How Leotards got their name

Many items of clothing that are for a specific function are originally thought up by people with great skill and interest in that area. This is certainly the case with leotards. Despite falling in and out of popular fashion over recent decades, leotards have remained one of the ultimate items of clothing for performers of all kinds. There are widely used in gymnastics, modern dance, figure skating and various forms of ballet. They allow for completely natural movement and are neither heavy nor cumbersome.

Jules Leotard performed his aerial debut on the trapeze in 1859. Reputably it was not only his incredible show that attracted publicity but also the unusual garment that he was wearing. Leotard himself called this a maillot (interestingly this is now a French word for swimsuit). It is said this original was more like a unitard in that is also covered the legs. It was also hand knitted. The word leotard to describe this item of clothing is first recorded as being used in 1886. Although the leotard has undergone a number of changes over the years, it is still basically a one piece, skin tight garment that covers the torso. They are available with short or long sleeves – or no sleeves at all depending on requirement. A point to consider is that Jules Leotard the performer was extremely well known in his day – he was also the inspiration for the song “The Daring young man on the Flying Trapeze”. This fame may well have contributed to the leotards popularity. The song itself is still widely known although maybe less universally than leotards themselves.
In the early days, leotards were used mainly by circus performers and acrobats, maybe this should not come as a surprise when its origins are considered. Despite this specialist beginning, leotards in various forms were soon being for more general exercising. They were sometimes taken on by sports centres and dance schools as part of an official uniform, in these cases leotards were often black in colour and worn with appropriate tights.

The style of swimwear in the 1920s and 1930s was influenced very strongly by the design of leotards, and this influence can still be seen today in many one piece swimsuits for women. Leotards themselves were still being widely used. Dance performers of the time often were often united through this one garment – from classical ballet to show girls. In the 1970s disco and aerobics were very much in fashion, as of course were the items of clothing associated with them. Not least the leotard, which was produced in a huge range of- mainly bright- colours and patterns. Materials also evolved. Although traditional cotton was still widely used, nylon and Spandex came to the fore.

Despite occasional reappearances in mainstream fashion, often prompted by celebrity photo shoots or videos, leotards are again mainly seen being worn by professional performers. Undoubtedly this item of clothing has made a great impact on the development of sport and dance clothing, and is still an essential part of many performing arts.