The comfort, design and style are what make the leotard an essential staple in every dancer’s wardrobe. Unlike, ballet tutus, it is a skin-fitted suit that covers the body from the shoulders to the crotch. Derived from the term “justaucorp” which means close to the body, it was created in the middle of the 19th century by French trapeze artist Jules Léotard to meet his performing needs.
The inventor of the two-swing trapeze, Jules Léotard, required a garment that would allow him to move freely without catching or hanging. The leotard was born as a result. Although the piece’s designer called it a “bathing suit” at first, the French started calling it a “Léotard” after he died in 1870.
What to Look for in the Perfect Pair
Leotards have come a long way from the time they were made famous. Their innovative style, materials, design, and colour make it an essential piece of apparel for dancers, athletes, gymnasts, acrobats, and sportspeople of all genders. However, because of the wide range of options available finding the ideal type can be a daunting task, especially for a novice. Therefore, when shopping for form-fitting yet comfortable ballet leotards made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, there are some factors to take into account.
Shapes
The most popular types of dance leotards are the camisole ones. The camisole top comes in a variety of styles, from simple to adorned one with crisscrosses in the back for an elegant appearance. The bust line of the camisole can be emphasised by pinching the front. These designs are cut to highlight the torso.
The wide strap model, on the other hand, guarantees ease of mobility and is ideal for kids beginning classes in classical dance. This cut can hide a bra and give adults a sense of support. For a stunning appearance, the halter top fastens at the nape of the neck. The bareback gives off an incredibly elegant appearance. It doesn’t, however, suit every body type.
The stand-up collar is an excellent silhouette for enhancing the upper body’s beauty. A leotard with a stand-up collar gives off a regal vibe while emphasising the shoulders and lengthening the neck. Similar to the halter top, it fastens behind the neck.
Though they are less popular than sleeveless and camisole designs, the stylish ballet leotards with short, 3/4, or long sleeves highlight the arm motions. They work well for dancers who are prone to colds and for usage in dance studios without heating throughout the winter. Since this model covers the arms, they are also ideal for performers who prefer not to expose as much skin.
A skirted leotard or dress adds a decorative touch while covering more of the thighs and buttocks. Its main advantage is its appearance. Because the skirt is sewn directly to the leotard, it appears to lengthen the torso and expand the waistline downward. Since it may be worn as a costume, the skirted costume or dress is great for performing. It’s also really convenient because it’s all-in-one.
Sleeveless and short-sleeved leotards are the two most popular shapes for men. Because male dancers typically wear tights or shorts over their leotard, the suits made specifically for them frequently have a thong cut in the back. But there are other options as well. For young dancers, an alternative with bottom coverage, for example, is recommended. For added convenience, some designs include built-in cups that are purchased separately.
Material Options
Nylon is widely utilised in the production of sportswear due to its high resilience. Although this synthetic fibre is quite strong, it has a certain morphological adaptability that allows the leotards to stretch, retain their shape, and are almost tear-proof. In terms of appearance, nylon has a synthetic aspect and a striking influence. Because it is water-repellent, the material is lightweight and can wick away perspiration and moisture.
Being smooth to the touch, microfiber is highly breathable and a delight to wear. This material is well-known for its ability to absorb moisture. Microfiber leotards for sale are an excellent choice for sweaty dancers because they do not retain moisture even after vigorous dancing. Colours linger longer on microfiber designs because the fabric holds up well to frequent washing. Another advantage of microfiber is its matte finish, which produces a polished silhouette.
Cotton, unlike nylon and microfiber, is a biodegradable organic material. It is one of the world’s most widely produced fabrics, and we wear it almost every day. Its natural fibres have several benefits, including suppleness, softness, purity, and ease of care. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin dancers. Cotton suits are incredibly pleasant due to their super-soft plant fibre and they do not itch.
What all materials mentioned above have in common is that they all contain elastane and constitute a fabric blend. Elastane is well-known for its stretchiness, which makes clothing more comfortable. Indeed, elastane-based leotards are supple, light and quite comfortable to wear and provide a lot of movement, which is the main reason why it is a popular material in sportswear. Moreover, stretchy fibres allow clothing to readily return to its former shape after being stretched out.
Sizing
Finding the right leotard size is crucial as buying a large size would not allow the dancer to move around freely and if it is too tight, it might tug at the shoulders or arms. If you are unsure about your size, it is always best to consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.
Besides, checking the manufacturer’s size chart, you should take the right measurements as well. For accurate measuring, make sure you are standing straight and wear a leotard as this will ensure the most accurate measurements. Use a flexible measuring tape and ensure it is lying flat when getting your size.
