When we think of dancers, we probably imagine them to be incredibly flexible, with long, lithe limbs fitted into leotards as they effortlessly glide across the stage. This close-fitting one-piece garment, made of stretchy fabric, covering the dancer’s body from the shoulders to the top of the thighs, is the most iconic piece of every dancer’s wardrobe.

Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to finding the ideal leotard. Some dancers prefer to highlight their legs, and some favour showing off their neckline. Detailed backs are great for many, while others search for more coverage and support.

How Do You Pick a Leotard?

Since dancers have different needs and style preferences, leotards come in various styles, materials and colours, specially designed with dancers in mind. When choosing a leotard, you need more than a model that makes you look stunning. Instead, you should pick comfortable leotards offering freedom of movement and support to prevent injury.

Here’s a general breakdown of the different leotard styles, fabrics and colours, so you can better understand what you need and want. Only that way you’ll choose the best option for you.

Find the Right Leotard Style

You’ll be surprised at how many different style options there are when looking for a new leotard; camisole, tank, and halter are some of them. Additionally, there are various neck and sleeve styles.

Before you go shopping, it’s best to have some idea of the type of bodysuit you’ll need, starting with the purpose: is it for practice or performance? The style you decide on should be practical and comfortable while also highlighting your features and body shape.

Neckline and Straps Style

Straps and neckline are a good starting point for finding the right leotard style. The thin straps on camisole leotards give them a classic appearance without obstructing the upper body’s natural line.

Longer-necked dancers should wear boat-neck-style leotards, while halter-style leotards can draw attention to the upper body. Make sure the leotard doesn’t cross your chest too low when looking at the front of it. Watching a dancer lifting the front of their leotard all the time because it is too low is the worst.

Back Designs

Choosing a leotard with a unique back can be a fun way to add some personality to your outfit choice, but be careful that it doesn’t interfere with your performance in any way! Some ballet leotards have a low back, which generally looks lovely in photographs but can occasionally cause the material to gather on the side, especially in a forward and side port de bras.

Leg Cuts

Additionally, you should consider the leotard’s leg line. Some dancers prefer a high leg style, which can emphasise the length of the leg, but make sure it fits properly over your bottom because you don’t want to waste your entire class time pulling the leotard down. Low-leg leotards may be more appropriate for younger dancers as they can be more flattering around the lower body.

Consider Your Body Shape

Again, you want to keep your body shape in mind when choosing your leotard, so it’s practical. For instance, if you have a larger bust, you must ensure that your leotard will properly support you. That’s important for your safety, as well as your comfort and confidence while dancing.

The internal crop top-style bra, coming with most “strappy” leotards, has a moderately supportive design. If you must wear a proper sports bra to your ballet classes, choose a leotard that will allow for this and cover the straps or an option that’ll look good together with your bra.

Think About the Fabric

The ideal material for leotards has been the subject of extensive research for years. Although comfortable, cotton leotards absorb sweat, while more contemporary microfibre materials dry quickly and are more comfortable to dance in. Make sure to choose a leotard material that stretches and moves with your body.

Lace is a popular choice for a more stylish look and feel. Even though velour looks luxurious as a leotard material, wearing one with long sleeves may make you feel too warm.

Another fabric option is lycra. Typically, it’s a shiny material. Although some matte lycra types have a brushed suede look, it usually looks more like a bathing suit than dance wear.

In the 1980s, flashy lycra dancewear was popular, but today, it incorporates almost all stretch fabrics. When lycra combines with another material, the resulting mixture develops new and distinctive qualities.

Choose the Colours

Consider the purpose of wearing the leotard when choosing a colour. It makes sense that you would want to wear the leotard to your ballet classes, in which case it would be wise to select one colour, especially if you planned to use it for an audition.

If a dancer is wearing all-one-colour clothing, it’s much simpler to see their classical line. The preferred attire for many dance auditions is typically a black leotard. Aside from giving you a classic, polished look, having a black leotard in your wardrobe is handy for auditions.

Consider your skin tone when choosing colours other than black. Similar to when you shop for clothing, avoid items that make you look pale or that don’t go with anything else in your closet.

Also, consider your other dance attire as you choose the colour of your leotard. Do you have a ballet skirt already? The two should ideally match if you plan to wear them together, such as during pointe work, repertoire lessons, or professional competitions. Wearing a light skirt with a dark leotard will ruin your line because the colours are too strikingly different.

To Summarise

The leotard must fit you properly, so you can dance comfortably and confidently, regardless of the design, colour, or material you select. The leotard shouldn’t be loose in any area, and you should check it doesn’t cut off your armpits, as this will limit your upper body’s natural movement.

It’s worth taking time in search of the ideal leotard. Finding it can help you perform at your best and look fantastic while putting you at ease and boosting your confidence.