Short answer: an adult tutu is a layered tulle skirt that you wear over leotard and tights. A tutu dress is a leotard top with the tutu skirt attached. Choose a skirt if you want to mix and match, and a dress if you want one simple piece for a show, photos or a party. For class, a soft wrap skirt is usually the more practical choice.
What is the difference between a tutu skirt and a tutu dress?
| Tutu skirt | Tutu dress | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A skirt only | A leotard top with a skirt attached |
| Worn with | Your own leotard and tights | Tights, and ballet shoes |
| Good for | Shows, photos, themed classes, mixing colors | Parties, recital pieces, one-piece looks |
| Fit | Waist and length | Height, bust and torso length |
What types of tutu are there for adults?
- Romantic tutu: a longer, soft skirt that falls below the knee.
- Classical or platter tutu: a short, flat, stiff tutu that sticks out from the hip.
- Fluffy or layered tutu: a lighter, party-style skirt with many tulle layers.
Our guide to types of ballet tutus goes through the shapes in more detail.
How do I choose the right size?
- Measure the waist. Use the narrowest part of the torso, and check the size chart.
- Decide the length. Short tutus end at the upper thigh, romantic tutus fall to the knee or below.
- For a dress, measure height and bust. A torso that is too short pulls at the shoulders.
- Between sizes, choose the larger one. Tulle and elastic waists stretch, but a tight bodice does not.
What should I wear under and with a tutu?
Wear a leotard and tights under a tutu skirt. For a dress, wear tights and a comfortable base layer if the lining is thin. Choose ballet shoes if you are dancing, or plain flats for photos and parties. If you need help with leotards, see our adult women’s leotard guide.
Can I wear a tutu to an adult ballet class?
Most adult classes use a simple outfit: leotard, tights and sometimes a wrap skirt. A tutu is fine for a themed class, a performance or a photo. Ask your teacher before you wear one to a regular class, because a stiff tutu can hide your hips and legs.
How do I keep it looking good?
- Store it hanging or flat, so the layers keep their shape.
- Spot clean, and avoid a hot wash.
- Fluff the layers by hand before use.
Common mistakes when buying an adult tutu
- Choosing only by dress size. Tutus are sized by waist and length, and a dress by height and bust, so use the chart.
- Buying a stiff tutu for class. A stiff tutu hides the line of the legs and hips, so it suits shows more than daily practice.
- Forgetting the layers underneath. A light, thin tutu often needs a leotard and tights under it.
Simple outfit ideas for a themed class or party
- A plain black leotard, pale tights and a pastel tutu skirt.
- A pink leotard, white tights and a white tutu for a classical look.
- Flats or ballet shoes, and a hair bun, to finish the look.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tutu dress?
A tutu dress is a leotard top with a tulle skirt attached, worn as one piece.
What is an adult tutu?
A tutu made in adult sizes: a layered tulle skirt worn over a leotard and tights, for shows, photos and parties.
Can adults wear a tutu to ballet class?
Usually only for a themed class or a show. Most adult classes use a simple outfit such as a leotard, tights and a wrap skirt.
How long should an adult tutu be?
It depends on the style. A classical tutu is short and flat, a romantic tutu falls to the knee or below.
What do you wear under a tutu?
A leotard and tights for a skirt, and tights for a dress.