Girls’ Dance Tops and Tank Tops: How to Choose for Ballet

Short answer: for a girl’s ballet or dance class, choose a fitted tank top or dance top in a soft stretch fabric that stays in place when she raises her arms. It should end at the hip, have flat seams and no scratchy labels. Check the school’s dress code first, because many ballet classes still prefer a leotard.

What is a dance top?

A dance top is a fitted, stretchy top made for movement. Common styles are a tank top, a camisole, a short-sleeved top and a cropped style. They are worn with tights, leggings or dance shorts in jazz, hip hop and creative movement classes, and sometimes in beginner ballet.

Which style suits which class?

Class	Usual choice
Ballet	Leotard. A fitted tank may be allowed.
Creative movement	Comfortable tank or T-shirt with leggings
Jazz and hip hop	Fitted tank, short-sleeved top or crop top
Warm-up before class	A wrap top or cardigan over the leotard or top

How should a girl’s dance top fit?

• Snug but not tight. It should follow the body without leaving marks.
• Stays down. It should not ride up when the arms lift or when she bends forward.
• Straps that stay. Wide enough that they do not slip off the shoulder.
• Room for a growth spurt. A little room is fine, but not so much that it bunches.

What fabric is best?

A cotton blend with some stretch is soft, breathable and kind to young skin. Nylon blends are smooth and dry quickly. Avoid fabrics that are stiff, scratchy or heavily decorated with glitter, because they irritate the skin and shed.

What should she wear with it?

• Ballet: ballet tights, soft ballet shoes and a neat bun.
• Jazz and creative movement: leggings or dance shorts, and bare feet or jazz shoes.
• Cold days: a light wrap top or cardigan over it.

How many do we need?

Two is a comfortable start, so one can be washed while the other is used. Label them with the child’s name, and wash gently in cool water so the elastic and color last.

Choosing the size

Choose by height first and chest second, and go up a size if she is between two. Our size guide shows height ranges for each style.

Tips for parents

• Let your child try the top on and do a few arm lifts and bends in the fitting.
• Check that the neckline stays in place and the straps do not dig in.
• Sew or write a name label inside the top.
• Buy a plain color first, because it matches every class.

If this is a first class, read what to buy for a girl’s first ballet class before you shop. The list is short and does not need to be expensive.