Leotard Legline Guidelines

I've referenced leotard leglines before as a huge factor in how a leo's size

and style work for different dancers.  To provide more clarification, this

guide will explain the differences between legline cuts and provide

commentary on some common brands.

Leotards generally come in two specific legline cuts: regular and high.

High cut leglines also go by different names like French cut, ballet cut,

and European cut.  It's rare to see a leotard legline specifically listed as

low, but I sometimes use the term to describe a brand's regular cut if it

has an extra-modest fit.

The generally accepted standard for a regular cut legline is one that comes

down an inch or so below the hip bone and hugs the back of the leg between

the butt and thigh.  High cut leglines usually come up to the hip bone in

the front while remaining the same as regular cut in the back.  This creates

the illusion of a longer leg since more of the front part of the leg is

visible. 

Most dancers who choose high cut leglines do so because they prefer the

longer-leg look.  This is especially flattering for dancers with long torsos

and shorter legs since it helps balance the proportions.  For dancers with

short torsos and long legs, high cut leglines are sometimes flattering, but

can also create an unbalanced look. 

Additionally, most leos with high cut leglines have larger leg holes.  This

causes them to sometimes ride up over the hip bones or slide up on the

backside.  Because of this, curvier dancers and very slender dancers often

have a harder time with high cut leglines.  These leotards may feel immodest

or unsecure.

As far as brands go, most have just a regular legline cut.  However, what

brands consider regular varies a lot.  Here's my analysis of the leglines of

some common brands.  

I've tried to include images to help you see what I'm talking about with how brands differ                    from each other, but since each leo is modeled by a different dancer, the differences in their                  bodies can sometimes make it difficult to see how each brand measures up.

Bloch

Bloch--moderate--curvy/extra slim dancers may have ride up, but most dancers

are well accommodated

Capezio

Capezio--Most styles (especially Team Basics) have a lower legline, which is

great for curvier dancers.  Also, cotton leotards tend to be slightly higher

cut than nylon/spandex blends.

Gaynor Minden

Gaynor Minden--definitely low, which is good for modesty, but can start to

get a shorter leg look.

Eurotard

Eurotard--also quite low.

Wear Moi

Wear Moi--very high cut, which creates a long pretty legline, but rides up

on pretty much everyone.

 

Grishko

Grishko-- Also fairly high cut.

Yumiko hight cut

Yumiko regular cut

Yumiko--Offers specifically regular and high cut options.  High cut is

similar to Wear Moi, regular is similar to Capezio.

Motionwear

Motionwear--It varies quite a bit depending on the style.  It seems to me

that older styles (pre-2015) have a higher cut legline, and new styles

(current) have a moderate cut. 

Mondor

Mondor--extremely high cut, rides above the hip bones for most dancers.

If you have a leotard that you love, but the legline is a little higher than

you like, here are some tips to wear it with confidence:

-Wear the leotard with tights over it (rather than leotard over tights).

Your skin will provide more friction than nylon dance tights, so the leo

will ride up less.  Wearing tights over top will help hold the leo down and

really prevent it from slipping.

-If you are required to wear leo over tights, wear a wrap skirt or warm-up

shorts over the leotard to cover up a little more.

-If you must wear the leo with nothing over the top of it, secure it to your

skin (or tights) using roll- on costume glue.  If you're wearing tights, you

can also make a couple of loose stitches to hold your leo to your tights and

therefore in place.  This is especially good for performances.