Leotards are not swimsuits!

I’ve seen a lot of kids run into the dancewear store, see a rack of leotards, and exclaim “bathing suits!”  I’ve even seen parents look a little perplexed when they see bright, shimmery spandex gymnastics leotards. 

Dancewear stores do not sell swimwear.  Leotards often resemble one-piece swimsuits, but they are not meant to be worn in the water.  Even spandex leotards are not constructed to perform well in a fully-submerged or chlorinated environment.  The stitching may dissolve or the fabric may bleach if exposed to chemicals found in many swimming pools.  Brightly colored gymnastics leotards sometimes resemble children’s swimwear, but remember that dancewear stores do not sell bathing suits.  If your child tells you that he or she sees a swimsuit in the dancewear store, gently explain that it is a leotard.  Additionally, if your child wants to wear her leotard as a swimsuit, don’t allow her to do so.  It will most likely damage the garment.

If you are in the market for a decorative athletic swimsuit for something like competitive diving, the dancewear store is not the place to look.  Try a sporting goods store instead.