The leotard is the defining garment of the ballet dancer — a close-fitting one-piece bodysuit worn in every studio class, rehearsal, and examination from a student’s very first lesson. Despite being ubiquitous, many parents buying their child’s first dancewear and adult beginners returning to dance are uncertain about what a leotard actually is, how it differs from similar garments, and how to choose the right one. This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is a Leotard?
A leotard is a one-piece, form-fitting garment that covers the torso and snaps, clasps, or stretches over the crotch, leaving the legs bare. It is made from a stretchy fabric — typically nylon, Lycra (spandex), or a blend of both — that moves with the body through the full range of dance movement without restricting, bunching, or riding up.
The leotard was named after Jules Léotard (1838–1870), a French acrobat and aerial gymnast who popularised the close-fitting knitted suit he wore in circus and variety performances. The garment was initially called a “maillot” after a different French gymnast, but became universally known as the “leotard” in English following Léotard’s fame. Ballet adopted it as standard practice in the 20th century as studios moved away from full skirts and bloomers toward the current form-fitting studio uniform.
Types of Leotards
Sleeveless / Tank Leotard
The sleeveless tank leotard is the most common style for ballet class — minimal fabric, maximum freedom of movement, and easy to assess shoulder alignment, arm lines, and port de bras. Suitable from Pre-Primary through professional level.
Spaghetti Strap Leotard
Spaghetti strap leotards feature thin shoulder straps rather than a wide tank top. They are popular among older students for their aesthetic elegance but provide slightly less coverage at the shoulder and back.
Cap Sleeve Leotard
Cap sleeve leotards have a short sleeve covering the top of the shoulder and the upper arm. They are often preferred for younger children (ages 3–8) who may feel more modest in a fuller-coverage style, and are common in Primary and Pre-Primary level examinations under several syllabi.
Short Sleeve and Three-Quarter Sleeve Leotards
Short sleeve and three-quarter sleeve styles are popular for contemporary, modern, and jazz dance, and for students who prefer more arm coverage. They are also used in certain RAD and ISTD grade examinations where a specified sleeve style is part of the regulation uniform.
Long Sleeve Leotard
Long sleeve leotards cover the arm to the wrist and are used in cold studios, for certain examination requirements, and in contemporary and modern dance styles where the arm line is part of the costume aesthetic. Some RAD vocational examinations specify a long sleeve leotard for female candidates.
Halter Neck Leotard
The halter neck ties or fastens at the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back open. This style is popular in jazz and contemporary classes and is common in performance costumes but less typical in classical ballet examinations.
Leotard Fabrics
Nylon-Lycra (Most Common)
The most common ballet leotard fabric is a nylon-elastane blend — typically 80% nylon and 20% Lycra or spandex. This combination gives excellent stretch and recovery (returning to its original shape after movement), is smooth against the skin, and is easy to wash. It also takes colour well, which is why ballet leotards come in the full range from regulation pale pink and burgundy through deep jewel tones.
Cotton-Lycra
Cotton-Lycra leotards have a softer, more matte texture and are more breathable than pure synthetic blends, making them comfortable in warm studios. The cotton content means they absorb and hold moisture more than synthetic blends, so they take longer to dry. Suitable for everyday studio use where comfort is the priority.
Velvet and Mesh Combinations
Performance and recital leotards frequently combine a velvet or velour body with mesh panels at the arms or sides. The velvet gives a rich visual texture under stage lighting; the mesh panels add ventilation and a contemporary aesthetic. These are typically not suitable for daily class use as velvet requires more delicate washing, but they are popular choices for show costumes and dance competitions.
Regulation Leotard Colours by Syllabus
Both the RAD and ISTD specify leotard colours for examinations:
- RAD Pre-Primary and Primary: Pink leotard with crossover cardigan (specific to each level)
- RAD Grade 1–5: Regulation colours vary by current syllabus; pale blue was historically standard for some grades
- RAD Vocational (IF–Advanced 2): Black leotard, specified style, with pink or skin-tone tights
- ISTD Primary Ballet: Specified colour per level; check current ISTD regulations
Always confirm the current regulation colour with your teacher before purchasing exam leotards, as syllabi are updated and requirements change.
How to Measure for a Leotard
Leotards are sized by height and age for children, and by chest, waist, and hip measurements for adults. Key measurements:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor
- Waist: Measure around the natural waist (the narrowest point of the torso)
- Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat
- Height: Measure from the crown of the head to the floor in bare feet
Leotards should fit snugly — no loose fabric at the back or gaping at the legs — but should not restrict deep breathing or a full hip turnout. If in doubt between two sizes, the smaller is usually correct for a garment made from high-stretch Lycra.
Leotards for Different Dance Styles
While the leotard originated in ballet, it is now worn across virtually all dance disciplines:
- Ballet: Plain colours, minimal detail; regulation colour by level where exams are taken
- Contemporary and modern dance: Any colour or style; more variation in silhouette acceptable
- Jazz: Often combined with jazz pants or jazz shorts; brighter or more decorated styles common
- Gymnastics and acro: Typically a gymnastics-specific leotard with higher cut legs and reinforced seat for floor work
- Acrobatics and circus: Similar to gymnastics; metallic and mesh variations popular for performance
Explore our full range of ballet leotards for children and adults, from regulation examination colours to contemporary styles. For a complete studio outfit, pair with ballet tights and your school’s required ballet shoes.
Leotard Care Instructions
Nylon-Lycra leotards should be hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle (30°C maximum) in a mesh laundry bag. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener, which degrades the elastane fibres over time. Dry flat away from direct sunlight — tumble drying, direct heat, and sunlight all degrade Lycra, causing the leotard to lose shape and elasticity. Never iron a Lycra leotard directly; if wrinkles are an issue, a cool iron through a cloth or a steamer works safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a leotard and a bodysuit?
Functionally, a leotard and a bodysuit serve a similar purpose — a one-piece fitted garment that covers the torso. In dancewear, “leotard” refers specifically to a dance-specific garment engineered for movement, with stretch fabrics, designed leg openings, and often regulation specifications for exam use. A “bodysuit” in fashion typically has a snap fastening at the crotch and is designed for wearing under clothing rather than as a standalone dance garment. Ballet leotards typically have a clean leg opening without snaps, allowing a smooth line under tights.
What does my child need to wear under a leotard?
Most children do not wear underwear under a ballet leotard — the Lycra fabric and close fit mean it functions as a complete single layer. Some parents prefer to use small, seamless dance briefs under the leotard for comfort or modesty, which is perfectly acceptable. Tights are worn over the leotard in the standard ballet uniform. There is nothing wrong with underwear underneath, but seamless dance briefs are more comfortable under tights than standard cotton underwear, which can bunch and show under form-fitting fabric.
What colour leotard should I buy?
If your child is taking RAD or ISTD examinations, your teacher will specify the regulation colour and style — always ask before buying. For general class use without examination requirements, pink and black are the most versatile colours, appropriate at every age and level. Adults beginning ballet typically choose black, which is the universal standard in adult and professional classes.
Are leotards only for girls?
No — leotards are worn by male dancers across ballet, gymnastics, and contemporary dance, though the name and style differ. Male ballet dancers in professional and advanced contexts typically wear a form-fitting top or a white fitted shirt with tights, but the leotard itself (often worn as a base layer) is part of training wear. In gymnastics, male gymnasts perform in fitted singlets and shorts rather than the skirted leotard typical of female gymnastics.