The Best Ballet Leotards for Girls

Arshiner Ruffle Sleeve Skirted Leotard

Sensationally stylish

This blinged-out leotard flows with every move.

Best Overall

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Ballet requires grace and a smooth-flowing elegance, which is why these beautiful ruffle-sleeved leotards by Arshiner are such a fantastic choice for your little girl. They’re unique and colorful with just enough sparkle to help kids shine brightly. The sweet skirt is made of two layers of tulle for extra flutter, and that same tulle is used for the charming ruffle sleeves. It all goes together beautifully, making this leotard a favorite choice for little ballerinas for practice and recitals alike.

Pros:

• This leotard comes in a variety of colors and prints to match your kiddo’s style
• The size ranges from 3T to 11Y, so all the girls in the group can match
• It’s an affordable option

Cons:

• This leotard is not machine washable
• The sequins fall off with heavy use

Arshiner Classic Long Sleeve Leotard

Comfortable movement

This leotard provides a little extra protection from the cold while still moving effortlessly.

Best Long Sleeve

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Dance studios and auditoriums get chilly, which is why all dancers should have a long-sleeved leotard like the one by Arshiner. The simple design looks great on stage and at practice. It’s both simple enough to not take away from the overall show while being pretty enough to complement your ballerina’s style. The fluttery chiffon skirt and criss-cross back piece add a unique little flair to the outfit without being distracting. As a bonus, they come in sizes 3T to 11Y, making them an excellent choice for groups.

Pros:

• This leotard comes in lots of fun colors
• It fits and stretches really well without gaps or tight spots
• The softness of the material makes it comfortable to wear for hours at a time

Cons:

• Wash gently by hand to help them last longer
• The sizing runs small, so you’ll need to double-check the size chart

Capezio Basic Short Sleeve Leotard

Simple and sensible

For everyday practices and easy coordination, this leotard is a great option.

Best Classic

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If you want the simple, uniform look of a traditional leotard, Capezio’s basic short-sleeved leotard may be just what you’re looking for. The material is soft and extra-stretchy, making it ideal for practicing and moving around freely across the dance floor. Double-stitched seams and a full front lining add to the convenience. It’s also machine washable, so you don’t have to waste time handwashing it. Add a skirt or some sparkly tights, and it’s perfect for the next recital.

Pros:

• It moves with your child for comfort and versatility
• There are enough sizes and colors to suit nearly any child in the dance group
• It’s more durable than most leotards

Cons:

• You’ll need to pay close attention to the size chart to find the right one for your child
• Thick lining makes it a bit warm to dance in

Mdnmd Ballet Leotard

Small sizes

Find the right size for your tot or preschooler when you go with this comfy leotard.

Best For Toddlers

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Finding a leotard that has the right cut and fit for a toddler gets difficult. Many options are too wide at the neck or made of materials that make them feel hot and uncomfortable — and we all know that if a toddler is uncomfortable in something, they won’t wear it. This leotard is made for the smallest ballerinas. We love that the material is a soft and naturally stretchy blend of cotton and lycra because it helps them stay comfortable for hours. For a little extra fun, there’s a sweet bow and a flowy skirt attached.

Pros:

• This leotard is machine washable for your convenience
• It’s sized for kids from 2 – 12 years old
• There are several styles, cuts, and colors to choose from

Cons:

• We wish they were lined
• The colors aren’t as bright as we’d like

Danshow Basic Team Leotard

Coordinated comfort

Color match your troupe while ensuring everyone can move with ease.

Best For Shows

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Are you on the hunt for a show-quality leotard for your ballet troupe? If so, check out Danshow’s basic team leotard. It’s been designed specifically for groups and teams to wear for recitals. The sweat-absorbent fabric is soft and comfortable, all while having good recovery and stretch. It fits girls from 2T to 12Y, making it ideal for mixed groups and sibling sets. We really love that they aren’t expensive, which means providing enough leotards for everyone is affordable.

Pros:

• There are several styles and colors available, so the girls can match or each get their own
• The skirt is beautifully flowy and soft
• It’s durable enough for competitions and practices

Cons:

• The skirt is separate, which means it can fall off or come untied
• It doesn’t come in a short-sleeved option

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are leotards important to ballet?

Ballet requires a lot of graceful movement, and most regular clothes just can’t keep up. That’s what makes leotards special. They’re made to stretch along with your child’s body without scrunching up or making them uncomfortable. In addition, most of the materials are lightweight and fit right to the skin, so every movement the dancer makes is clear.

What type of leotard is best for ballet?

Ballet requires a few things, including lifting legs up high, bending down low, stretching up, and even spinning. Dancers can get hot and sweaty after a while. The materials can also ride up and cause irritation if they don’t fit properly. That means you’ll need to find one that’s soft, stretchy, and absorbent. Once you’ve found that, you just need to choose a style and color, and you’re good to go.