leotard sizing question!

[disarmedfae]

okay. in preparation for my return to ballet next month, i've been looking around at different dancewear manufacturers' websites, and according to the measurements on their size charts, i'm on the small side of a large. however, in browsing these boards, i've seen a bunch of posts in which parents describe their tiny 11 and 12-year-old daughters having to buy adult larges. do the leotards really run so much smaller than the size charts say? i'm extremely hesitant to order anything...there aren't really any dancewear stores in my immediate area, at least, that i know of.

 

also, are there any suggested styles/brands/materials for someone with a long torso, small chest, and large backside? thanks! (please move this thread to wherever if it would be better on the buddy board, or elsewhere!)

[Victoria Leigh]

I think that adults are usually more comfortable in a size larger, especially if you are "between sizes".

 

I am going to move this to the Adult BB though, as it's really not a technique or performance issue.

[disarmedfae]

I think that adults are usually more comfortable in a size larger, especially if you are "between sizes".  

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mmm, thanks..so you're saying i should go with an extra-large? or i should see about the large?

[Avalon]

I have also found that sizing varies considerably by manufacturer. In the professional lines (e.g., Capezio's NYCB line) I do have to buy an extra-large, but in Mirella, I can wear a medium. Some trial and error are likely necessary as you find a fit and a size that work for you. Most of the mail order or Internet companies have liberal exchange policies for this reason. If you can visit a dance store, even if you have to travel a bit, you can try on leotards from different manufacturers to get a sense of how each approaches the sizing issue.

 

All of this makes me want to consider finding a new athletic pursuit where I can be considered my usual "petite medium" in required attire. Perhaps sumo wrestling....

[spankster]

Hi, just my experience - if you have a long torso and "large backside" (LOL - don't we all), I would try an Extra Large from any brand. I just hate it when they are on the small side.

 

Natalie is on the large size in their cuts in my opinion, as is Capezio regular line.

 

I mean, the sizing in dancewear is of course smaller than your average clothing. I wear an S (for perfect fit) or M (for loose fit) in most clothing, and I wear an L-XL in dancewear. This is because of the length consideration primarily, but also the garments are just cut smaller. Must be the consumer pool.

[scoop]

I've also found the material matters -- cotton blends don't stretch as much as nylon and other synthetics, so you might need to go up a size for those...

[dancepig]

The fabric content will be a big difference on how it fits, plus the cut of the leg. There is a relatively new fabric on the market called "silkskin" which I think is really great. For leotards, I like Mirella, Major Motion and Body Wrap. There is a very nice tight by Danskin called compression tights which help keep your legs from getting so very tired.

[disarmedfae]

Natalie is on the large size in their cuts in my opinion, as is Capezio regular line.

 

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Have you ever tried the Capezio "Large Tall" size? I've seen one, maybe two, leos on the Discount Dance website that come in tall sizes. It is, however, in cotton-lycra...hmm.

 

[edit] Also, how have you all found Body Wrappers to run? Short/long, small/big?

 

And thanks, everyone, for the fantastic replies, I really appreciate the advice.

Edited November 22, 2004 by disarmedfae

[koshka]

My experience is that length matters much more than width, and that brands and even styles within brands vary a lot.

 

When in doubt, go up a size. One leotard that seems to me to have a very generous length is Mirella 406.

[disarmedfae]

well, i took the plunge and ordered the natalie trestle-back leotard in XL (on sale @ discountdance!) and the capezio double-strap in L-Tall...the natalie fits well, though a little roomy-- but the length is fantastic. the capezio is tighter, feels a bit shorter, and the leg line is a bit higher than the natalie. the shelf lining in the capezio is also excellent as opposed to the non-existent one of the natalie (though the description claimed it had shelf lining, hmm). overall, they fit and look fine. thanks so much for the advice!

[spankster]

Yay, I'm glad you got some good leos!!

 

In reading this I realized there was an unanswered question above -

 

I have found Body Wrappers to be very SHORT and not comfortable on me. Their Tall in one leotard was sufficient, while the same size, in the same model and fabric leotard, but another color, was NOT sufficient. Just so you know.

[disarmedfae]

Yay, I'm glad you got some good leos!! 

 

In reading this I realized there was an unanswered question above -

 

I have found Body Wrappers to be very SHORT and not comfortable on me.  Their Tall in one leotard was sufficient, while the same size, in the same model and fabric leotard, but another color, was NOT sufficient.          Just so you know.

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Thanks for the tip-- I'll keep that in mind!