The Different Types of Leotards

You probably know that a leotard is a unisex skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs free. But did you know it was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1842–1870), about whom the song “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze” was written.

Leotards are worn by acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, figure skaters, athletes, thespians, and circus performers both as practice garments and performance costumes. They are often worn together with tights and sometime bike shorts.

Ballet leotards come in many different cuts. The three main variations are the sleeve length, the neckline, and the leg cut.

Sleeve Length
TANK leotard
CAMISOLE leotard (a.k.a. spaghetti straps)
SHORT SLEEVE leotard
THREE-QUARTER SLEEVE leotard
LONG SLEEVE leotard

Neckline
The traditional ballet leotard is with a ‘BOAT NECK’, a rounded, wide neck. Leotards have introduced SWEETHEART necklines by gathering the material in the center of the chest; not only is this option fashionable, but many leotards with this neckline are also fully lined, making a separate bra underneath the leotard unnecessary. Less common necklines are V-NECKS and MOCK TURTLENECKS. The HALTER top neckline is becoming more and more common.

Leg Cut
The traditional leotard leg cut is a quite low line on the hip. Most modern versions of the ballet leotard have a slightly higher leg line than the traditional version, but leotards are seldom ‘high cut’. High cut leg lines are more common in fitness leotards and bathing suits.

Tip for finding the right leotard: 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 plié, and check for pinching or gaping around the legs. Try several styles to find the style that best fits your body.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - September 2010)