What Is a Biketard?
A biketard is a dance garment that combines a leotard body with built-in short shorts. The top portion fits like a standard leotard — close-fitting, typically with a scoop or camisole neckline — while the bottom portion includes attached shorts that extend to mid-thigh or just above the knee. The whole garment is one piece.
Biketards are sometimes called shorttards or dance biketards. They are popular in gymnastics, competitive dance and contemporary dance classes.
Biketard vs Leotard vs Unitard: What’s the Difference?
- Leotard: Covers the torso only with no attached leg coverage. May have a standard or high-cut leg opening.
- Unitard: One-piece garment covering the torso and full legs (leotard body plus full-length tights panel, combined). No separate sections.
- Biketard: One-piece garment covering the torso with built-in shorts. A hybrid of leotard and short shorts — more coverage than a leotard, less than a unitard.
When Is a Biketard Used in Dance?
- Gymnastics: A staple in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics training for girls and women.
- Contemporary and jazz dance: Where a modern, relaxed look is preferred over a traditional leotard.
- Acrobatics and tumbling: The shorts portion provides coverage during flips and cartwheels.
- Dance fitness classes: Such as movement-based classes where a full leotard feels too formal.
Biketards are not standard for classical RAD ballet. Traditional ballet class and examination attire is a leotard with tights — the biketard’s shorts format would obscure the leg lines that teachers need to observe during technique assessment.
What to Look for in a Dance Biketard
- Fabric: A four-way stretch nylon-spandex blend is best — it moves with the dancer and retains its shape after washing.
- Short length: A 2–3 inch inseam provides coverage without restricting movement. Longer shorts can bind at the inner thigh during high kicks and jumps.
- Neckline: Scoop neck and camisole styles are the most common and versatile.
- Gusset: Look for a built-in cotton or modal gusset for comfort during floor work.
Shop at ZoeDancewear
Black Camisole Ballet Leotard Set — camisole leotard with elastic belt and bow, suitable for older students and studio practice. Free shipping over $99 to the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are biketards appropriate for ballet class?
Not for most classical ballet classes. Traditional RAD and syllabus-based ballet requires a plain leotard with tights so the teacher can see leg placement clearly. A biketard is better suited to gymnastics, contemporary dance or casual studio sessions.
Is a biketard the same as a gymnastics leotard with shorts?
Yes — a biketard is essentially a gymnastics-style one-piece with an attached shorts panel. It is the standard garment used in rhythmic gymnastics and many tumbling and acrobatics classes worldwide.
Can you wear a biketard with tights?
Yes. A biketard can be worn over tights in a dance class for warmth or a more polished look. The shorts portion sits over the tights, similar to how a short skirt sits over dance tights.
n