Choosing the right dancewear for training or performance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available online. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we ship tracked to New Zealand and love helping NZ dancers and dance parents make confident, informed choices. One question we hear often is: should I buy a dance leotard or a singlet? Both have their place in a dancer's wardrobe, but understanding the differences will save you time, money and frustration. This guide breaks it all down so you can choose with clarity.
What Is the Difference Between a Dance Leotard and a Dance Singlet?
Before comparing the two, it helps to be clear on what each garment actually is.
A dance leotard is a close-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso and crotch, much like a swimsuit. It is designed specifically for dance and is typically worn with tights, shorts, or a skirt layered on top. Leotards are a foundational piece in ballet, jazz, contemporary and lyrical training, and are often required as part of a dance school's uniform.
A dance singlet, on the other hand, is a sleeveless or racer-back top that sits above the waistline. It is a separate garment worn with leggings, bike shorts, or dance pants. Singlets offer more flexibility in how they are styled and are popular for casual training, contemporary classes, and warmer months of the year.
Both are staples of the modern dancer's wardrobe, and many dancers own and use both depending on the class, the season, and the dress code.
Dance Leotards: When They Are the Right Choice
Structured Training and Exam Requirements
If your dancer attends a school with a formal uniform policy, a leotard is almost certainly non-negotiable. Ballet schools in particular, including those following RAD or CECCHETTI syllabi, require specific leotard styles and colours. The snug, streamlined fit means a teacher can clearly see a dancer's posture, alignment and movement, which is essential for technique correction.
For exam preparation and performance, leotards provide a polished, cohesive look that singlets simply cannot replicate. They stay in place during jumps, turns and extensions without any risk of the top riding up or shifting.
Fit, Coverage and Security
One of the strongest arguments for a leotard is the security of one-piece construction. There are no gaps between a top and a waistband, no chance of a midriff flash mid-grand-jeté, and no need to keep tucking anything in. For younger dancers especially, this makes a leotard the practical, fuss-free option.
When shopping for leotards for NZ dancers, look for:
- Fabric with stretch in four directions for full freedom of movement
- A high-cut or moderate leg line depending on your dancer's age and comfort
- Flat seams or minimal seaming to prevent irritation during long training sessions
- Secure straps that stay put through all movements
Layering with Skirts and Wraps
Leotards are the natural base layer for adding dance skirts and wraps. Pairing a leotard with a Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt or a Childs Energetiks Wrap Skirt CS01 creates a beautifully feminine look for class or concert preparation. A Mae Dance Crossover or the Adults Essential Cross Over layered over a leotard also adds warmth during warm-up without restricting movement.
Dance Singlets: When They Are the Right Choice
Versatility for Contemporary, Lyrical and Casual Training
Dance singlets shine in classes where the dress code is more relaxed, including contemporary, hip hop, lyrical and general fitness-based dance. They are easy to mix and match with leggings, such as the Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging, or layered over a crop top or sports bra for a put-together training look.
If your dancer trains across multiple styles, a well-chosen singlet can move seamlessly between classes without a full outfit change. The Adults Racer Back Singlet is a great example of a style that works just as hard in a contemporary session as it does in a warm-up before a jazz class.
Comfort in Warmer Conditions
New Zealand summers can be warm, and dance studios are often hotter still once a full class is underway. A singlet offers more ventilation than a leotard, especially styles with open racerback designs or mesh panels. Pairing a singlet with a crop top underneath, such as the Essential Racer Back Crop or the Essential Cross Back Crop, gives full coverage while keeping the dancer cool and comfortable.
The Cropped Singlet Girls - Reef Tales is a fun, vibrant option for younger dancers who love a relaxed, casual training look that still feels purpose-built for dance.
Expressing Personality in Training
Singlets and tees offer more room for personality than a standard leotard. A design like the Adult Tee - I Will Teach Because I Care or the Bloch UV Print L/Sleeve Tee adds a point of difference to a training wardrobe and can also make a thoughtful gift for a dance teacher. For dancers who love to express their love of dance through their everyday style, our casual dance tops and singlets offer a fantastic range to browse.
Buying Criteria: How to Choose Between a Leotard and a Singlet
Use these practical checkpoints to guide your decision before purchasing:
1. Check the Dance School Dress Code First
This should always be your starting point. If the school specifies a leotard in a particular colour or style, that is your answer. If the dress code is flexible or non-existent, you have the freedom to choose based on comfort and preference.
2. Consider the Dance Style
Ballet and classical jazz: leotard. Contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and casual training: singlet or a combination of both. Many dancers who train in multiple styles find it useful to own at least one leotard and two or three singlets to rotate through the week.
3. Think About the Dancer's Age and Stage
Younger children often find leotards easier to manage independently, particularly for toilet breaks. Older dancers and teenagers tend to appreciate the style flexibility that a singlet and legging combination provides.
4. Factor in NZD Pricing and Shipping
All Total Dance orders ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse, arriving in New Zealand in approximately 5 to 10 business days. Orders over NZ$140 qualify for free tracked shipping to NZ, which makes it well worth grouping your dancewear purchases together. Stocking up on a leotard, a singlet or two, and a few accessories like a Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie, Sky Leopard Scrunchie, or Coral Coast Scrunchie in a single order is a great way to hit that free shipping threshold.
5. Consider Durability and Fabric Quality
Whether you choose a leotard or a singlet, look for high-quality dancewear fabric with good stretch recovery. Cheaper garments may lose their shape quickly, particularly with frequent washing. Investing in well-made pieces from reputable dancewear brands means your dancer's basics last through the full year of training.
If you are still weighing up the specifics of singlet styles for younger dancers, our in-depth comparison article on dance singlets vs T-shirts for kids covers the key differences and helps you decide which casual dance top best suits your child's needs.
Completing the Dancewear Kit
Whether you land on a leotard, a singlet, or both, a complete training kit goes beyond just the top. NZ dancers heading into class are well set up with a few supporting accessories:
- A Mesh Pointe Bag or Legacy Tote Bag to carry shoes, tights and extras
- A Wrap Around Head Scarf or Headband to keep hair tidy during training
- Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black or Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Brown for securing buns neatly
- A Rebecca Satin Hair Bow or Flower Headband with Ribbon for a polished performance look
- The Essential Double Cross Strap Crop with Contrast Binding as a versatile underlayer for both leotards and singlets
For dancers who travel to competitions or eisteddfods, a Waterproof Bag and a Dream Duffel Gusseted Garment Bag help keep costumes and clothing organised and protected during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NZ dancers order leotards and singlets from Total Dance?
Yes, absolutely. Total Dance ships tracked orders to New Zealand from our Melbourne warehouse. Delivery takes approximately 5 to 10 business days, and orders over NZ$140 receive free tracked shipping. You can browse both leotards and a full range of singlets and casual dance tops online.
Is a leotard or a singlet better for ballet class?
For most ballet classes, a leotard is the preferred and often required option. It gives teachers a clear view of posture and alignment, stays secure during all movements, and creates the neat, uniform appearance that is standard in classical training. A singlet may be appropriate for warm-up or very casual sessions, but check with your dance school first.
How do I know what size to order when buying online?
Each product on the Total Dance website includes a size guide. For leotards, measure your dancer's height, chest and waist, and compare these against the brand-specific size chart. For singlets, it is generally better to size up if between sizes to ensure comfort and ease of movement. If you are unsure, our team is happy to assist via the website contact form.
Can singlets double as everyday tops for NZ dancers?
Many dance singlets are styled well enough to wear casually outside of the studio, which adds to their value. A well-designed singlet from the casual dance top range transitions easily from class to after-school activities, giving it everyday versatility that a leotard typically does not. For those looking to explore all the options available, it is worth taking a look through our range of singlets and casual dance tops to find the right fit for your dancer's lifestyle.
