Leotards are the one dance item parents most often size wrong, and it is almost always for the same reason. Chest, waist and hip matter, but the measurement that really decides whether a leotard fits is girth. Here is how to measure properly, so the first one fits.
Why leotard sizing is different
A leotard has to fit all the way around the body, from the shoulders down through the hips and back up again. A dancer can match a size on the chest yet find the leotard pulls down uncomfortably or sags at the shoulders, because the torso length was not accounted for. That torso measurement is called girth, and it is the key to a good fit.
What is girth?
Girth is the measurement taken from one shoulder, straight down the front of the body, through between the legs, and back up to the same shoulder. It captures the length of the torso. Too short a girth and the leotard drags down and digs in. Too long and it bags at the body. On our size chart this is shown in the crotch measurement column.
How to measure your dancer
You will need a soft tape measure and a dancer standing tall in fitted underwear or a swimsuit. Take each measurement snugly but not tight.
- Chest. Around the fullest part of the chest, tape level and flat.
- Waist. Around the natural waistline, the narrowest part.
- Hips. Around the fullest part of the seat.
- Girth (the important one). From the top of one shoulder, down the front, between the legs, and back up to the same shoulder. Keep the tape close to the body without pulling it tight.
- Height. Standing tall against a wall, for a final cross check.
Using our size chart
Compare your measurements against our dancewear size chart, which lists chest, waist, hip and crotch (girth) for each size. If a dancer falls between sizes, size up. A leotard should be snug, but a growing child is more comfortable and gets more wear from the slightly larger size. Browse the range in our leotards collection.
Tips for growing dancers
- Snug beats loose. A leotard that is too big bunches and distracts.
- Check the straps do not dig in or slip when the arms move.
- Between sizes, size up for comfort and a little growing room.
- Consider what goes underneath. See our undergarments range for dance briefs and body liners.
Still not sure?
If you would rather see it on, come into our Clyde North store. We fit leotards every day and can save you the guesswork, especially for a first one or a hard to fit dancer.
Use the size chart, then shop the range, or visit us in store for a proper fit.
Shop leotards Open the size chartFrequently asked questions
How do I measure my child for a leotard?
Measure chest, waist, hips, height, and most importantly girth: from one shoulder, down the front, between the legs and back up to the same shoulder. Compare against our size chart, and size up if between sizes.
What is girth on a leotard?
Girth is the torso measurement taken from one shoulder, down through the legs and back to the same shoulder. It decides whether a leotard fits the length of the body, and it is shown as the crotch measurement on our size chart.
Should a leotard be tight or loose?
Snug, not loose. A leotard should fit close to the body so the teacher can see alignment, while still allowing full movement. If it is loose it will bunch and slip.
What size leotard should I buy if my child is between sizes?
Size up. A slightly larger leotard is more comfortable for a growing dancer and lasts longer, while still fitting closely enough to dance in.
How do I know if a leotard fits?
Ask the dancer to raise both arms overhead. A good fit stays put at the shoulders and seat. If it drags down at the shoulders, the girth is too small and you need a longer size.
