Mary Ann's Dance and More

Mary Ann's Dance and More

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Choosing the Best Leotard for your Body Type

There are so many leotard styles available (we covered those specifics in a previous “Studio of the Month” flyer) but this month, we’d like to focus on choosing the best leotard for your body type. Your studio may or may not have a dress code so please be aware that these leotard suggestions may not be appropriate choices for your studio.

Camisole Leotards – especially those with adjustable straps are suitable for still growing “tweens”. If you don’t have to worry about how a leotard fits, you can certainly focus more on your dance steps!

Halter Leotards – are great for dancers with long necks and narrow shoulders.

Princess Seamed Leotards – look great on short torsos as they help to elongate the body and create a sliming vertical line.

Cap Sleeve Leotards – can add width to small shoulders and create a great frame for a dancer’s face.

Three-Quarter Sleeve Leotards or Long Sleeve Leotards – draw attention to a dancer with long arms.

Pinch Front and Fashion Bodice Detailed Leotards – very subtly draw eyes upwards making them perfect for dancers who feel more confident about their upper torso.

Collared and turtleneck leotards – have a more sporty feel to them and tend to be great for dancers with a contemporary edge.

When looking for new leotards, be aware that your regular clothes size will differ from dancewear sizing. Many of the major dancewear companies have their own sizing charts and those charts will differ from style to style within the company. The best way to get the right fit is to try the leotard on. Do a few stretches with your arms raised, noting any gaps in material or slipping of shoulder straps. Squat down, as in a pliƩ, and check for pinching or gaping around the legs. Try several to insure the best fit.


(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" series - December 2011)