When you look at professional ballerinas or other dancers, you can’t help but notice the leotards they wear. Their fitted and elegant costumes are an important part of the performance, and their leotards are often a major focal point. What material do professional dancers use to create their leotards? Do common materials like cotton and nylon stand up to the rigors of dancing? Or is there something even better out there? Let’s take a closer look at some of the best materials for a dance leotard.
Spandex
Spandex (also known as elastane) is one of the most popular fabrics in professional leotards. It’s durable, which makes it ideal for high-volume use and frequent wear. And it’s a natural choice for dance as well. The synthetic material stretches without losing its shape, and it also breathes, so you don’t get too hot when you move around. The smooth texture is comfortable against your skin, and it resists pilling from repeated washings.
Lycra
If you’re looking for flexibility and comfort, look no further than lycra! This synthetic fabric combines many of the same qualities as spandex (except for price). It stretches easily without sagging or losing shape, and it is naturally breathable. It also resists wrinkles, maintains its color well, and it doesn’t pill from washings.
However, lycra does have one major drawback. It doesn’t breathe as well as natural fabrics like cotton and silk. If you live in a warm climate with high humidity, it can get hot when you wear lycra for long periods of time.
Nylon Blend
Nylon blend fabrics are just as flexible as lycra, but they have a little more structure to them. That means that they still breathe, but they don’t allow you to move around that freely. Nylon blends also absorb humidity very well, which makes them ideal for dancers in high temperatures and humid climates like Miami or Las Vegas. In addition to their durability and breathability, nylon blends resist pilling and molding very well.
Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics available, and it’s also one of the most popular materials for dance leotards. The natural fabric is extremely comfortable against your skin and has unique elastic qualities that allow breathability without sacrificing shape or size. The soft hand and drape of silk are also very versatile and can be used in dresses, shirts, pants, skirts or even gloves!
Silk does have a couple of drawbacks though. The natural fabric is less durable than other synthetic materials like nylon blends or spandex blends.
Cotton
It’s a good thing that cotton is one of the most popular dance leotard fabrics because it’s also one of the cheapest! Cotton offers several benefits as a dance leotard fabric. It has great elasticity and offers breathability without compromising definition or shape. Cotton is also naturally scented, which makes it good for dancers who like to wear scented lotions or perfumes. The natural materials don’t pill from repeated washings either!
However, cotton isn’t very durable and tends to lose its shape from repeated washings.
The best material for a dance leotard depends on your specific needs as a dancer. If you like soft fabrics with just enough elasticity to give you maximum freedom of movement, then spandex or lycra is your best option. If you dance in hot climates or don’t want to wear synthetic materials, consider ordering a cotton or silk leotard. When you look at professional ballerinas or other dancers, you can’t help but notice the leotards they wear.
Our Speerise unitards and leotards are made of Nylon and Spandex which are soft and stretchy, giving you a comfortable and enjoyable feeling!!!
Welcome to our Speerise shop!!
