Things to consider before ordering a Yumiko leotard

Ordering an expensive custom leotard is a big occasion, especially if it's your first one.  It's a magical experience to take the new leotard out of the package and try it on.  In this post, I want to share some observations about Yumikos so you can design a leotard that suits you perfectly.  There's nothing worse than trying on your new leotard and discovering that it doesn't fit well, and I hope this post can help keep that from happening to you.

Sonoya

Laura

1.       Racerback, high back, and cross-back styles (Laura, Erica, Alex, Sonoya, and Becky) tend to ride up in the back and down in the front.  They may look modest when you're standing still, but the can start to look super low-cut once you are dancing.  These styles also don't provide much coverage in the side boob area.  I recommend that dancers with large busts avoid these styles.

Noe

2.       All halter styles except Sarah also tend to have a low-cut neckline and don't provide much coverage around the sides.  The Noe is a much more secure "mock halter" style that provides a halter-like look with a lot more coverage. 

 

Charlotte

Kate

3.       The Tamara and Kate are extremely open on the sides and back, and they provides very little coverage for side boob and the waist area.  The Charlotte and Kiki have very large cutouts in the back that wrap completely to the sides.  These four styles are not good for partnering as they leave the waist exposed on the sides (your partner's hands could accidentally slip inside your leo).

Anna with sleeves

Jessica with sleeves

4.       All styles with V, scoop, or square backs (Anna, Marieke, Alicia, and Sofiane.  Veronique to a lesser extent) tend to slip off the shoulders if you add sleeves.  High-back styles like the Larissa, Charlotte, and Jessica are much more secure because they have snaps or fabric across the back that keep the back portion of the leo in place.

5.       Yumiko sleeves are extremely tight.  If you have thick or very muscular arms, it may be difficult for you to get your arms through any sleeves longer than cap or short sleeves.  Sleeveless styles provide a better fit for more dancers.

Larissa in white with full lining

6.       If you get a light color in any fabric, go with a full lining (lining will be pale tan).  Many light colors are slightly see through, and you will be able to see where a shelf lining ends.  If you choose no lining with a light color, you will be able to see everything. 

7.       If you are going with a dark color, I recommend a full lining with techni, nylon, and velvet (lining will be dark or same color as fabric).  These fabrics are still slightly see-through if they are not fully lined.  The microfiber fabric is not see-through, and you can go with no lining for dark colors in this fabric.

8.       Light colors tend to get dingy after a few months of wear and washing, especially white and pale pink.  For a combination that stays looking new after years of use, choose a dark colored body fabric and a bright or dark colored trim.  I like black or dark gray accented with a bright like purple, blue, or hot pink. 

9.       Colors are usually brought out and retired on a seasonal basis.  Some colors are always available (like black), and some may be gone at the end of the season.  Yumiko usually offers color choices form the same general grouping (there will always be a purple, a light blue, a dark blue, etc.), but specific shades come and go, especially pastels and brights.  If there is a color you really like, order a leo in that shade now.  It might not be there later.

10.   For styles that allow you to choose a "duo" or colorblock design, I recommend always going with the duo even if you want your whole leotard to be the same color.  You can choose the same fabric and color for both parts of the duo, and this will result in a neat seam (usually under the bust) that will add sophistication to your design without adding too much color.  It's also very spiffy to choose the same color in velvet for the top and techni or microfiber for the bottom.  If you choose a full lining, you will not be able to feel the seams on the inside of the leo.

Tamara leotard featured in Black Swan.  Notice the back strap is twisted!

11.   The Daniela, Nadja, and Tamara styles feature straps that are connected to each other.  Small loops are sewn into the straps so they can slide.  These styles look great when you're standing still, but they are prone to twisting, tangling, and sliding around when you are moving. 

Veronique

Wendy

Marieke

12.   The most universally flattering styles for dancers of all body types are the Wendy, Marieke, and Veronique (Marieke and Veronique with sleeveless or cap sleeve designs).  These three styles look good on petite, tall, short torso, long torsos, busty, and flat chested dancers.  If you have never ordered a Yumiko before and/or if you aren't sure what styles will suit you, I highly recommend trying one of these.