Category: Guides

Short answer: for a ballet exam most dancers wear the leotard, tights, ballet shoes and hair style their school has chosen for that level, plus an exam number. The exact colors and styles are set by your teacher and the examination board, so confirm them before you buy anything.

Who decides the exam uniform?

Two sources decide it. The examination board publishes dress guidance for each level. Your dance school then chooses the specific leotard color, skirt style and extras it wants its students to wear. If the two ever differ, follow your teacher, who is responsible for entering you for the exam. Uniform rules change from time to time, so always check the current requirements and not last year’s.

We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any examination board. This guide is general advice, not an official rulebook.

What is on the checklist?

Item	What to check
Leotard	Color and sleeve style set by your school. Short sleeves or camisole straps are the most common.
Skirt	Only if your school requires one. Some levels use a light wrap or pull-on skirt, others none.
Tights	Ballet pink is the usual choice. Check whether your school wants footed or convertible tights.
Ballet shoes	Usually pink, with elastics sewn on, and a good fit with room for the toes to lie flat.
Hair	A neat bun, secured off the face and neck. Bring spare pins and a hairnet.
Exam number	Candidates are often given a number to wear so the examiner can identify them. Ask the school how it is attached.
Belt	Some schools use colored elastic belts to show the level. Confirm with your teacher whether yours does.
Jewelry	Usually none, apart from small plain studs if the school allows them.

How do I choose the right size?

Choose by height first and use age only as a rough guide. If the dancer is between sizes, size up, because a leotard that is too tight restricts movement. Our size guide shows height and weight ranges for each style. Try everything on at home a few weeks before the exam so there is time to exchange it.

What should I do the week before?

1. Wash and check every item, and sew on any loose elastics.
2. Pack the exam bag the night before: uniform, spare tights, hair pins, hairnet, water and a warm layer.
3. Practice putting the hair up and attaching the number so nothing is new on the day.
4. Arrive early, dressed for class under a warm layer, and keep the uniform clean until the exam.

Can I wear last year’s uniform?

If it still fits well and meets this year’s requirements, yes. Check for faded color, stretched elastics and worn feet in the tights. Examiners look for a neat, tidy line, so a crisp uniform helps.

What do examiners notice about the uniform?

Examiners are watching the dancing, not the shopping list, but a neat uniform helps them see the work. A clean, well-fitted leotard shows the line of the back and shoulders. Tights without wrinkles at the knee and ankle show the leg. Shoes that fit properly let the foot work through the floor. When everything is tidy, the dancer looks confident and the examiner can focus on technique.

Common uniform mistakes

• Buying too late. Order at least four weeks ahead, so there is time to exchange a size.
• Trying everything on for the first time on the day. A strap that digs in or an elastic that is too long is a distraction.
• Forgetting spares. A run in the tights is easy to fix when a spare pair is in the bag.
• Hair that is not secure. Practice the bun and use enough pins and a hairnet so it stays put through the whole exam.
• Wearing a new pair of shoes. Break shoes in for a few classes so they are comfortable but still look fresh.

A simple exam-day bag list

Pack	Why
Uniform in a clean bag	Keeps it crisp until you change.
Spare tights and spare shoe elastics	Quick fixes without panic.
Hairpins, hair net and hair tie	Fix the bun if it moves.
Warm layer and leg warmers	Stay warm while waiting.
Water bottle and a small snack	Energy before and after.
Exam number and pins	Know how it attaches before you arrive.

If you are buying for a child, let them help pack the bag so they know where everything is. It makes the day calmer for everyone.

Short answer: for ballet class, wear a fitted leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes, with hair tied neatly away from the face. A light skirt or warm-up layer is often allowed, but loose clothing hides the body line, so teachers usually prefer fitted pieces.

Why is ballet class clothing so fitted?

The teacher needs to see the shoulders, back, hips, knees and feet to give corrections. Loose T-shirts and baggy pants hide those lines. Fitted clothing also moves with the dancer and does not catch on feet or hands.

What is the basic dress code?

Item	Basic rule
Leotard	Fitted, comfortable, in the color your school asks for.
Tights	Ballet pink or the school’s color, with no holes or runs.
Shoes	Soft ballet shoes, snug but not tight.
Hair	A bun or secure ponytail, off the face and neck.
Skirt	Optional at many schools. Light and short enough not to hide the legs.
Warm-ups	A wrap top or cardigan and leg warmers for the start of class, taken off once warm.

What should I wear to a first ballet lesson?

Wear what you already have that is closest to the dress code: leggings or tights and a fitted top are fine for a trial class. Ask the school before you buy anything. Most teachers are happy to wait a few weeks before a uniform is required.

What should children wear?

Young children should wear something they can move in and put on themselves where possible. A simple leotard with a light skirt is the usual choice at the youngest levels. Avoid anything scratchy and choose elastic waists and soft seams.

What should adults and teens wear?

Adults and teens follow the same logic: a fitted leotard or top, tights or fitted leggings, and soft shoes. Many adult classes are relaxed about colors, but a fitted line is still helpful for corrections.

What do I do with my hair?

Pull it back firmly into a bun or low ponytail with no loose strands. Short hair can be clipped back. The aim is that hair never covers the face during turns.

Quick tips

• Label every item with the dancer’s name.
• Keep a spare pair of tights in the dance bag.
• Wear warm layers to class and take them off when the body is warm.
• Check the size guide before ordering and size up if between sizes.

Why do schools set a dress code?

A dress code is not about fashion. It makes classes safer and easier to teach. When everyone wears fitted clothing and secure hair, the teacher can see each dancer’s alignment and correct it quickly. A uniform also helps younger children feel part of a group, and it removes the stress of choosing an outfit each week. For families, a clear list means less guessing and fewer wasted purchases.

What if the school has no strict dress code?

Some adult and community classes are relaxed. In that case, choose comfortable, fitted clothing that lets you move through a full range, such as a leotard or fitted top with leggings or tights. Avoid long loose layers, zippers and anything that hangs over the hands. Even without rules, a neat appearance helps you focus and helps the teacher see you.

How should clothes fit?

• Leotard: snug on the torso without pinching at the shoulders or legs.
• Tights: smooth at the ankles and knees, with no sagging at the crotch.
• Shoes: toes lying flat, with no space at the front and no squeezing at the sides.
• Layers: close-fitting enough that the teacher can see posture when they are on.

How do I look after the uniform?

Wash leotards and tights on a gentle cycle, in cool water, and let them air dry. Hot dryers can damage elastic, so avoid them. Check ballet shoes for wear and replace them when the sole splits or the elastic stretches. Write the dancer’s name inside every item, because many uniforms look alike in a changing room. Keep a small repair kit in the dance bag with a needle, thread, spare elastic and safety pins.

When should I buy a bigger size?

Children grow quickly. If the leotard strap pulls up when the arms lift, or tights tug at the waist, it is time for the next size. Do not buy several sizes ahead, as a very loose leotard also hides the dancer’s line. A snug fit with a little room to grow is a good guide.

Short answer: choose a ballet leotard by height first, then check the chest and torso measurements on the size chart. If the dancer is between sizes, choose the larger one. A good leotard feels snug and smooth, with no pulling at the shoulders or digging in at the legs.

What should I measure?

You need three numbers. Measure them with a soft tape, over a thin layer of clothing or a leotard the dancer already owns.

Measurement	How to take it
Height	Stand against a wall with bare feet and mark the top of the head.
Chest	Around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, with the tape level.
Torso length	From the top of the shoulder, down the front through the legs, and up the back to the same shoulder point. This is the most important number for long-torso or short-torso dancers.

Many children’s charts use height only. Adult charts usually add chest, waist and hip measurements.

How do I read a size chart?

1. Find the height range that includes the dancer.
2. Check the chest measurement against the same row.
3. If the torso length is given, make sure it is at least the dancer’s measurement.
4. Where the numbers fall in different sizes, follow the torso length and height first.

Age labels such as “6 to 8” are only a rough guide. Children of the same age can be very different heights.

What if the dancer is between sizes?

Choose the larger size. A leotard that is slightly large still looks neat, while one that is too small pulls on the shoulders and gets worn out faster. If a leotard is going to be worn for an exam, make sure it is not so loose that it wrinkles at the waist.

How should a leotard fit?

• Shoulders. Straps lie flat and do not slip or dig in.
• Torso. No wrinkles at the waist and no pulling at the seat when the dancer bends.
• Legs. The leg openings sit smoothly, without leaving red marks.
• Movement. The dancer can raise the arms, bend and sit without the leotard riding up.

What about growing children?

Children grow in spurts, so check the fit at the start of each term. Signs it is time for a bigger size are straps that pull up when the arms lift, a seat that creeps up and marks on the shoulders. Avoid buying two sizes ahead, because a very baggy leotard hides the line the teacher wants to see.

Where can I find our size information?

Our size guide lists height and weight ranges for each style. If you are unsure, send us the dancer’s height and weight and we will help you choose.

How do children’s and adult charts differ?

Children’s charts are usually based on height, with age shown as a rough label. This works because children of the same age can vary a lot in height. Adult charts add chest, waist and hip measurements because adult bodies vary more in proportion. If you are buying for a teenager, check which chart the shop uses, since some use children’s sizes and others use adult sizes.

Common sizing mistakes

• Choosing by age alone. A tall seven-year-old may need an older size.
• Ignoring torso length. A leotard that is short in the torso pulls up at the shoulders.
• Buying two sizes up. The fabric bags at the waist and the straps slip.
• Not allowing for stretch. Different fabrics stretch differently, so check the fabric type on the chart.

A simple fit test at home

1. Put the leotard on over tights.
2. Raise both arms above the head. The straps should not pull off the shoulders.
3. Bend forward and sit down. The seat should stay in place.
4. Do a few plié bends. The leg openings should not roll or dig in.

If the leotard passes all four steps, the size is right. If any step fails, try the next size and compare.

What if my size is not on the chart?

If the dancer is much taller or shorter than the chart for their age, use height first and check the torso length. Send us the dancer’s height and weight through our contact page, and we will help you choose.

Short answer: for most ballet classes and exams, dancers wear ballet pink tights. Skin-tone tights are chosen for stage, or when a school asks for a color that matches the dancer. If you are unsure, ask your teacher before you buy.

Why is ballet pink the usual color?

Pink tights have been the standard in many schools for generations. They give a clean, uniform look across the whole class and match pink ballet shoes. In an exam room, where examiners see many dancers in a row, uniform color is a strong reason schools stay with pink.

When are skin-tone tights used?

Skin-tone tights are used when the aim is for the leg line to look continuous and natural, for example in stage performances, or when a school has chosen them. They also suit dancers who prefer a color closer to their skin.

How do I pick the right shade?

1. Check your school’s uniform list first.
2. If the school allows either, choose the one that matches your ballet shoes.
3. For skin-tone tights, hold the tights up next to the dancer’s leg in daylight before you buy.
4. Buy one spare pair, as tights can snag on the first day.

How do they compare?

	Ballet pink	Skin tone
Typical use	Class and exams	Stage and some schools
Look	Uniform and classic	Natural, continuous leg line
Shoe match	Pink ballet shoes	Often paired with skin-tone shoes
Ask the school?	Yes	Yes

What else should I check?

• Fit. Choose by height first and size up if between sizes. Tights that are too short pull at the waist.
• Foot style. Footed tights cover the foot. Convertible tights have a hole to pull over the heel. See our guide to footed and convertible tights.
• Toe seam. A flat seam sits more comfortably in a ballet shoe.
• Waistband. It should be soft and not roll down.

What are ballet tights made of?

Most ballet tights are a blend of nylon and spandex. Nylon gives the smooth, slightly shiny look, and spandex gives the stretch. A higher spandex content means more give and better recovery, so the tights keep their shape after many washes. Cotton blends are softer and warmer, but they usually look matte and may show wrinkles more easily. Many dancers keep one pair of each for different seasons.

How do I match skin tone?

Skin tones vary widely, so one “nude” does not fit everyone. If you are choosing skin-tone tights, compare the tights with the dancer’s leg in daylight, not under a store light. Choose the shade that is closest to the legs and slightly lighter rather than darker, because tights look deeper once they are stretched. If the dancer wears skin-tone shoes, match the shoes and tights so the line from leg to foot looks continuous.

How do I care for ballet tights?

1. Wash in cool water with mild soap, ideally in a mesh bag.
2. Skip fabric softener, which can reduce stretch.
3. Dry flat or hang away from heat.
4. Replace tights as soon as they show runs or thin spots.

Common questions from parents

How many pairs do we need? Two is a good start, so one can be washed while the other is used. A third pair for exam day gives peace of mind.

Do tights need to be new for an exam? A pair that has been washed once is fine, but avoid tights with any visible wear.

Can boys wear them? Dress codes vary by school. Ask the teacher what is expected.

Check the size guide before you order, and choose the next size up if between sizes.

Short answer: footed tights cover the whole foot, convertible tights have a hole at the heel so the foot can be left out, and stirrup tights have a strap that loops under the foot. Footed is the simplest for class and exams; convertible and stirrup are popular when dancers switch between shoes and bare feet.

What are footed tights?

Footed tights have a built-in foot, like regular tights. They go on in one step, they are the easiest to wear for young children, and they stay put inside the ballet shoe. A flat toe seam helps them sit comfortably in a soft shoe.

What are convertible tights?

Convertible tights have an opening at the bottom of the foot. The dancer can wear the foot as normal, or roll the foot up above the ankle to leave the toes bare. They suit dancers who switch between ballet shoes and bare feet in the same class.

What are stirrup tights?

Stirrup tights have no foot. A strap loops under the arch, holding the leg in place. They are popular in dance schools that work barefoot, and for modern or contemporary work, but are less common for classical ballet exams.

How do they compare?

	Footed	Convertible	Stirrup
Foot	Covered	Optional	Bare, strap under arch
Easiest for kids	Yes	Medium	Medium
Barefoot work	No	Yes	Yes
Typical use	Class and exams	Mixed classes	Contemporary, barefoot

Which should I buy?

• Ballet class and exams: footed unless your school says otherwise.
• Mixed barefoot and shoe classes: convertible.
• Contemporary or barefoot classes: stirrup.

How do I look after ballet tights?

1. Turn them inside out and put them in a mesh wash bag.
2. Wash gently at a cool temperature with mild soap, without fabric softener.
3. Do not wring them out. Press out the water.
4. Dry flat or hang away from direct heat.
5. Trim loose threads instead of pulling them, to stop a run.

What should I look for when choosing tights?

• Fit. The crotch should sit close to the body and not sag. Tights that are too small pull at the waist and wear out faster.
• Seams. A flat toe seam is more comfortable in a ballet shoe. Run a finger across the toe to check for bulk.
• Waistband. Choose a soft waistband that does not roll or dig in.
• Stretch. Tights should stretch smoothly at the knees without becoming see-through.

Are footed or convertible tights better for children?

Footed tights are usually the easiest for children. They go on in one step and do not slip. Convertible tights offer flexibility, but the extra hole can be confusing for small dancers who must remember to roll it back, and a loose edge can slip inside the shoe. If your child has both ballet and a barefoot class on the same day, convertible is worth having. Otherwise footed is simpler.

How many pairs do I need?

Two pairs for weekly classes is a good start. One goes in the wash while the other is in use. Keep a spare in the dance bag for emergencies, especially before an exam. If the dancer has several classes in a week, three pairs make life easier.

How long do ballet tights last?

With careful washing, a pair often lasts a term or two, but it depends on how often they are worn and how rough the floor is. Replace tights when they develop runs, thin knees or a loose waistband. A run can spread quickly, so a small dab of clear nail polish at the end of a run may stop it for a day, but do not rely on it for an exam.

If you are unsure which style your school prefers, ask the teacher before you buy. Our size guide will help you pick the right size.

Short answer: in most ballet classes, tights go on first and the leotard goes over them, with the leg openings of the leotard sitting over the top of the tights. Some schools prefer the reverse, so check. Dancers wear tights to keep muscles warm, show the line of the legs, and look neat and uniform.

Which goes on first, tights or leotard?

For most classes, put the tights on first and then the leotard. The leotard sits over the tights and covers the waistband, so the line from the torso to the legs looks smooth. If a skirt is worn, it goes on last.

Some schools or dancers prefer the leotard first and the tights over it. Both are common. The best rule is to follow your teacher and keep the waistband flat and wrinkle-free.

How do I put them on neatly?

1. Sit down and gather one leg of the tights, so only the foot is open.
2. Slide the foot in and gently pull up to the ankle, then the knee.
3. Repeat on the other leg, then stand and pull the waist up to the hips.
4. Smooth out any wrinkles, especially at the ankles and knees.
5. Put on the leotard and adjust the leg openings so they sit flat.

Why do ballet dancers wear tights?

• Warmth. They keep the leg muscles comfortable.
• Visible line. The teacher can see the knees, ankles and feet clearly.
• Uniform look. A class in matching tights looks neat and focused.
• Shoe comfort. Tights protect the skin from friction inside ballet shoes.

What should I check before class?

• No holes, runs or loose threads.
• The waistband is flat and does not roll.
• The crotch sits at the right height, not hanging low.
• The tights match your school’s color.

What size should I wear?

Choose by height first and size up if between sizes. A pair that is too small pulls at the waist and wears out quickly. Our size guide helps with height and weight.

What about skirts, shorts and warm-ups?

The usual order is tights, leotard, then the extra piece. A wrap or pull-on skirt goes over the leotard, with the waistband at the natural waist. Fitted shorts, if the teacher allows them, also go over the tights. Warm-up tops go on last so they can come off easily. Keep each layer flat and smooth so nothing bunches under the next.

How do I stop tights from rolling down?

• Choose the right size. Tights that are too big will slide down.
• Pull them up fully at the hips and smooth the waistband flat.
• Wear the leotard over the waistband so it holds the tights in place.
• Avoid wearing tights that are stretched out from many washes.

What if the tights are too long or too short?

If the tights are too long, the crotch sags and the ankles wrinkle. If they are too short, they pull at the waist and the dancer feels restricted. Both are signs to try another size. The size guide uses height, which is the best guide for length, and age is only a rough reference.

Is it hygienic to wear tights without underwear?

Practice differs by school and by dancer. Many dancers wear a seamless dance underlayer or a leotard with a built-in lining. If you have any doubt, ask your teacher or school for guidance. Whatever you choose, wash tights and leotards after every use.

Quick checklist before class

Check	Done?
Tights are free of holes and runs	☐
Waistband is flat under the leotard	☐
Leg openings of the leotard sit flat	☐
Spare tights are in the dance bag	☐