Leotard

A leotard is a skin-tight one-piece garment with long sleeves made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1839-1870), about whom the song "The daring young man on the Flying Trapeze" was written.

The name "leotard" was applied retroactively; Léotard apparently called the garment a "maillot".

Leotards are worn by acrobats, gymnasts, dancers and circus performers, as well as others. They are often worn together with tights.

Leotards have scoop necklines - entry is through the neck. (Compare bodysuit).

A leotard that is extended to include long legs, removing the need for tights, is known as a unitard.

Leotards can also be worn as lingerie and are eroticised by some people, often as part of a wider spandex fetishism.

See also:

• bodystocking
• catsuit