What are the different leotard designs?

Posted on - 21st August 2021

Throughout the years, ballet dancewear has developed and grown far larger than its founders could have ever dreamed. Experimentation and assimilation has led to the inclusion of styles, including Hip Hop and Capoeira, that would have been unthinkable a hundred years ago. However, despite this massive change, one thing that has stayed the same is the gymnastics leotards that athletes compete in.

A leotard is a snug outfit that allows for and accentuates the free flow of movement, whilst also allowing for the pairing with other dancewear items. For example, you may want to colour coordinate your leotard with your shoes or a scrunchy. No matter if you are an experienced ballerina or a fresh one preparing for your first audition - gymnastics clothes are a complete necessity. Not only can leotards improve a performance, but they are actually a requirement in most competitions, both at the amateur and professional level.

The Importance Of Leotard Design

There are a number of things you need to pay attention to when looking for women's and girls leotards. Chiefly, these are such things as ensuring a high breathability and freedom of movement. These are both crucial when it comes to performing precise, intricate dance moves – such as those favoured in ballet and other forms of modern dance. 

Complementing the design is the leotard’s style. The design with the right style, colour and detailing will give your routine that little extra boost – both in terms of your own confidence and your judge’s opinion.

For our latest post, Olympique will explore the different styles of leotards, their features and what they are best used for.

The variety of gymnastics leotards

Camisole Leotards 

Camisole (or spaghetti-strap) leotards are one of the most commonly used leotards, particularly in ballet. You will often see camisoles appear in movies, as the ultimate ballet outfit, thanks to their popularity in both competitions and practices. 

Leaving the arms bare, camisole leotards accentuate the dancer's movement, exposing the neckline giving the routine a touch of elegance. This makes camisole leotards perfect as a base upon which tights, skirts and scrunchies can be added.

Camis come in beautifully detailed styles, in a wide variety of colours. However, this isn’t all. Camisole Leotards can even feature designed backs, mesh detailing throughout, accented decolletages, lacy accents and dual straps. They also come in different materials, including cotton, velvet, specially-designed fabrics optimised for peak performance.This sheer variety of designs makes them ideal for both practice and competition use. 

High Neck Leotards

A step up from camisoles, high neck (or turtleneck) ballet leotards leave the hands bare while closing up the neckline plus you have the option to feature cap-sleeves or even long sleeves. Ideal for women and girls, they elongate the neck, giving off an elegant and refined impression giving ballerinas a look of delicateness.

This isn't your standard leotard for practice, but high neck leotards are great for stage performances as they hug the whole upper body, defining and emphasising features from neck to waist and hips. If you are a ballerina that needs some extra support in the chest area without having to compromise, this is the leotard for you.

Long Sleeved Leotards 

Cold weather can affect dancers, which is why sleeved leotards have been designed. Whether used with a short, t-shirt like sleeves or long sleeves, they will provide comfort and warmth when the temperatures plummet.

Sleeved leotards create the illusion of longer, gracefully flowing arms and will show off your technique drawing eyes toward the position of the arms.

Some ballerinas find short-sleeved leotards a bit bothersome, as the sleeves can feel constricting and limiting the arms.

Sleeved leotards can also hold the most decorative touches of all types of leotards. Their sleeves are made out of mesh or lace, offering good ventilation and comfort, even when warm. When paired with a fabric that lets the rest of the body breathe, they are a great combination for both young and senior ballerinas.

Talk to the gymnastic wear experts

If you have any questions about the different designs of gymnastics leotards, please do not hesitate to contact Olympique today.