The first known use of the name leotard came only in 1886, many years after Jules Léotard's death.
Léotard himself called the garment a maillot, which is a general French word for different types of tight-fitting shirts or sports shirts..
It should be comfortable, fitting like a second skin without any excess fabric, creases or wrinkles.
While it should be snug, a ballet leotard shouldn't dig in, be too tight or limit movements—the most important thing is that it is flexible and allows comfort when dancing..
They are all different, so feel different.
A gymnast leotard is made to hold everything in place, more compression than both, so is a little heavier than the others.
A ballet leotard is soft and much lighter, and only the swim suit is designed to get wet and maintain coverage.
What are the best ballet leotard brands?.
While your leotard should completely cover the bra, sometimes a little bit of the bra may remain visible.
If this happens, try to match the bra color with either your skin or your leotard.
Wearing a bra in a color that contrasts your leotard can look sloppy..
Leotards with shorts or pants attached are also called biketards or unitards.
Some gyms allow their female gymnasts to wear tight T-shirts or tank tops and sports shorts over their leos during practice.
Boys' leotards, on the other hand, are called singlets..
Dancers who are performing wear something called a "trunk" bottom.
This is basically a bottom brief made out of leotard-like material.
The dancer will match her trunks to her tights or her costume.
Wearing a nude camisole shaper gives additional confidence that the dress is fitting the way it should..
Dance leotards are commonly made from a blend of materials like cotton, polyester, nylon or spandex.
If they are not required to stretch as much, leotards can be just cotton.
Gymnastics leotards can be made from the same fibres as dance leotards, with a higher percentage of spandex..
A ballet tutu dress is a leotard that comes with a built-in tulle skirt.
It offers a classic 'ballerina' look for performances and is popular for younger dancers just starting class for the first time.
A skirted leotard comes with a built-in skirt and is popular with younger dancers..
