15 Reasons Everyone Needs a Leotard

Leotards might be the everyday uniform of the ballet greats, but we’re officially laying claim to the wardrobe essential as well. Sure, they look great with a tutu and pointe shoes, but they’re just as perfect slipped under a pair of jeans or as a no-tuck solution with that fussy skirt. Whether you call it a bodysuit, maillot, one-piece, or have another beloved nickname for the top, let’s be real: It’s a leotard, first and foremost.

Lucky for us, the fashion world has taken to the one-and-done favorite, and the range of styles for the leotard is currently beyond our wildest dreams. Of course, there will always be the simple stretchy tank, tee, or long-sleeved options, but we now have silk camis, cotton button-downs, and even swimwear-as-streetwear (yes, this hack is one of our favorites) to complete our epic collections. A chic top that we don’t have to fuss with every time we raise our arms above our heads? How can you argue with that?

Below find 15 ways to style yours. And once you’re truly addicted to the trend, we’re sharing a selection of our current faves for your shopping pleasure. If there’s one thing you add to your ultimate classic wardrobe this season, make it a leotard. We promise you won’t regret it.

Use a bodysuit as an underlayer to a totally sheer dress like Ashley Graham.

Channel Gigi Hadid’s sporty vibe with colorful pieces and graphic prints.

Kim Kardashian West is our bodysuit queen, wearing the look with everything from pencil skirts to skinny jeans.

Olivia Palermo makes the leotard look elegant with a velvet suit and lace bodysuit underneath.

Jessica Alba opts for a bodysuit in a bustier style for a night out.

Alison Brie makes the look sleeker with a lace leotard underneath.

This striped top on Sienna Miller is actually a bodysuit, proving that the leotard look isn’t always what you think.

Rita Ora keeps it simple with a white tank leotard and long white jeans.

Get inspired by Alessandra Ambrosio this summer with a white keyhole-front leotard and denim skirt topped with a colorful and chunky knit.

Winnie Harlow put her velvet leotard on full display with a slouchy suiting look that perfectly complements the proportions of her one-piece.

If you want to go sheer, look to Suki Waterhouse, who layered an embellished leotard on top of a bra top to show a little skin without going too bare.

Kendall Jenner took the sheer trend to the next level with a leotard that is totally see-through, save for a strip of denim across her chest. On the bottom, she styled the look with distressed jeans for a more casual take on the trend.

Halsey went for one of the biggest trends of the season with a leotard that reveals her hips paired with slouchy and low-slung pants.

Pixie Lott kept it simple, trading her classic white T-shirt for a black tank leotard when reaching for her favorite slouchy boyfriend jeans.

If you want to make the leotard style a little more elegant, seek inspiration from Penélope Cruz, who chose a bright yellow option underneath her double-breasted blazer.

Shop our favorites here

Once you go bodysuit, you won’t be able to go back. We guarantee it.