mannequins or stylized displays allows me to showcase the leotards clearly and professionally, without compromising a child’s privacy or safety. It’s a small decision with a big purpose: putting our athletes first.
I actually think that real models help sell more products. I'm sure ambassadors or influencers would give FlipFlop Leos a real boost, but to me, no marketing gain is worth putting kids in the spotlight in a way that could make them vulnerable. Our designs are made to speak for themselves—with style, functionality, and performance in mind.
I stand by my choice because I stand with the girls who wear our leotards. At FlipFlop Leos, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the design.

Have you ever spotted a fabric that would make the ultimate leotard and thought, "If only I could sew"? Well, you can stop wishing—I’m here for you!

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of FlipFlop Leos' exciting new sewing service, designed specifically to bring your fabric visions to life. Picture your gymnast dazzling in a stunning, custom leotard crafted from fabric you personally selected just for them. If you come across a delightful fabric in a store or online that you know they’ll adore, simply purchase a yard and send it my way. With just one yard, 60 or more inches wide, I can create not one, but two extraordinary leotards! Once I’ve finished crafting your unique leotard(s), I’ll send you an invoice for only $20 each—a fantastic value for a one-of-a-kind piece. And as a special bonus, I’ll ship them directly to you at no extra cost!

A quick tip: to ensure the best fit and flexibility, you must choose 4-way stretch fabric. If you’re unsure about what to pick or want a second opinion on your options, I’m more than happy to help you make the best choice for leotards. ([email protected])

Let’s bring your gymnast’s dream to life together—send me your fabric today, and let’s create something truly spectacular!

​*Please note that not all 4-way stretch fabrics are equal; some are more suitable for leotards than others. If I believe that your chosen fabric won't meet your expectations, I will reach out to discuss alternatives. In some cases, there may be a shipping charge to return the fabric or send it back to you.

I know what it's like.  You get a notification that you have a new email. Perhaps you're driving. (Young gymnasts don't usually Uber to practice!). Perhaps you're elbow deep in that sour-dough you're still trying to perfect.  Anyway, you get to the point you can safely see the email and gosh-darn. It's the second one today from FlipFlop Leos and you've already read it!  I know it's annoying to get several identical emails a day.  I feel that I should apologize, but I just can't. Maybe I can explain. FlipFlop Leos is my income and it's a business. I buy groceries; I pay the electric bill; I pay for gas!  I also buy new fabrics, elastic, and thread, and replace worn out sewing machines.  I need to make money from the business just like anyone else needs to be paid for their jobs. Every time I send an email I get more sales immediately.  Perhaps that buyer didn't notice my first email and sees the second one for the first time. Perhaps it jogs a memory that Susie needs a present for a team-mate's birthday.  Anyway, I need for FlipFlop Leos to sell and reaching buyers through email is a way that keeps my prices low and keeps buyers engaging with my website. Thank you for reading and for understanding. Debbie

I have been sewing and selling FlipFlop Leos online, first on Ebay and now on my own website, since 2004.  I have been very fortunate and during the Olympics and holidays I have had some days when I mail hundreds of packages from my home business. I have had close to 100% total satisfaction with USPS through all these years and hundreds of thousands of shipped packages.  If my current emails are any indication, it is clear that there are are significant delivery delays with the new Post Office changes. First I want to apologize.  During this pandemic I'm sure we all are counting on the mail more than ever, first for necessities, but then for that special package that makes us feel a little more normal; a little better....like a new FlipFlop Leos leotard!  I want to assure you that I still ship within 24 hours of any purchase.  I ship every day, including Saturdays.  I am truly sorry for delivery delays that are beyond my control. 

​Additionally, the PO just announced that there will be a surcharge on postage over the holidays starting in mid-October. FlipFlop Leos profit margins are already pretty slim.  I hope to continue to offer fantastic prices and great discount events, but I am unsure as to how this new surcharge will affect my packages at this time. 

​FlipFlop Leos is following all of the safety guidelines issued from the CDC and just wanted to add some information that I hope will make you more comfortable about purchasing from FlipFlop Leos during this time.

FlipFlop Leos is a home based business with my shop on my property.  I live on 5 wooded acres, which is a nice amount of "social distancing".  As a senior citizen I have isolated myself totally for the last 4 weeks.  I use Instacart, so the only human-to-human contact I have had is through USPS, UPS, and grocery deliveries, and I do not have any close contact with any of these delivery personnel.  I am telling you this to point out that there is no infection in my home, much less anywhere near me.  Mail is picked up from my home mailbox so I do not even expose myself to the Post Office. 

The USPS has issued this statement about the safety of packages that have traveled through the postal system process: 
"​Specifically, according to the World Health Organization, “the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and been exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” And according to the CDC, “in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets."

I see numerous Facebook and Instagram posts about gymnasts working out at home and I know all of us are eager to get back to normal.  If you think a new leotard from FlipFlop Leos may help motivate those work outs please feel safe with FlipFlop Leos shipments.

When my gymnast daughter was around 9 or 10 years old, her team had a meet in December right before the holidays.  Her coach had the idea that it would be fun to let each girl pick out some holiday music for their floor routines. I quickly sewed up some solid white leotards for the girls. At that time decorating shirts with fabric paints was the rage.  I provided some glittery fabric paints, holiday templates, a kitchen table and a sleepover.  Each team member spent half the night decorating their solid white leotards with holiday graphics.  It was so much fun, a nice team-bonding experience, and a huge plus when they arrived at the meet.  Today, I get requests for solid color leotards.  Sometimes it's just that their dance class requires black, but I know that some others have been purchased to allow the gymnast to "bling" it out with crystals or gems with her own individual creation.  

I am finding a new niche that is working out well for me and my buyers.  Custom requests.  I have always tried to fill custom requests for out of stock sizes and even long sleeve leotards, but with the new photo-realistic fabrics I am getting many requests for personal interests.  Kylee wanted an ice cream cone leotard.  After a little searching with my vendors and a week's wait, and here she is.  I have filled requests for pineapples, elephants, and others.  I'm on the hunt for jelly fish right now. One buyer let me know that she would like to see more red & black styles because her gym requires the gym colors several days a week.  I immediately sent her some pictures of available fabric. Within a week she and her team-mates placed custom orders for leotards in several of the fabrics and within 3 weeks they were wearing them in the gym.  A gym in Hawaii likes tropical florals and each team buys custom sewn matching leotards. I have a source where I can have fabrics custom printed so that this gym has prints that are not available on the open market. 

If your gymnast, team or gym has a special interest in FlipFlop Leos, please let me know! I can't guarantee that I can always find it, but I can guarantee that I will do my best to search it out!