Leotard

Leotards are used for a variety of purposes, including yoga, exercise, dance (particularly for ballet and modern), as pajamas,[2] for additional layered warmth under clothing, and recreational and casual wear.In contrast, male competition leotards may be sleeved or sleeveless, the latter more common in gymnastics, the former in figure skating.In the early 20th century, leotards were mainly confined to circus and acrobatic shows, worn by the specialists who performed these acts.Leotards were a staple in aerobic exercise attire during the 1970s and 1980s, but their popularity waned in the 1990s as they were largely replaced by Lycra pants, similar to those worn by cyclists.Nevertheless, leotards continue to be worn by female cyclists and athletes in competitive events, where their functionality and comfort remain valued.In the late 2010s, leotards began to be frequently worn by pop stars in their performances, such as Beyonce, Little Mix, and Taylor Swift.By the late 1980s, leotards for exercise wear had become little more than bikini bottoms with straps over the shoulders, generally worn with cropped shirts.[citation needed] Leotards that conform to regulations cannot be cut above hip height or past the shoulder blades, back, or front.Originally, the intent was to cover as much of a woman's body as possible, while today, leotards must breathe, improve aerodynamics, and seamlessly re-shape as female athletes bend, twist, and contort their way through increasingly difficult routines.During the Dangerous World Tour, American superstar Michael Jackson wore a gold leotard.
Jules Léotard in the garment that bears his name
A ballet dancer in a black leotard and white tights
Singer Beyoncé wears a sparkly leotard with fishnet tights during her performance in London, July 2016.
Typical aerobic exercise wear of the 1980s
Gymnast Erika Fasana wearing a leotard, 2010
Ivan Ivankov wearing a male gymnastics uniform.
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