Léotard

The celebrated French trapeze artist Jules Léotard introduced this garment in 1800, since which time it has carried his name. During the 1950s it was used by dancers and gymnasts, though only in black. In the 1970s it became the traditional outfit of disco dancers. In 1965, the French designers Courrèges and Heim designed synthetic, elastic leotards in various fabrics and patterns, also in a leopardskin pattern. Manufactured in several materials, leotards are produced with different lengths of sleeve and necklines. They are a constant feature of athletes’ and dancers’ clothing, and as an item of general underwear.