As I've said probably countless times now, the hunt for the perfect leotard for ballet class seems an endless one. One which looks good, gives bust support and doesn't cause the dreaded 'double bum' effect.
A few readers over various posts, who have similarly been trying to find good leotards, made recommendations about leotards which they've found which work for them thus far. One such recommendation was Yumiko leotards. My apologies as I can't remember exactly who it was who pointed me in the direction of these but I thank them kindly for doing so...
Yumiko create custom leotards and the choice is vast. You have a great many models to choose from as the basis of your leotard. Once you pick your basic leotard shape - I've as yet been unable to settle on a shape, as I love them all - you then begin to 'build' your ideal leotard. You get to select the fabric, sleeve types in some models, the trim and body colours, the leg type from a choice of 2 and the type of inside lining you'd like.
For anyone who is very picky or having trouble finding the best leotard for them, I am going to have a guess and say this seems like the answer.
The leotards work out to be quite expensive certainly, but if it's the difference between finding the perfect one and not, I definitely suggest giving this a try. I'm been trying to make a decision on mine for weeks now. The Tiffany, shown above, or the Becky are probably best for my boobs, but my heart really wants the Tamara.
Having said all that, I have found marginal success with a Wear Moi model which I picked up on sale for £15. So much so I bought 3 in different colours. I still have to wear an additional bra underneath but the neckline is high enough to cover my cleavage and the legs don't cut into me the way most leotards do. Many Wear Moi models come in a decent selection of colours too. These shall do until I finally make my Yumiko decision.
QMichelle
I think I've read somewhere this is one of the favourites of NYCB dancers. I absolutely love them, although they are quite expensive. Not being able to try them on and having a difficult body (plus price) kind of puts me off from ordering.
So lately I have been thinking to start creating my own dancewear. I'm sick of al the colours on offer (although these are lovely) and the offer in general, and the fit. Most brands seem to offer the most boring, uninspiring basic stuff (which is quite expensive as well!) No wonder all the girls in my class buy yoga clothes or wear normal tops and tight leggings as a substitute for ballet clothes, and so do I! (think fashion snob though. I managed to wear Dries van noten clothes (skirt, knitted tops) as ballet outfits and combine regular tights with my traditional leotards (dip dye tights, bright or patterned tights) Makes it all a lot more fun!)
Posted by: Swen | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 10:41
Oh I'm so happy you're considering making your own dancewear! I'm collaborating with a dear designer friend on some dancewear at the moment too. Not leotards or anything yet, just skirts and trousers mostly. I'd love to see what you come up with as somehow who makes clothes and dances too x
Posted by: Kingdom Of Style | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 11:14
I bit the bullet and ordered one at the start of January. I ordered the Jessica in a grey micro fibre, with black trim (my colour palette is not very innovative, but I like the basics). I did some research online and also asked the Berlin store a couple of questions and hopefully have ordered the right one. I won't be receiving it until the end of March, but I'll let you know how it measures up in the bust department when I get it. They opened a store in Berlin a couple months back and I'm looking forward to visiting next time I'm down there.
Posted by: nicola lynde | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 14:39
Yes please, let me know how you get on when it arrives.
Posted by: Kingdom Of Style | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 15:25
I'm thinking of ordering a new leotard from Energetiks - an Australian company. Specifically, I'm excited about the Camp Cross Front Leotard (http://www.energetiks.com.au/cap-cross-front-leotard_1003491/) because it would work with a sports bra underneath and has quite an elegant line to it. I adore the look of a cami strap leotard, but sadly, it will never work for me. :(
Posted by: the animal orchestra | Sunday, 09 February 2014 at 08:29
As a long-time dancer with similar bust issues (DD+) I second the Energetiks recommendation. My leotard of choice is the Wide Cross Strap Leotard (http://www.energetiks.com.au/wide-cross-strap-leotard-adult_1003491/). So supportive but will also accommodate wearing a bra underneath (if you have one with the right style of straps, I have a sports bra in that fashion and it's perfect). In general, I've found Energetiks leotards to be far more forgiving for those of us that don't have the body of an adolescent - their leotards are just more substantial. The materials last really well and are quick-drying. It's just a pity that they've only got limited colour choices online.
Posted by: Miss Taylor | Thursday, 20 February 2014 at 05:37
Energetiks is a new brand to me too. For some reason that link didn't work, but I had a look at the main site. The leotards seem functional but on the nicer side of functional?
Posted by: Kingdom Of Style | Friday, 21 February 2014 at 11:52
Some leotards by the French brand repetto have what they call a "maintien poitrine", literally a "chest support", which is actually a built-in bra without underwire in a flesh-coloured fabric. It's quite comfortable, but maybe it's not so comfortable on hot days. Anyway, repetto is a brand I can recommand, because the sizing is accurate and the quality is good.
Posted by: Susanne | Thursday, 13 March 2014 at 21:21
I shall have a look online for Repetto leotards. I knew they did ballet shoeos but didn't realise they also create leotards. Thanks for the recommendation x
Posted by: Kingdom Of Style | Friday, 14 March 2014 at 08:44