Leo Lamenting

[Reebs511]

I went leo shopping this afternoon because I hadn't bought new ones in a while. I don't think my body is a funny shape or unusual - when I go regular clothes shopping I can find tops and pants that fit, although pants always need hemming (I'm short!). But none of the leos I tried today fit right. One size was too big, the next size down too small. I have a petite frame, but a larger chest. I really wanted new leos, too. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

Oh, and I really wanted a 3/4 or long sleeved leo since it's so cold, but those fall off my shoulders.

[stilldancing]

I haven't had that problem but I have found that spaghetti straps that are adjustable work best for me. That way I can buy a larger size so I feel like my backside is covered yet can still tighten the straps so they don't fall off of my shoulders.

 

I love 3/4 sleeve tops but find that no matter how cool it is out 10 minutes into class I am warm enough so prefer tank style leos even if I start with a shirt on and shed it after I am warm.

[Serendipity]

I can wear leos now, but couldn't last year (too overweight). But TIGHTS??! I can't find any to fit even though my legs are slim!

[Tiffany]

Probably you'll just have to try a lot of brands & see what works. I am petite too. I have a 3/4 sleeve leotard by Natalie N8105 that has a pinch front & 2 pinches on the sides in the back, be warned, it tries to slip off my shoulders; its a very cute leotard though. I don't like camisole leotards where the camisole straps are one continuous loop, those seem to try to slip off my shoulders as well. Maybe I need broader shoulders?? I wouldn't think broad shoulders would be desired in ballet though...

[Reebs511]

Yeah, I guess it's like jeans - you have to try on a million pairs before finding the right fit! I just don't remember it being this challenging when I was younger.

 

I've heard a lot of dancers who alter their leotards by sewing up the straps, inserting more elastic, etc, but I'm not sure I'm talented enough with my sewing skills to do that without destroying the garment. Where's Tim Gunn when you need him??

[dancepig]

Where's Tim Gunn when you need him??

 

I was lucky to have our local dancewear shop get Mirella (I think it's Mirella) to create a 3/4 sleeve scoop (almost crew) neck in the front, slightly lower in the back leotards. I love the 3/4 sleeve because I hate my arms and I don't like a low cut front because I don't want to worry about "stuff" falling out. And, these leos have a ribbing (vertical) type texture to them which helps me believe I'm camouflaging other "stuff".

[stilldancing]

Where's Tim Gunn when you need him??

 

I was lucky to have our local dancewear shop get Mirella (I think it's Mirella) to create a 3/4 sleeve scoop (almost crew) neck in the front, slightly lower in the back leotards. I love the 3/4 sleeve because I hate my arms and I don't like a low cut front because I don't want to worry about "stuff" falling out. And, these leos have a ribbing (vertical) type texture to them which helps me believe I'm camouflaging other "stuff".

 

Now that sounds like it might actually be flattering.

 

Now I am SURE Tim Gunn could come up with something that would "make it work!" lol

[gimpydancer]

No wonder dancers can have body image issues. I'm a size 4 in normal clothes but a medium in leos (really a medium-long in Mirella thanks to a long torso (and short legs - I call it the "anti-dancer" body ) And then I just bought a new pair of ballet flats and though I'm a size 9 in regular shoes, which is bad enough as I'm only 5'4", I'm an 11 wide in Sanshas!

 

I can't find any 3/4 sleeve leos in a longer torso, my Natalie digs into my shoulders though I love the style as the sweetheart neckline is flattering on those of us who don't have much on top. And you avoid the "baggy arm" look you get past a certain age (or do I just need to do weights?).

 

I love Tim Gunn. I think he needs to do a show on leos!

[Reebs511]

Do you remember a few seasons ago where the Project Runway contestants had to design figure skating costumes for Sasha Cohen? They were all complaining about working with stretchy fabric.

 

Dancepig, that leo does sound comfy and flattering! Do you know if it's sold elsewhere?

 

Gimpydancer, I think it's interesting how sizes (not just in the dance world, but in regular clothes, too) are so different. I remember reading something about how in America, clothing manufacturers were increasing sizes to help women feel better about themselves - so a size 8 became a size 6, etc. Maybe the ballet world kept their sizes more consistent? Who knows!

 

In regular clothes, I'm either an XS or a 2 in blouses, but am between a S and M in leotards. The smalls are too small, the mediums too big. Time to invest in a sewing machine and make it work!!

[dancepig]

Dancepig, that leo does sound comfy and flattering! Do you know if it's sold elsewhere?

 

I cannot seem to find that particular leotard anywhere, but my dancewear store just told me that Mirella sold to Bloch? She (Mary at Bodygears in Rutland, VT) said she can do a charge send if you're interested, just give her a call at (802) 775-2747. I hope it's okay to give this info on the board?

[MJ]

No wonder dancers can have body image issues. I'm a size 4 in normal clothes but a medium in leos (really a medium-long in Mirella thanks to a long torso (and short legs - I call it the "anti-dancer" body ) And then I just bought a new pair of ballet flats and though I'm a size 9 in regular shoes, which is bad enough as I'm only 5'4", I'm an 11 wide in Sanshas!

 

I can't find any 3/4 sleeve leos in a longer torso, my Natalie digs into my shoulders though I love the style as the sweetheart neckline is flattering on those of us who don't have much on top. And you avoid the "baggy arm" look you get past a certain age (or do I just need to do weights?).

 

I love Tim Gunn. I think he needs to do a show on leos!

 

Even guys have body issues, costumes never fit, and the seamstresses complain about your ribcage being too big or your shoulders too narrow, these are things no amount of diet or exercise can change.

 

Project Runway should do an episode for male dancers, a Classical Tunic is easy to make and can really push the designer's capacity to amke something nice, yet masculine. Tutus are 2-3 times more labor intensive, IMHO.

 

All the best,

[Laschwen]

Oh for the old days when i could put on a small, medium or large size leotard and wear it; though the smalls were a tad snug. My size didn't change. I was closest to a large, but the leotards just stretched for miles up and out. I was not exactly represented anywhere on the size charts for length either with my height.

I think the fabrics have just changed too much over the years for that to happen. It is sad. No matter what sizes we are here, there seems to be a lot of trouble getting a good fit.