Everything You Need To Know About The Indispensable Leotard

The garment commonly referred to as a leotard is a skin-tight, one-piece suit that is absolutely indispensable to a variety of performers across mediums. They are most commonly associated with dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters, and circus performers.

Though their use began early in the nineteenth century and christened after a French acrobatic performer by the name of Jules Leotard, they remain popular today because their close-fitting design keeps performers' costuming from interfering in or distracting them from their movements. Modern fabrics, such as nylon and spandex, also allow for breathability despite the snug fit.

It has become especially popular in the aforementioned performance arts because it is not only practical, but it also draws attention to the naturally graceful shapes and curves of the human body.

In general, the type of leotard worn in practice sessions is sleeveless, and for women, the straps are thinner, like a tank top or a camisole. When a leotard is used for a costume in performance, they generally feature three-quarter or full-length long sleeves.

Furthermore, a leotard does not feature any covering for the legs, as performers are generally supposed to wear tights underneath the costume. Any similar garment which does feature leg pieces is instead referred to as a unitard.

Most leotards are designed with a large scoop neck, as that is how they are generally entered. If the garment instead has a crew neck or a polo-style neck, then there will be snaps or a zipper at the back so the performer is able to easily change in and out of the leotard.

Because the cut of most leotards would expose normal underwear, it is either forgone altogether or a special high-cut type is worn. But in the realm of gymnastics, competitors may be deducted points if any hint of underwear is showing. That is not to mention the tights that are worn beneath women's leotards, so if there is an extra layer of fabric, this can lead to bunching and unattractive bulges--that is why many dance studios forbid their dancers from wearing underwear at all, no matter the cut.

In ballet and more prominently in figure skating, the leotard has built into it a light skirt, often composed of the same material as the leotard itself. Sometimes the skirt does not circle the entire waist, but is instead an appendage of a few ruffles positioned on either hip.

More recently, the short-sleeved leotard has become popularized for its variety of benefits, some of which include extra ventilation and modesty. They are not generally used as performance-wear, instead are more heavily used in the practice arena.

No matter what the style, the leotard is absolutely indispensible for countless performers in a variety of fields--it's just important that you find the one that fits your medium's requirements and suits your tastes.