Managing a dancewear store, one question I get almost weekly is what kind of bra do you wear under a leotard? Or, how do you wear a bra under a leotard?
It really comes down to comfort level, personal preference, and studio uniform. Also, a lot of girls don’t wear a bra under their leotard.
Back when I was dancing (we’re talking 2000’s), I’d wear a black sports bra under my black leotards if I even wore a bra. My studio wasn’t too strict when it came to a sports bra showing underneath. Some studio’s are more strict and don’t allow undergarments to show.
Because we’re a dancewear store as well as former dancers, we’re very well versed in undergarments! Keep reading for suggestions on bras and different options for under a leotard!
Eurotard Seamless Wide Band Bra:
It has a v-neckline, adjustable clear shoulder straps and a clear back strap that can be adjusted or swapped out so you can customize your size. The clear straps also make it a great option under costumes! It also has removable padding. The material is soft and stretchy so it’s nice and comfortable.
Unfortunately, this bra only comes in Beige and Black so it’s not a great option for darker skintones. Also, because it’s so stretchy, it doesn’t offer much support.
Capezio Cami Bra with Bra Tek:
Like the Eurotard bra, it has clear adjustable straps and a clear back strap that can be swapped out for a different size. The best this about this bra is it comes in both Nude and Mocha to resemble more skintones.
This bra is not a v-neckline so if you’re wearing a leotard that’s cut lower in the front, it will probably stick out.
Jule Dancewear Leotards:
Jule Dancewear creates leotards that offer coverage and support for dancers! They are based on a sports bra which offers more compression and support than a normal leotard. Even better, these are Made in the USA! They don’t have the manufacturing issues that other brands made overseas have. As a small business ourselves, we love supporting smaller, boutique brands!
Smoothies:
If you don’t need support and just need more coverage, Smoothies from Bunhheads are a great option! They are reusable, gel nipple concealers. You literally just stick them on. Once they start to lose their sticky, just wash them and they’ll get sticky again!
The only issue with these is they don’t offer any support so larger chested ladies may not see these as an option.
Sports Bra:
This was my favorite option when I had to wear leotards! Wearing a sports bra under is definitely the most comfortable, secure option. The only downfall is you can see it sticking out from under your leotard. It definitely helps to get one with the same cut as your leotard (like a racer back sports bra for a racerback leotard.)
Some other options if you just need more coverage, not support (that require more work, but they might work for you.)
- If your leotard is lined, take the padding out of an old swimsuit and stitch it on the inside layer of your leotard lining. You can’t see the stitching if you don’t hit the outer layer of your leotard and it gives you coverage! It just doesn’t offer any support.
- Bandaids! This is a trick I used to use all the time. Tape your nipples with bandaids to conceal them. Just be careful, especially if you have sensitive skin as the bandaids can be irritating. I wouldn’t use this option everyday but once in a while, it works great!
As the dance world is becoming more diverse and inclusive, we would love to see more companies come out with options for everyone! Especially when it comes to compression…not enough leotards offer support (which is why we love Jule Dancewear so much!)
If you have any dance bras you want us to check out or any tricks you use, leave them in the comments! Your tips and tricks can help out other dancers!
As a former dancer and current expert in dancewear, I understand the importance of finding the right undergarments for comfort and support while wearing a leotard. The question of what kind of bra to wear under a leotard is a common one, and it's crucial to consider factors such as personal preference, comfort level, and adherence to studio uniform policies.
During my dance years in the early 2000s, I personally opted for a black sports bra under my black leotards. This choice was influenced by the flexibility allowed by my studio regarding sports bras showing underneath. It's worth noting that different studios have varying policies on undergarments visibility.
Now, let's delve into the specific bra options mentioned in the article:
-
Eurotard Seamless Wide Band Bra:
- Features a v-neckline, adjustable clear shoulder straps, and a clear back strap for customization.
- Removable padding for versatility.
- Soft and stretchy material for comfort.
- Limited color options (Beige and Black) may not be suitable for darker skin tones.
- Provides less support due to its stretchiness.
-
Capezio Cami Bra with Bra Tek:
- Similar to the Eurotard bra with clear adjustable straps and a clear back strap.
- Available in Nude and Mocha, catering to a broader range of skintones.
- Not a v-neckline, so it may not be suitable for leotards with lower front cuts.
-
Jule Dancewear Leotards:
- Offers coverage and support based on a sports bra design.
- Provides more compression and support than a traditional leotard.
- Made in the USA, avoiding manufacturing issues associated with overseas production.
- Supports smaller boutique brands, making it a great choice for those who value small businesses.
-
Smoothies from Bunheads:
- Gel nipple concealers for coverage without support.
- Reusable and washable for convenience.
- Not suitable for those seeking support, especially for larger chested individuals.
-
Sports Bra:
- A comfortable and secure option for those who prioritize support.
- Visibility may be an issue, but choosing a sports bra with a similar cut to the leotard can help minimize this.
Additionally, the article suggests alternative solutions for those who prioritize coverage over support:
- Swimsuit Padding: Remove padding from an old swimsuit and stitch it onto the inside layer of the leotard lining for coverage without support.
- Bandaids: Conceal nipples by taping them with bandaids, though caution is advised for those with sensitive skin.
As the dance world embraces diversity and inclusivity, the article expresses a desire for more options catering to different body types and preferences, especially in terms of compression and support. The community is encouraged to share their own tips and tricks in the comments to help fellow dancers navigate these choices.
