| If you're just about to start dance class it's very | | | | measure all the way around the body ensuring |
| likely that you'll need to buy a dance leotard. This | | | | that your measuring tape remains parallel to the |
| garment is one of your most important pieces of | | | | floor. |
| dancewear as it's breathable, comfortable, and | | | | Finally, you need to measure your hips. These are |
| allows for complete freedom of movement. You'll | | | | the fullest part of your body between your waist |
| spend a lot of time practicing in your leotard so | | | | and knees. This is usually about eight inches below |
| it's important for you to get the right fit. | | | | the waist on most adults but can vary |
| Before you start to look around at the huge | | | | considerably on children. Measure around the |
| choice of leotards available, you first need to | | | | fullest part of the hips, and just like when |
| measure yourself. When measuring yourself it's | | | | measuring your waist and chest, make sure the |
| advisable to wear minimal clothing to help you | | | | measuring tape remains parallel to the floor at all |
| take accurate measurements. This will ensure that | | | | times. |
| your leotard provides you with the most | | | | If you don't have your measurements then you |
| comfortable fit which you'll be grateful for in those | | | | will need to rely on the sizes provided by the |
| strenuous dance classes! Most measurements on | | | | individual dance leotard manufacturer. You will |
| dancewear size charts are in inches but some are | | | | notice that different manufacturers use different |
| in centimetres so it's worth checking this out | | | | methods to size their leotards. Sizes may include |
| before you start measuring. | | | | ranges such as from small to extra large, and age |
| The first thing to measure is your bust or chest. | | | | 9-10 to age 11-13 though there are several |
| Remember that your bra size is not the same as | | | | others. If you're buying your leotard from your |
| your bust measurement so make sure you | | | | local dance shop, the person serving should be |
| measure your chest before you choose your | | | | able to provide advice on which size you need. |
| leotard. The best way to do this is to measure | | | | However, if you choose to purchase from an |
| your bust or chest over the fullest part ensuring | | | | online dancewear retailer they're likely to provide |
| that your measuring tape stays parallel to the | | | | guidance on dress size equivalents. For example, a |
| floor at all times. | | | | medium may be equivalent to a female dress size |
| Next, you need to measure your waist. You can | | | | 12-14. You should also take into account that |
| locate your natural waist by standing with your | | | | most dance leotards have a small fitting so it's |
| back straight looking forward, and then gently | | | | advisable to choose a size bigger than you'd |
| bending down to one size. The place where your | | | | normally go for. |
| body creases is your natural waist. At this point, | | | | |