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Across performance arts like dancing, gymnastics, and athletics, characteristics associated with grace, poise, confidence, and steadiness are often core elements tied to their movement and mechanics. To exude those characteristics, executions of technique, skill, and talent at the highest level often go hand in hand with comfortable and flexible outfits. Two commonly used garments in these art forms are dance leotards and unitards. While both serve the same purpose, they differ in functionality and design, which we’ll further explore in this article with the team at Mino Dance.
Leotards are one-piece, skin-tight garments covering the torso that leave the legs exposed. They’re excellent for highlighting a performer’s lines and form, and their simplicity allows for a wide range of movement. They also come in various styles, colours, and designs, allowing performers to express their individuality through their clothes.
French acrobat Jules Leotard first introduced the garment in the 1800s - initially referred to as maillots. Though originally made of wool, modern manufacturing opt to use stronger and more flexible materials, such as spandex or Lycra.
While leotards are used by a variety of performers including acrobats, gymnasts, and contortionists, they’re most well-known for being an integral part of the ballet uniform ensemble.
Similar to leotards, unitards are one-piece, form-fitting garments designed to highlight precise body movements. However, unitards provide more coverage with long legs and sometimes long arms.
In the 1900s, flesh-coloured unitards were often used by models and dancers to give the audience a clean view of their movements. In 1906, its use gradually evolved to accommodate as a popular swimsuit type. Today, gymnasts, contortionists, and circus performers, who need a fuller coverage without impeding flexibility, often have it in their arsenal of performance or training wear. In the dance world, it is more commonly worn in genres such as theatre, modern, and contemporary.
The most obvious difference between leotards and unitards is their coverage. Unitards provide full-body coverage, offering additional warmth and protection. This is ideal for performers training in cooler environments or in environments where they can easily get hurt.
On the other hand, leotards typically cover just the torso, but it allows greater freedom of movement, especially in the hips and legs. On the downside, it may leave some performers more exposed, thus the need for adjustments or extra safety coverage measures. It can also be layered with other clothing, such as tights or skirts.
Leotards are often preferred in ballet for its lightweight feel and the maximum mobility it allows. Meanwhile, unitards offer additional support and some can even provide muscle compression, which is highly beneficial for athletes undergoing long training sessions.
Unitards are generally considered to be more conservative. Also, while they can be embellished and colour customised, they often retain the same style. On the other hand, leotards come in a wide range of styles. They can vary in necklines, back designs, and embellishments, making them a popular choice in competitions where aesthetics and individuality can affect the dancer or athlete’s performance.
The answer to this depends on the dance genres a dancer performs in and their preferences. For dancers training and performing in various dance styles, having both leotards and unitards is beneficial, as different dance forms have different garment requirements. They can also choose between the two depending on the performance and their comfort level.
On the other hand, some dancers may prefer to stick with one. For instance, ballet dancers almost exclusively use leotards. This allows them to showcase their form and footwork, and it provides the necessary freedom for the flexibility required in ballet.
Leotards and unitards are both valuable choices for dance wear, but they offer different benefits for each dancer. When deciding between the two, it’s best to consider your comfort, dance genre, and the practicality of the outfit. When purchasing either of which, it’s important to consider the fabric, fit, and style to ensure maximum comfort and mobility.
At Mino Dance, we offer top-quality dancewear for dancers of all ages. Explore our catalogue for a variety of leotard styles and other dance essentials. For more questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us today!