Unitard vs Leotard: What’s the Difference for Dancers?

Short answer: a leotard covers the torso and leaves the legs bare, while a unitard is a one-piece garment that also covers the legs, to the knee or the ankle. Ballet class almost always uses a leotard with tights. A unitard is more common in contemporary and modern dance, rehearsals and some performances.

What is the difference between a unitard and a leotard?

	Leotard	Unitard
Legs	Bare, usually worn with tights	Covered, to the knee or to the ankle
Sleeves	Straps, short, long or none	Straps, short, long or none
Typical use	Ballet class, exams, rehearsal	Contemporary, modern, rehearsal, stage
Layering	Tights, skirt or warm-ups over or under	Often worn alone
Teacher can see the leg line	Yes, with fitted tights	Yes, if fitted and smooth

Which one should I wear to ballet class?

Choose the leotard and tights unless your teacher says otherwise. Ballet teachers want to see the position of the hips, knees and feet, and a leotard with fitted tights shows the legs clearly. Many schools also list the leotard color and style in their uniform. A unitard is fine for many adult and contemporary classes, but ask first before you buy one for an exam or graded class.

When is a unitard a good choice?

• Contemporary or modern classes, where floor work and rolls are common and full coverage is comfortable.
• Cold studios, where a long-sleeved unitard keeps the whole body warm.
• Rehearsals and performances where the costume calls for a clean, one-color line.
• Dancers who prefer full coverage and do not want to manage separate tights.

What should I check when buying either one?

• Stretch. It should move with the arms, back and hips without pulling.
• Length. A unitard must be long enough in the torso and legs, or it will pull at the shoulders and knees.
• Lining. A lined front adds coverage and comfort.
• Fabric. Cotton blends feel soft and breathe. Nylon blends feel smooth and dry quickly.
• Fit. Choose by height first, then check the chest and torso. If between sizes, choose the larger one. See our size guide.

Is a unitard the same as a bodysuit or a catsuit?

The words overlap. A bodysuit usually has legs that stop at the hip, so it is closer to a leotard. A catsuit is a long, fitted fashion garment. In dance shops, a unitard is the name for the full-length dance garment.

How do I look after them?

Wash on a gentle, cool cycle, avoid fabric softener and bleach, and air dry. Heat can wear out the elastic. Two garments in rotation last longer than one worn every day.

Common mistakes when choosing a unitard

• Buying by age. Torso length decides the fit, so measure height and check the chart.
• Choosing a thick fabric. Heavy fabric traps heat in a busy class.
• Skipping the sit test. Sit, bend and raise the arms in the fitting. Nothing should pull.
• Forgetting the school rule. Some schools name a leotard style in the uniform list.

If you are still unsure, start with a leotard and tights. It is the standard ballet uniform and works in almost every class, and you can add a unitard later for contemporary or rehearsal days. Our leotard style guide shows the neckline and strap options.