Short answer: in dance, a bodysuit is a close-fitting one-piece, much like a leotard, often in a skin-tone or mesh style worn under costumes. Body tights are tights that run from the feet up over the torso, with or without sleeves. A unitard covers the torso and legs. Shop names vary, so always check the product photo and description.
How do they compare?
| Leotard | Bodysuit | Body tights | Unitard | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covers | Torso | Torso | Torso and legs, often feet | Torso and legs |
| Usually worn | With tights | Under costumes or with skirts | Alone or under costumes | |
| Typical use | Ballet class | Stage, costume base, modern | Contemporary, stage looks |
Our guides to unitard vs leotard and the biketard explain the others.
When do dancers wear a bodysuit?
- Under a costume, so the dancer has a smooth, comfortable base layer.
- In contemporary or modern classes, where a simple one-piece is preferred.
- For a skin-tone look, where the line of the body should stay clear.
When do dancers wear body tights?
Body tights give a full, smooth look from neck to toe. They are used in contemporary pieces, stage work and cold studios. Check that the legs and the torso are long enough, because tights that are too short pull at the shoulders and the crotch.
How do I choose the right shade and size?
- Shade. Tan, nude and black are common. Choose a nude that matches the skin tone, so the line looks continuous.
- Size. Choose by height first, then check the chest and torso. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one.
- Fabric. A smooth, stretchy nylon and spandex blend moves with the body and stays in place.
- Closure. Check whether the crotch has snaps, and whether the back is open or closed.
Is a black unitard a good choice?
Yes. A black unitard is a practical base layer for modern and contemporary classes, and it hides marks well. For ballet class, a leotard and tights are usually the safer choice, so check the dress code first. See our unitard vs leotard guide.
Common mistakes when buying
- Buying by the name only. A “bodysuit” in one shop is a “leotard” in another, so read the description.
- Choosing the wrong nude. A shade that does not match the skin breaks the line.
- Skipping the sit test. Sit, bend and raise the arms in the fitting. Nothing should pull.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dance bodysuit?
A close-fitting one-piece, much like a leotard, often in a skin-tone or mesh style, worn under costumes or on its own.
What are body tights?
Tights that run from the feet up over the torso, with or without sleeves.
What is the difference between a bodysuit and a leotard?
They are very similar. In dance shops, bodysuit often means a skin-tone or costume base layer, while leotard means class wear.
Is a unitard the same as body tights?
A unitard covers the torso and legs, and body tights usually include the feet. The names overlap, so check the description.
Can I wear a bodysuit to ballet class?
Often yes, but check the dress code. Most ballet classes use a leotard and tights.