In today’s fast-paced world, buying dancewear online is a convenient and easy way to find everything you need for class, rehearsals and performances. However, finding the right size isn’t always quite so simple. With different brands, size guides and fit specifications to navigate, knowing which size to choose can feel confusing. That’s where we come in. We’re here to make finding the right fit easier, so you can shop with confidence. 

How to Find the Right Fit When Buying Dancewear Online

Start with your measurements 

Most people would be tempted to simply order their usual clothing size and move on with their day. However, dancewear sizing can vary between brands and styles. At Move, we generally recommend ordering your regular clothing and shoe size, with any exceptions clearly noted in the product’s ‘Sizing Info’. If you’re unsure, checking your measurements and the available size information can help you choose with confidence and avoid the hassle of returns or exchanges. 

Dancewear sizing guides usually require you to measure your height, chest, waist, hips and girth and inside leg. To get the most accurate measurements, use a soft measuring tape, hold it close to your body and avoid pulling it too tightly. It may also be beneficial to ask someone to help you take your measurements, as it can be difficult to do accurately yourself.

Once you have taken your measurements, compare them with the specific brand’s size guide. Sizing can vary between brands, styles and even dance genres, so it’s important to consider how a garment is designed to fit. Something you wear for ballet class, for example, may fit very differently to dancewear designed for ballroom , making the right dance clothing fit just as important as choosing the correct size. 

Getting the right fit 

Once you know your measurements, it’s worth looking beyond the size alone. Dancewear can fit very differently to ordinary clothing, which can be confusing, especially for beginner dancers who may not yet be familiar with how certain items should fit and feel when worn. 

The way dancewear fits can depend on the style, fabric and cut of the item. This is particularly important for dancers, as dancewear needs to move with the body without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. A good fit should allow you to move freely while keeping the garment securely in place, so you can focus on your dancing rather than adjusting your clothing.

When shopping for dancewear online, take some time to read the product description and check details such as the fabric composition, stretch and fit of the garment. These details can give you a better idea of how the item is likely to feel and move when worn. Consider the movements you’ll be doing and choose dancewear that feels comfortable, secure and allows you to move freely.

Put it to the test

Once your dancewear arrives, it’s important to try it on and check whether you’ve chosen the right size. It’s not only about how the product fits when standing still, but also how it feels and moves with you. Try stretching, bending and moving as you would in class to make sure the garment stays comfortably in place.

For leotards, it’s important that they mould comfortably to the body, without any bagginess or excess fabric. The straps should sit securely over the shoulders without digging in, while the leg openings and neckline should feel comfortable without being too tight.

If you notice any excess fabric, pulling or bunching, or the leotard feels uncomfortably tight, it may be a sign that you need to try a different size. Remember that dancewear should feel close to the body, but it shouldn’t feel restrictive. The right fit should allow you to move freely and comfortably, without having to constantly adjust your clothing during class.

For other dancewear, the same principle applies. Check that waistbands stay securely in place, seams aren’t pulling and there is enough room to move comfortably. Taking a few minutes to test the fit before removing any tags or packaging can help you feel more confident that you’ve chosen the right size.

Finding the right fit when buying dancewear online doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking accurate measurements, checking the specific size guide and paying attention to the style, fabric and fit of each garment can help you feel more confident when choosing your size. And once your order arrives, taking the time to try it on and move in it can help make sure it feels as good as it looks.

Still unsure about sizing? Our FAQ page includes further advice on choosing your size, or you can explore our new arrivals to find your next class or rehearsal essential.

Thanks for reading. 

Move Dance Team