| Although in and out of popular fashion, leotards will always have a place in the world of dance and sport. Not many pieces of clothing allow for such fluidity of movement, in turn allowing for a performer’s natural ability to shine through unhindered. Whether at the point of choosing your very first leotard, or just looking to choose another for your collection, it is worth considering which materials best suit your needs.
Materials used for making leotards have changed considerably over the years. Initially made from stretchy wool, an increase in popularity in the mid twentieth century led to cotton being frequently used. In the 1970s and 80s, a new range of fabrics emerged that revolutionised clothing of all kinds. Elastane is a synthetic fibre, with the remarkable ability to stretch considerably and then revert to its original size. Elastane is said to have the highest stretch tension of all raw materials – a fibre can be stretched up to seven times its original length and still regain its original form. This makes elastane an ideal material for use in leotards – in this application it is usually mixed with cotton at a ratio somewhere between 15% and 40% elastane. This means the garment can be stretched in order to be put on easily, and will then fit like a glove around the body as required. Other benefits include good durability and tear resistance, as well as being light weight. Elastane is also used in tights, and
in jumpers and jeans, but usually as a much lower percentage of the fabric – from around 2%.
Increasingly, microfibers are used to make leotards and other items of athletic clothing. Microfiber clothing is soft and holds shape well. A major advantage is that microfiber clothing dries out very easily. This is very handy when washing garments, and actually helps keep a performer cool and dry by allowing perspiration to evaporate rapidly. This can mean added comfort and confidence; no one likes to feel sweaty!
Several other fabrics are also available, but these are often preferred as they are so comfortable and stretch so well. They can also be made hold colours easily, which means that if you buy a lovely red leotard it should stay that way! When choosing colours it is a good idea to take context of use into account; many dance schools specify, and many roles call for, certain colours. If this isn’t relevant to yourself, just choose a colour you like and/or that looks well on you, as this can boost confidence.
No matter which fabric is chosen, all leotards must fulfil certain needs. They must be comfortable, fit perfectly and allow for complete freedom of movement. It is always best to try on a variety until one that feels correct is found. Once discovered, colours, patterns and brands can be selected. It is always best to check sizes carefully as they can vary between designers. At a glance, choosing the ideal leotard can seem a very daunting task. But if material, size, design and most vitally - fit - are all weighed up the selection can be made much easier. |
