How to Wear a Ballet Leotard

Wearing a ballet leotard may seem simple at first glance, but it’s worth considering the right style, fit, colour, and material before you make a purchase.

Each individual is unique, and sizing can vary slightly between different brands.

Taking a moment to contemplate these factors can help you find a more personalised and comfortable fit.

Plus we all know that a ballet leotard isn’t just ballet attire, it’s a form of artistic expression!

WHAT IS A BALLET LEOTARD?

A ballet leotard is an essential garment worn by ballet dancers.

Beyond being a practical necessity to help dancers move freely, it’s also a way for dancers to showcase and elongate their bodies.

Ballet leotards are available in a diverse range of colours, designs, patterns, styles, and materials, making them a combination of both functional dancewear and a form of artistic self-expression.

HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT BALLET LEOTARD?

Selecting the perfect ballet leotard involves careful consideration of several factors; size, style, and colour.

Follow the guidance below to select a perfect ballet leotard that meets all of your requirements.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE

When choosing the right size, dancers should choose a ballet leotard that provides a comfortable yet snug fit, allowing for unrestricted movement.

Aim to find something that is neither too tight nor too loose!

REFER TO THE SIZE CHART

It’s important to note that each ballet leotard brand may have a slightly different size chart.

Therefore, before making an online purchase from a new store (especially during Black Friday sales), make sure to review the sizing chart.

You might discover that your medium size in one brand is small or large in another brand.

CONSIDER THE STYLE AND FIT

Equally important to size, is to consider the style and fit of a ballet leotard.

However, determining a style and fit that enhances your appearance, and complements and accentuates your body and shape may be a bit of a personal journey.

My advice is don’t limit yourself to basic styles.

Instead, explore a diverse range of different ballet leotards, and don’t stop looking until you discover one that feels comfortable and empowering.

Confidence often translates into your dance performance, so choose a ballet leotard style that makes you feel good.

When it comes to fit, select your preference (ie. a lower or higher cut), and be mindful of any specific ballet school or costume requirements.

Before you shop, think about your preferences and enjoy experimenting with a variety of ballet leotards.

Did someone say shopping spree?

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Another valuable approach is to explore and read ballet leotard brand reviews.

This could save you a lot of time and money.

Look to see if dancers have provided their insights on comfort, practicality, materials, and even comparison of sizing across different ballet leotard brands.

Gathering information from other dancers can be a helpful indicator before making your own purchasing decisions.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT STYLE

The realm of ballet leotards has evolved over the years.

Beyond the standard ballet leotard designs, today’s ballet leotards showcase a diverse array of patterns, styles, and elegant designs for every dancer.

SINGLE-STRAP

Single-strap ballet leotards, as the name implies, feature single straps.

This style of ballet leotard is remarkably versatile and suits various body types.

The line of the strap elongates the body, especially the neck, enhancing a dancer’s posture while giving a feminine and elegant look.

SHORT-SLEEVE

Short-sleeve ballet leotards are leotards ranging from shorter cap sleeves to longer ¾ lengths, partially covering the arm.

They provide a classic and polished look.

This style of ballet leotard is ideal for dancers who want a bit more coverage of their arms, while still maintaining freedom of movement.

LONG-SLEEVE

Long-sleeve ballet leotards feature sleeves that extend to the wrists, making them ideal for dancers who practise or rehearse in colder conditions.

This style of ballet leotard provides an elegant and covered look but can also create the illusion of longer and sleeker arms.

CAMISOLE

Camisole ballet leotards are known for their simple design featuring minimal straps.

They showcase the shoulders and arms to emphasise the neckline.

They also offer comfort and unrestricted movement, making them great for dancers still refining basic technique.

This style of ballet leotard is ideal for dancers practising in hot studio conditions, thanks to their breathable design.

HALTER-NECK

Halter-neck ballet leotards are characterised by a strap that wraps around the back of the neck (for some dancers, this may feel uncomfortable).

They draw attention to the upper body, particularly the shoulders and neck.

This style of ballet leotard is ideal for dancers with toned and defined back and shoulder muscles.

V-NECK

V-neck ballet leotards feature a front neckline that forms a V shape.

This style of ballet leotard suits various body types, drawing attention to the neckline.

It can create the illusion of a longer and more slender upper body.

BOAT NECK

Boat neck ballet leotards feature a board, horizontal neckline that spans the collarbone area, resembling the shape of a boat.

Like the V-neck leotard, this style offers a classic and timeless appeal with a unique style.

This style of ballet leotard is ideal for dancers with broad shoulders, creating an illusion of a narrower shoulder line.

MESH

Mesh ballet leotards feature the incorporation of mesh fabric (translucent or semi-translucent).

This style of ballet leotard provide a distinct and stylish element that extends beyond classic skin tones to include various colours.

The use of mesh adds a fashionable touch while ensuring breathability.

CROSS-BACK

Cross-back ballet leotards feature straps that intersect in the back, forming an X-shaped design.

This style of ballet leotard is ideal for dancers who wish to showcases the back muscles.

HIGH-NECK

High-neck ballet leotards feature a neckline that extends higher up the neck.

This style of ballet leotard can offer a sophisticated and elegant look.

When choosing this design, you need to be mindful of your body proportions, as it can impact the line of the neck, making you appear shorter.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR

Choosing the right colour for a ballet leotard is subjective and an individual taste.

Ballet leotards are available in an array of colours and beautiful patterns, spanning the entire colour spectrum.

Whether you prefer darker shades or vibrant hues, choose colours that not only complement your physique and particular aesthetic but also your unique personality.

ACCESSORISING YOUR BALLET LEOTARD

Once you’ve chosen the perfect ballet leotard, you can now enhance your attire by incorporating additional accessories like wrap skirts.

WRAP SKIRT

Dance wrap skirts come in a diverse range of styles, materials, lengths, and colours.

Although specific lengths or colours may be required for training, the freedom to choose is also a wonderful thing.

For some dancers, a shorter skirt is preferred to elongate the legs.

While others, especially with age, may find a bit more coverage is needed for that added boost of confidence.

Wrap skirts are designed to flow gracefully with a dancer and showcase the beautiful movement and grace that is essential for dance.

MAINTAINING AND CLEANING YOUR BALLET LEOTARD

Caring for and cleaning your ballet leotards is essential, even amid a busy training, rehearsal, and performance schedule.

In my experience, investing a little extra time in properly maintaining and cleaning your ballet leotard is super cost-effective, and left me with ballet leotards that lasted my entire dance career.

Plus, who doesn’t like a little extra spending money?

CHECK THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

While it may be tempting to toss everything into the washing machine after a busy week of dancing, it’s crucial to read the care instructions provided by each ballet leotard brand.

Preserving the longevity of your ballet leotards is important, as no one wants to deal with tears or holes (let’s be honest, sewing pointe shoes is surely demanding enough).

Whether opting for machine washing or hand washing, always follow the guidelines diligently.

HAND WASHING IS BETTER

Hand washing is generally preferred when it comes to washing ballet leotards (especially ballet leotards with lace, mesh, or intricate details), although it is more time-consuming.

This method is:

When it comes to washing, follow the care instructions to protect your ballet leotard from damage.

AIR DRY

When drying your ballet leotards, it’s advisable to avoid using a dryer.

Instead, hang your wet delicate ballet leotards and allow them to air dry.

Similar to machine washing, dryers can potentially cause unwanted damage that can easily be avoided.

ROTATE BETWEEN BALLET LEOTARDS

Just as with pointe shoes, it’s wise to rotate your ballet leotards. This helps prevent damage and extends the lifespan of each ballet leotard.

Besides, if you have a diverse wardrobe of ballet leotards, why not enjoy wearing something different each day?

A ballet leotard, in my view, is an expression of personality, so let it mirror how you’re feeling.

TEST YOUR HAND SEWING SKILLS

Many ballet dancers possess decent sewing skills (due to all those years of sewing ribbons and elastics), to be able to mend a hole or small tear in a ballet leotard.

If you find some minor damage in your beloved ballet leotard, avoid a meltdown, and try to fix it (you’ve got this!).

BALLET LEOTARD FAQs

DO BALLET TIGHTS GO UNDER OR OVER A BALLET LEOTARD?

Whether ballet tights go under or over a ballet leotard is entirely a matter of personal preference, although ballet schools may have specific uniform guidelines.

In many ballet schools, ballet tights are often worn under a ballet leotard, allowing ballet teachers to see the line and form of a dancer and help with overall dance corrections.

Once you have the freedom to choose though, there is no strict rule. It’s entirely up to you!

I chose to wear my ballet tights over my ballet leotard, which is extremely common when dancing in a company.

WHAT DO YOU WEAR UNDER A BALLET LEOTARD?

While some dancers opt for simplicity by wearing only tights beneath a ballet leotard, others find comfort in wearing a thin and seamless pair of underwear or even skin-coloured undergarments.

This can offer extra coverage and support while remaining subtle and discreet.

ARE THERE BALLET LEOTARDS FOR MEN?

Yes, ballet leotards exist for men too, but they are referred to as unitards.

Like female ballet leotards, unitards offer support and coverage for male ballet dancers.

There is a vast array of styles available, accommodating various body shapes and types.

Just like with female ballet leotards, male ballet unitards allow male dancers to show off their physique and lines while expressing their personalities.

CAN I WEAR A SPORTS BRA UNDER BY BALLET LEOTARD?

Although it’s not common to see ballet dancers wearing sports bras beneath their ballet leotards, the decision is entirely yours if it adds to your comfort while dancing.

Typically, ballet leotards come with a double lining, either in the front of the ballet leotard or specifically in the bust area.

Also, numerous skin-coloured undergarments are available for those seeking extra coverage and support, offering a seamless and elegant appearance.

However, if you opt for a sports bra, particularly for dancers with a larger bust, don’t hesitate.

Who knows, you might even set a new trend in ballet fashion.

CAN I SELL MY OLD BALLET LEOTARDS?

Yes, you can sell old ballet leotards.

Want to de-clutter your wardrobe to make space for new ballet leotard designs and styles?

The answer is simple, recycle.

Selling your old and used leotards (provided they are still in good condition), is a great way to help other dancers who are in search of more affordable ballet leotards.

Plus, this option puts a little extra cash in your pocket for new and upcoming dancewear.

Similarly, selling old ballet leotards is a great way to help reduce the environmental impact associated with textile waste, and pave the way for a more sustainable approach to ballet fashion.

Don’t know where to sell your used ballet leotards?

The dance community is huge, and with the use of social media and online platforms, there are numerous avenues for selling or even exchanging used dancewear.

If all else fails, consider asking around at your local dance school.

Trust me, there’s likely a dancer who would love the chance to wear a quality second-hand leotard, I know I would.

WRAP UP

Ballet leotards are a fundamental component of daily dance attire.

With a wide variety of styles, they have evolved into an artistic expression for dancers, highlighting their personalities and physiques, and a significant aspect of dance fashion.

Selecting the right style and design may require some time, but the abundance of options available ensures there’s something for everyone.

Similar to any dance equipment, ballet leotards require proper care and maintenance.