Leotards come in many styles and cuts. The styles can be defined by just about every feature, including sleeve length, bustline/neckline, back, fabric, and accents. In this post I will show some photos and describe some of the most common and distinctive styles of leotards. At the end of the post, I will show some photos of leotards to demonstrate how multiple aspects of styling can come together in one piece.
halter
The strap is either one loop or two pieces that tie at the back of the neck. This style tends to look good on dancers with narrow shoulders.
camisole
The straps are thin, like spaghetti straps.
tank
The straps are thicker.
cap sleeve
The sleeves are very short and barely cover the shoulders.
short sleeve
The sleeves are a little longer and cover more of the bicep.
half sleeve
The sleeves hit above the elbows. This style looks good on dancers with broader shoulders and longer arms.
3/4 sleeve
The sleeves hit between the elbows and wrists.
long sleeve
The sleeves reach all the way to the wrists.
scoop
The neckline is a gentle curve.
square
The neckline is less rounded with more defined corners. Square necklines look good on dancers with a larger bust.
boat
The neck is high cut and open wide across the shoulders.
sweetheart
The bustline is heart-shaped.
V
The neckine plunges in a V-shape.
Mandarin (mock-turtle)
The collar is high and covers part of the neck. This style looks great on dancers with a smaller bust and a short torso.
scoop
The back scoops in a gentle curve. Usually paired with scoop neck.
V
The back plunges in V-shape.
square
The back is square with defined angles. Usually paired with a square neck.
low
The back goes all the way down to the dancer's lower back. Usually boatneck leotards have lower backs, but they are common on camisole and tank scoop necks as well.
full/closed
The back is fully closed all the way up to the neck. Usually paired with mandarin collars. For a full back and mandarin collar, there is usually a zipper on either the front or back of the leo.
cutout
Cutouts can be in front, back, or on the side.
straps
Crossed back straps make a unique detail.
colorblock
Colorblocking can happen anywhere on the leotard from sidestripes to different colors on the top and bottom.
asymmetrical
Sometimes the leotards are different on either side.
velvet
Velvet is a nice fabric detail, but it can be very warm.
mesh
Mesh is a fashionable option. It is usually in the neckline, back, and sleeves.
lace
Similar to mesh, lace has been very popular lately. It is also used to decorate necklines, sleeves, and backs.
pattern
Patterned fabric makes for a pretty change of pace.
Velvet long sleeve square back leotard
Velvet top colorblock tank leotard
Cap sleeve mandarin collar mesh patterned top leotard
What is your favorite style of leotard? Leave a comment below!
Sleeves and straps
halter
The strap is either one loop or two pieces that tie at the back of the neck. This style tends to look good on dancers with narrow shoulders.
camisole
The straps are thin, like spaghetti straps.
tank
The straps are thicker.
cap sleeve
The sleeves are very short and barely cover the shoulders.
short sleeve
The sleeves are a little longer and cover more of the bicep.
half sleeve
The sleeves hit above the elbows. This style looks good on dancers with broader shoulders and longer arms.
3/4 sleeve
The sleeves hit between the elbows and wrists.
long sleeve
The sleeves reach all the way to the wrists.
Neckline
scoop
The neckline is a gentle curve.
square
The neckline is less rounded with more defined corners. Square necklines look good on dancers with a larger bust.
boat
The neck is high cut and open wide across the shoulders.
sweetheart
V
The neckine plunges in a V-shape.
Mandarin (mock-turtle)
The collar is high and covers part of the neck. This style looks great on dancers with a smaller bust and a short torso.
Back
scoop
V
The back plunges in V-shape.
square
The back is square with defined angles. Usually paired with a square neck.
low
The back goes all the way down to the dancer's lower back. Usually boatneck leotards have lower backs, but they are common on camisole and tank scoop necks as well.
full/closed
The back is fully closed all the way up to the neck. Usually paired with mandarin collars. For a full back and mandarin collar, there is usually a zipper on either the front or back of the leo.
Detail
cutout
Cutouts can be in front, back, or on the side.
straps
Crossed back straps make a unique detail.
colorblock
Colorblocking can happen anywhere on the leotard from sidestripes to different colors on the top and bottom.
asymmetrical
Sometimes the leotards are different on either side.
Fabric
velvet
mesh
Mesh is a fashionable option. It is usually in the neckline, back, and sleeves.
lace
Similar to mesh, lace has been very popular lately. It is also used to decorate necklines, sleeves, and backs.
pattern
Patterned fabric makes for a pretty change of pace.
Examples
Velvet long sleeve square back leotard
Velvet top colorblock tank leotard
Cap sleeve mandarin collar mesh patterned top leotard
What is your favorite style of leotard? Leave a comment below!
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