Finding the right leotard for dance can feel overwhelming, especially when your dancer has strong opinions about sparkle, colour and sleeve length. At Pink Lemon Dancewear, we design and make our pieces right here in Melbourne, so every leotard is built with real Australian dancers in mind. Whether your daughter is just starting out at the local studio or preparing for a big competition, this guide will help you compare styles, understand what to look for, and choose a leotard she will actually love wearing.
What to Look for When Choosing a Dance Leotard
Before you browse our dancewear collection, it helps to have a clear picture of what actually matters in a leotard. There are four key buying criteria worth thinking through before you add anything to your cart.
1. Fabric and Comfort
Dancewear fabric needs to move with your child, not against her. Look for a good percentage of elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) blended with nylon or polyester. This combination gives a leotard its stretch, shape retention and moisture-wicking properties. For longer classes or warmer studios, a lighter, breathable fabric will keep your dancer comfortable from warm-up to cool-down. If she tends to run warm, avoid heavy velvet or double-lined styles for everyday training and save those for performance days.
2. Neckline and Sleeve Style
Neckline and sleeve choice is largely personal, but dance discipline plays a role too. Ballet dancers and those in classical styles often prefer a simple scoop or sweetheart neckline, while jazz and contemporary dancers can go bolder with high necks, open backs or long sleeves. Think about whether your dancer's studio has a dress code, and whether she needs something versatile enough for multiple classes in one week.
3. Coverage and Fit
A leotard should sit snugly without restricting movement or digging in at the legs. The leg cut varies considerably across styles. A higher-cut leg creates a longer leg line (popular in ballet and acro), while a more modest cut suits younger dancers or those who prefer extra coverage. Pay close attention to the size guide for each style, as fit can vary between designs. When in doubt, sizing up for room to grow is usually the right call for younger children.
4. Purpose: Training vs. Performance
A leotard for weekly training needs to survive repeated washing, hold its shape and look neat lesson after lesson. A performance or competition leotard can prioritise wow factor, with embellishments, metallics or bold cutouts. Having at least one reliable training leotard and one special-occasion piece is a practical wardrobe approach for most dancers.
Comparing Leotard Styles: Which One Is Right for Your Dancer?
Pink Lemon carries several distinct leotard styles, each with its own personality. Here is how they compare so you can match the right style to your dancer's needs.
The Custom Leotard: Made for Her
The Custom Leotard is exactly what it sounds like. You choose the colour, the fabric, and the cut, and we make it in our Melbourne factory just for your dancer. This is a brilliant option for dancers who have specific requirements, whether that is a particular colour to match a studio uniform, an unusual size that is hard to find off the rack, or simply a one-of-a-kind piece she can call her own. Custom leotards are also a popular choice for concert season, group costumes, and end-of-year performances where everyone needs to match.
Best for: Competitions, concerts, group performances, dancers with specific fit or colour requirements.
The Classic Leotard: Everyday Excellence
For dependable, lesson-to-lesson wear, classic leotards are hard to beat. The Coco Leotard and Alannah Leotard are great examples of styles that keep things clean and simple without being boring. The Gracie Leotard adds a little more detail while still being thoroughly practical for regular classes. The Alegra Leotard is another strong choice, with a flattering cut that suits a wide range of body types. For dancers who prefer long sleeves year-round, the Persia Love Heart Leotard brings a sweet detail that feels special without being over the top.
If your dancer is in ballet specifically, a clean, elegant leotard in a solid colour is usually the way to go. Many ballet schools have strict uniform requirements, so check with the studio before purchasing.
Best for: Regular training, ballet, jazz, lyrical, beginner dancers.
The Tempest Leotard: For the Bold Dancer
The Tempest Leotard is a standout style with strong visual impact. Its design lends itself to dancers who love a bit of drama and personality in their dancewear. This kind of style works particularly well for jazz, hip hop, and contemporary classes where expression is part of the package. It is also a solid choice for eisteddfod season when you want your dancer to look confident and polished on stage.
Best for: Jazz, contemporary, hip hop, performance and eisteddfod.
The Starlett Leotard: Studio Star
The Starlett Leotard sits in that sweet spot between training-ready and stage-worthy. It has enough detail to feel exciting but is practical enough for regular wear. If your dancer is the type who wants to feel like a star at every class (and let's be honest, most of them do), this is a great everyday pick that holds up beautifully wash after wash.
Best for: All-rounder dancers, weekly training with a bit of flair, acro and gymnastics.
The Shimmer Long Sleeve Leotard (Metallic Side Panels): For Maximum Sparkle
Metallic dancewear has its place, and the Shimmer Long Sleeve Leotard, Metallic Side Panels delivers shine without sacrificing comfort or movement. The long sleeve design is ideal for cooler months, for dancers who prefer extra coverage, or for performance looks that need that extra visual punch under stage lighting. The metallic panels catch the light beautifully, making this a popular choice for soloists and group routines alike.
Best for: Performances, solos, cooler weather training, dancers who love metallic and shine.
Completing the Look: Shorts, Skirts and Accessories
A leotard rarely stands alone. Pairing it with the right bottoms makes a complete, studio-ready look. The Costume Shorts with Skirt is a versatile option that adds coverage and movement without competing with the leotard. For dancers who layer regularly, the High Waisted Comfy Dance Short, Lycra Dance Brief and Anika Leggings are all practical everyday options worth having in the rotation.
Do not forget the finishing touches either. The Girls Dance Hair and Bun Nets and Clear Elastics are small but mighty additions that keep everything neat and performance-ready.
Leotard Recommendations by Dance Discipline
Not sure which style suits which style of dance? Here is a quick reference guide.
Ballet
Classic, simple cuts in solid colours. Check studio requirements first. The Coco Leotard, Alannah Leotard and Gracie Leotard are all clean, elegant choices. Pair with the Ballet Legging for cooler days.
Jazz and Hip Hop
Go bolder. The Tempest Leotard and Starlett Leotard both have the kind of attitude that suits these disciplines. Pair with the Cosmic Rainbow Shorts or Stripes Booty Short for a fun, coordinated look.
Contemporary and Lyrical
Flowing movement calls for a fitted base. The Alegra Leotard or Persia Love Heart Leotard work well here, paired with the Mesh waist shorts or a flowing skirt overlay.
Acro and Gymnastics
Fit and freedom of movement are non-negotiable. The Starlett Leotard and Custom Leotard are both excellent picks. Avoid heavy embellishments that could catch during tumbling.
Concert and Competition
This is where the Shimmer Long Sleeve Leotard, Metallic Side Panels and Custom Leotard really shine. If your dancer is performing as part of a group, the Custom option ensures everyone is perfectly matched.
You can explore all of these styles and more when you browse the full Pink Lemon range, with everything designed and made right here in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right size leotard for my daughter?
Always refer to the size guide provided for each individual style, as sizing can vary between designs. Measure your dancer's height, chest and waist, then cross-reference with the guide. If she is between sizes, consider how quickly she is growing. Sizing up slightly gives more room to grow while still looking neat in class. Pink Lemon leotards are made with quality stretch fabrics that accommodate a comfortable range of movement even when sized up a little.
What is the difference between a training leotard and a performance leotard?
A training leotard prioritises durability, easy care and comfort for repeated weekly use. A performance leotard focuses more on visual impact, with features like metallic fabrics, embellishments, cutouts or bold colours that look stunning under stage lighting. Ideally, your dancer will have at least one of each so the performance piece stays in great condition for the big day.
Can leotards be worn for multiple dance styles?
Absolutely. Many leotards are versatile enough to work across ballet, jazz, contemporary and acro classes. The key is choosing a style without heavy embellishments for classes that involve floor work or tumbling. Classic cuts in solid colours are the most flexible across different disciplines and dress codes.
How should I care for a dance leotard to make it last?
Hand washing or a gentle machine cycle in a laundry bag with cold water is best for most dancewear. Avoid tumble drying, as heat breaks down elastane fibres and shortens the life of the garment. Lay the leotard flat to dry out of direct sunlight. Following these steps will keep the fabric looking vibrant and holding its shape for much longer.
