Made In Australia
Picture 1994 and a young Sylvia Pichler, mother to her 8-year-old gymnast daughter, Sandra, on a mission to find her a leotard.
After moving from Austria to Australia in 1992, Sylvia had searched high and low in Brisbane for a suitable leotard—but finding comfortable and stylish gymnastics wear had proved almost impossible. Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to create her own leotard—and fast forward almost three decades later, Sylvia P is still dominating the gymnastics game from their buzzing Brisbane HQ.
With little sewing experience, Sylvia purchased some fluorescent yellow material from a local fabric shop, borrowed an overlocker and zigzag sewing machine from a friend—and the first Sylvia P leotard was born. On the gym floor, other gymnasts and coaches took notice, with Sandra quickly becoming the trendiest gymnast in class. And orders from the local gymnastics community started rolling in.
Over 29 years later and Sylvia P is still manufacturing in Australia, only the operation is a little bigger than the backyard garage she started out in. Located 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD across three factories, the head office is busy, the production floor a buzzing hive of sewing machines, printing presses, cutting machines, and crystals. And the best part? Every single piece of gymnastics gear is designed and made right here in Australia.
Today, Sylvia manages the production floor of the Sylvia P factory—often still first in and last out—ensuring the company continues to create one-of-a-kind, quality-rich garments. But Sylvia P is more than just Sylvia—it's a family-run affair with all three of Sylvia's children, Thomas, Sandra and Daniela, managing key departments within the company. As former gymnasts and coaches themselves, they understand the needs of athletes and work hard to create products that meet those needs.
To ensure quality, from 2023 onwards, 100% of our garments are once again designed and manufactured at our headquarters in Brisbane, Australia. We ship to customers and stockists throughout the world, so no matter where you’re based, you can always experience the Sylvia P magic.
Made at SP HQ in Australia and crafted in our softest stretch fabrications, Sylvia's passion for creating dazzling gymnastics and athletic wear continues to this day. Sylvia P allows young athletes and gymnasts to feel bold and empowered in their sport, and the company's commitment to quality and style has earned it a well-deserved reputation as an industry leader. From patterns, prints and colours, Sylvia P not only makes gymnastics a world of fun, but also has a history stretching back decades—and more into the future—all proudly made right here in Australia.
Shop our latest arrivals here.
Available online at sylviap.net and sylviap.com.au.
