How to Choose a Leotard: The Ultimate Leotard Gift Guide for Dancers and Gymnasts

By Saskia Longley on 27th Nov 2025

Not sure how to choose a leotard for the dancer or gymnast in your life this Christmas? This leotard gift guide has everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the perfect gift for a dancer or gymnast. In this leotard gift guide we will break down everything you need to know about how to choose a leotard that fits well, will make you feel confident, and feels amazing to wear. Whether you’re buying a gymnastics leotard or a dance leotard, this leotard gift guide will help you make your shopping experience seamless.

Why a leotard is the perfect gift

A dance or a gymnastics leotard is a great gift as it's both practical and personal. Leotards are something that a dancer wears every day so is the perfect gift for professional dancers or dancers at college. A gymnastics leotard gift is something a gymnast can wear to competitions or to wear to training. You can make this gift extra special by making it personal, think about what the dancer or gymnast would like in terms of style and colour. A thoughtfully chosen leotard shows you understand their passion and daily practice needs.

Start with the purpose: dance or gymnastics?

How to choose a leotard is not as easy as it sounds. All leotards are different, for example a leotard designed for a ballet dancer has different functionalities in comparison to a leotard made for a gymnast.

Dance leotards

Designed for comfort, clean lines, and unrestricted movement.

Features often include:

High leg cut
Classic silhouettes (camisole, boat neck, tank, cap sleeve, long sleeve)
Four way stretch soft nylon material

A great classic leotard which would be perfect for both training and auditions is the Move Dance Cora Scoop Neck Leotard. An elegant and flattering leotard, the Cora features a feminine scoop neck which helps to show off long lines.

Gymnastic leotards

Made to stand out and withstand high-impact movement.

Common features:

Concealed grip tape on the back of the brief
Diamante details
Contrasting bold colours

The Move Dance Solstice Gymnastics Leotard is the perfect gymnastics leotard gift. Featuring 3/4 length mesh sleeves, a crew neckline and a sparkly diamante detail at the front and on the straps at the back, perfect for training or competition days.

Choose the Right Fabric

Fabric can dramatically affect comfort and durability.

Best Fabrics for dance Leotards

Cotton/lycra: Soft, breathable, great for class
Microfibre: Smooth, high-quality, moisture-wicking
Mesh accents: For stylish, breathable detailing

Best Fabrics for Gymnastics Leotards

Nylon/spandex: Durable, supportive, high stretch
Holographic Foils: Flashy and eye-catching (ideal for competitions)
Velvet: Popular for beginners or younger gymnasts

Consider the right fit and sizing

Making sure the dancer or gymnast feels comfortable when they are moving is so important which is why we had to mention sizing in our leotard gift guide. Our main tips when it comes to choosing the right fit are:

Always check the size guide and compare measurements
If the recipient has a bigger chest check if the leotard is lined or has a bra shelf lining
Everyone is different, so try and choose the leotards which have adjustable straps so you can alter the fit to suit your dancer or gymnast.

Pick a style you think they’ll love

When choosing the right leotard for a gift, think about their personality.

For dancers

Minimalist: if they like a more minimalist style then a simple black camisole leotard would be perfect. The Move Dance Posey Cross Back Leotard is a simple but stunning leotard made from recycled nylon, super flattering and form fitting.

Elegant: If your dancer prefers a more elegant touch think about choosing a leotard with lace or mesh detailing. The Move Dance Lyra Cap Sleeve Mesh Leotard would be a great choice with feminine and dainty cap sleeves making this leotard perfect for an elegant ballet look.

Trendy: If your dancer likes a more out there look then a leotard with low backs or cut out details would be ideal. When it comes to standing out, the Jolista Resilience Mesh Cap Sleeve Leotard is the perfect choice with a modern cage-style bodice and binding details over mesh. This leotard would make any dancer's Christmas!

For gymnasts

Sparkly - If your gymnast likes a bit of sparkle on their leotard then they would love our Move Dance Mirage Gymnastics Leotard. This sleeveless and strappy leotard features diamante details and a modern square neckline with an elegant contrast trim.

Bold - If they like a bit more of a bold look then the Alegra Girls Flame Tank Sleeve Gymnastics Leotard is perfect. This bold leotard is perfect for gymnasts who want to bring heat to their performance. Featuring a striking zig zag print.

Velour - If they have a winter competition coming up then the Alegra Girls Spark Velour Long Sleeve Gymnastics Leotard is the one you should choose. This classic velour leotard is embellished with diamantes to create a sparkly look for tumbling or routines! Long sleeves keep them warm in colder months whilst still allowing freedom of movement.

Add Accessories to Complete the Gift

Now you know how to choose a leotard. Why not complete the present with an added extra, accessories are a perfect way to elevate your gift. We would suggest:

Choosing the perfect leotard becomes simple when you focus on purpose, fabric, fit and personal style. This leotard gift guide is designed to help you confidently select a meaningful and functional gymnastics leotard gift or dance leotard that will truly be appreciated.

Happy shopping!

The Move Dance Team