Bottom Leotard

How to Select a Ballet Leotard Online

It's always exciting when it's time to buy a new ballet leotard. No matter how many times you've shopped around it's always surprising just how many different styles are available. Not so long ago, you would have visited your local dance shop and chosen a leotard from a relatively limited range. However, the internet brings a whole host of online retailers that offer an enormous choice of leotards.

There are simply hundreds, if not thousands, of different designs of leotard available! Almost all of these are a variation of one of the basic leotard designs – tank, camisole, cap sleeve, long sleeve, and polo neck. The sheer amount of choice can make it exceedingly difficult to decide which one you want so this article is here to help you make the right choice.

When choosing your leotard from an online retailer, the biggest influence on your decision will no doubt be the design of the leotard itself as represented by the image. It's therefore easy to choose a leotard simply based on its design unlike in a shop where you may try it on for fit. You therefore need to first decide exactly what you are buying your leotard for. If you're buying it for dance classes then it may be worth buying a more basic design such as a tank leotard, as these are extremely durable and can be used for almost any style of dance.

Another thing to consider is whether the dance school you are part of has a particular uniform. Many teachers implement a very strict dance code for all abilities so make sure you check this out first. You certainly wouldn't want to set your heart on a leotard that you're not able to use! So, it's always a good idea to have a chat to your dance teacher before you go shopping.

If you're buying your leotard for an audition then you may have a little more freedom though you will still need to give your choice some careful consideration. Make sure the leotard you choose suits the style of your audition piece and compliments the form of your body and shape as much as possible. If you need a little help, why not have a think about the leotards you already own or ones you've worn for previous shows, which you've felt particularly comfortable in, or one in which people have been very complimentary about your appearance. This is very important as by choosing a leotard which looks good as well as feels good will help you feel comfortable and at ease when you perform thus helping you give your best possible performance and best chance at success. It is suggested by some that wearing a bright coloured leotard can help you stand out in an audition and get remembered by the audition panel who may be auditioning a very large number of dancers but it's worth checking out the audition guidelines first, as this may state that you're required to wear a particular coloured leotard.

As well as the image of the leotard, it's also worth checking out the product description to find out as much information as possible about it. In a shop, you can pick up the leotard, touch and feel it whereas you're unable to do this online. You should therefore read the product description to find out what the leotard is made from as this will influence the way you need to care for it. The easiest fabrics to care for are cotton and lycra blends as they can simply be thrown into the washing machine whereas other fibres may need hand washing.

Most specialist online dancewear retailers will offer size charts specific to the brand of leotard you are purchasing. It's always a good idea to measure yourself and take a look at these to make sure you choose a leotard that provides a good fit. You will know how well fitting the leotard is when it is delivered so be sure to try it on before you wear it for dance classes as most retailers will exchange the leotard for a different size as long as it hasn't been worn and is in its original packaging. When you try it on, move around a little by leaning to the sides, forwards and backwards, and lift your arms to see whether there is any slipping, gaps or pinching.

So, in summary, the key to choosing the best leotard from an online retailer is to take your time and think carefully about your choice. There's no need to rush! Use the pointers I've given you above to narrow down your choices as much as possible. Have fun hunting!

About the Author

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dance wear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of ballet leotards please visit our website www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

Why has everyone gone shy and refuse to show legs? No one wants to wear Leotards or workout briefs anymore.?

I noticed that since the 80's, no one will wear leotards or work out briefs. I noticed that the entire culture seems to think showing leg is taboo. Even swimwear is geting bigger...Even comic books where classic charaters will wear a leotard or bikini bottom of some type seems to have changed. As i grew up in he 80's with leotards and workout breifs for sports like skateing, I just notice that you now MUST cover up and have legs subsituted for showing the tip of your stomoch. Why is that? And is there a chance that thoose fashions will come back?

Some of the fashion is slowly coming back. If you look in trendier magazines with the new layering look, leotard and other tight, spandex-y pants are coming back in as something to wear under a mini-skirt in winter, for example. Also, 80s hooker-boots are coming back in, the little ones with the spikes that hit ankle-length. I've also seen some legwarmers on younger teenagers. It's all just coming back in it's own way, very very slowly.

Stretching In Leotard (Nice Bottom)

Black Leotard Adult Costume $20.99 Includes Leotard. Does not include shoes.

Children's Camisole Leotard (211) $24.51 Camisole leotard with double criss-cross back.

Children's Long Sleeve Leotard $20.95 Long sleeve leotard in 90% cotton, 10% Lycra.

Children's Short Sleeve Leotard $18.95 Short sleeve leotard in 90% cotton, 10% Lycra.

Lily''s Lucky Leotard $18.44 Lily''''s Lucky Leotard is a Capstone Press publication.

Ballet Disney Princess Leotard for Girls $24.5 Ballet Disney Princess Leotard for Girls

Adult's Camisole Leotard (211) $26.95 Camisole leotard with double criss-cross back. Shelf bra lining.

Children's Tank Leotard with Rhinestones $27.9 Tank leotard with princess/empire seamed front. Diamond shaped back treatment with rhinestone studded back straps and shelf bra lining. Tank leotard is made of 90% Cotton and 10% Spandex.

At The Bottom $12.66 At The Bottom

Kids Leotard - Black $9.95 Leotards for everyone! The Black Kids Leotard is the perfect addition to every kid closet. This bodysuit Kids Leotard is perfect for underneath any costume, as you are dressing up as whatever your imagination unfolds. For example, you could decide to be a graceful ballerina, and wear a tutu over this Black Kids Leotard. The possibilities are endless as to what you can create with our Black Kids Leotard. Everyone will wonder where you got such a creative garment for your costume. You'll love it!

Women's Tank Style Leotard $26.97 90$ cotton, 10% lycra. To order this leotard in a chid size, please click here .

Children's Tank Style Leotard $21.34 90$ cotton, 10% lycra. To order this leotard in an adult size, please click here .

Adult's Tank Leotard (206) $31.9 Tank leotard featuring a rhinestone studded ladder back treatment with a shelf bra lining.

Child's Tank Leotard (206) $27.35 Tank leotard featuring a rhinestone studded ladder back treatment with a shelf bra lining.

Adult Camisole Leotard $32.95 Camisole leotard with adjustable strap, special back treatment and shelf bra lining Heavyweight 90% cotton, 10% Lycra

Adult Empire Camisole Leotard $30.95 Camisole leotard with an empire bust line Twisted x back treatment. Shelf bra lined Tactel/Spandex

Children's Camisole Leotard $27.9 Camisole leotard with special back treatment and full front lining Heavyweight 90% cotton, 10% Lycra

Adult Halter Style Leotard $31.9 Halter style leotard with a cross-over front lined bodies, low back and bra lining Tactel/Spandex

Adult Bow Back Leotard $31.9 Pinch front halter leotard Wing back treatment. Shelf bra lined Heavyweight 90% cotton, 10% Lycra

Adult Lattice Back Camisole Leotard $31.9 Camisole leotard with lattice back treatment Heavyweight 90% cotton, 10% Lycra

Children's Camisole Leotard with Standard Back $19.9 Camisole leotard with standard back 90% cotton, 10% Lycra

Velvet Leotard Costume $14.99 The perfect start to a number of Halloween costumes! This child size black leotard can turn into a cat, a ballerina or a spooky witch! Let your imagination

Adult's Tank Leotard (207A) $32.95 Tank leotard with princess/empire seamed front. Diamond shaped back treatment with rhinestone studded back straps and shelf bra lining.

Adult Tank Leotard $24.95 This fully front lined tank leotard features a special back treatment with straps and rhinestones 55% cotton, 35% poly, 10% Lycra

Lycra Tank Leotard $49.99 Evening Of Lace A Must Have! Low Back Lycra Tank Leotard, Lined With Flesh Colored Lycra, Trimmed With Lace Ruffles. Garter Included. Available Sizes: Small-Medium White

Adult Camisole Leotard with V Back $27.9 Camisole leotard with princess seams and a low V back. Shelf bra lining 92% nylon, 8% Lycra

Children's Camisole Lattice Back Leotard $26.95 Camisole leotard with special back treatment and shelf bra lining Heavyweight 90% cotton, 10% Lycra