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A leotard () is a unisex skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso from the crotch to the shoulder. The garment was made famous by the French acrobatics performer Jules Léotard (1838–1870). There are sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved leotards. A variation is the unitard, which also covers the legs. It provides a degree of modesty and style while allowing for freedom of movement.
Leotards are worn by acrobats, , , figure skaters, athletes, actors, wrestlers, and circus performers both as practice garments and performance . They are often worn with ballet skirts on top and tights or sometimes bike shorts as underwear. As a casual garment, a leotard can be worn with a belt and under overalls or short skirts.
Leotards are entered by stepping into the legs and pulling the sleeves over the shoulders. Scoop neckline leotards have wide neck openings and are held in place by the garment's elasticity. Others are or and close at the back of the neck with a zipper or snaps.
Leotards are commonly worn in figure skating, postwar modern dance, acrobatic rock'n'roll, traditional ballet and gymnastics, especially by young children. Practice leotards and those worn in podium training sessions are usually sleeveless. Female competition garments for gymnastics and skating are almost always long-sleeved. In contrast, male competition leotards may be sleeved or sleeveless, the latter more common in gymnastics, the former in figure skating. Leotards come in many styles — either with a full seated bottom or as a thong or T-front thong for maximum comfort and avoidance of visible panty lines when worn under leggings or tights.
Leotards influenced the style of swimsuit in the 1920s and 1930s, and women's one-piece swimsuit today still resemble leotards in appearance.
Leotards are worn by professional dancers such as the of Broadway theatre. Stage use of the leotard typically coordinates the garment with stockings or tights.
In the 1950s, traditionally-styled leotards continued to be worn mainly by stage performers and circus actors, but leotards began to be used as simple and functional exercise garments, often in institutional settings like schools and fitness training. These were almost always black and worn together with thick tights. Between 1950 and 1970, leotards remained as such in appearance until a style change in the 1970s, with more colorful leotards appearing on the scene, most often in ballet and exercise.
Leotards were a staple in aerobic exercise attire during the 1970s and 1980s, but their popularity waned in the 1990s as they were largely replaced by Lycra pants, similar to those worn by cyclists. By the 2000s, they had given way to trousers and leggings, which offered a more modern and flexible alternative. Nevertheless, leotards continue to be worn by female Cycling and athletes in competitive events, where their functionality and comfort remain valued.
In the late 2010s, leotards began to be frequently worn by pop stars in their performances, such as Beyonce, Little Mix, and Taylor Swift.
In the 1970s, leotards were typically made from polyester and related fabrics. Since the 1980s, however, they have been made from lycra or spandex. Since the 1990s, leotards have become more elaborate and have employed a variety of textiles, including velvet, velour, mesh, metallic fabrics, foils, and iridescent "hologram" fabric. They can also be decorated with and metallic jewels that are heat-set onto the garments and will not fall or wash off.
Leotards that conform to regulations cannot be cut above hip height or past the shoulder blades, back, or front. Any somewhat see-through leotard is also against the rules. Usage of white tights is not standard. In rare instances, gymnasts and teams have been penalized with score deductions for their attire.
Unlike women's uniforms, which generally employ metallic or iridescent fabrics, men's uniforms are usually matte-colored and less ornate. Singlets usually employ one or more of the national team colors, but there are no restrictions on design. Shorts and pants are generally solid, typically white, blue, red, or black.
Unlike their female counterparts, however, men's leotards come in two styles—with a full seated bottom or as a thong. The reason for this is apparent when worn with tights, such as in ballet, where lines created by the garment underneath the tights may be considered unsightly. A dance belt is also worn in such instances.
Leotards are commonly worn by male dancers (particularly for ballet) and gymnasts. Leotard-like garments (often of the "biketard" or singlet type) are also often worn by men in sports such as rowing, wrestling, cycling, and running to maintain a tight fit and prevent the upper part of the clothing from running up.
During the Dangerous World Tour, American superstar Michael Jackson wore a gold leotard.
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