THEY come in a rainbow of colours, fabrics and even bedecked in diamantes, sparkles and jewels.

No, it’s not one of Sir Elton John’s suits, but rather the eye-catching leotards on show at the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow.

Gone are the days when gymnasts competed in plain leotards or simply the colours of their country’s flag.

This essential piece of gymnastics apparel is bright, bold and with plenty of bling so they glitter and standout under the powerful broadcast lighting in the arena.

Just as in the fashion world, designers look at seasonal trends and how they can interpret and incorporate these into their designs.

Gymnasts can spend weeks perfecting their look, making sure that their hair and make-up matches their leotards.

Olympic gold medallist Aly Raisman, who competes for Team USA, uploaded photographs on Instagram about co-ordinating her training camp apparel – even asking fans which lip gloss should go with which leotard.

Typically, the top women gymnasts will have warm-up, training and competition leotards at a cost of hundreds of pounds each.

Yet, as well as looking good, leotards still need to be the perfect fit, aerodynamic and skin tight so that the judges can clearly see every twist and turn of a gymnast’s body as they compete.

“Leotards will be planned months in advance of any competition,” said Natalie Stocks, a representative of GK Elite Sportswear. “A top team will have their order specially made in their unique colours and design.

“Typically the specially made outfits can take eight weeks to make, although if a team hasn’t been selected until the last minute sometimes they have to be turned around super quick.”

The 2015 World Gymnastics Championships take place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow until November 1. For tickets, visit 2015worldgymnastics.com