How to STOP Leotards and Bodysuits From Riding Up

You reach behind to tug your leotard back into place for the third time this class, and you know every dancer behind you just noticed. With a bodysuit, it happens at brunch instead of ballet, but the problem is the same.

Leotards and bodysuits ride up because the size is wrong, the fabric does not grip your skin, or the torso length is too short for your body. The fix depends on which cause is driving the problem.

Here is how to stop it for good, whether you wear leotards for dance or bodysuits for everyday style.

Why Leotards and Bodysuits Ride Up

The size is wrong

A leotard or bodysuit that is too loose has excess fabric that gathers and rides upward. One that is too tight stretches across your hips and gets pulled into a wedgie with every movement.

The right fit should be snug without digging in. If you are between sizes, try both before committing.

The torso length is too short

Leotards and bodysuits are cut for a specific torso length. If yours is longer than the garment allows, there is not enough fabric to stay stretched between your shoulders and crotch.

Every time you raise your arms or bend forward, the garment snaps upward because there is no slack. Look for brands that offer “long torso” sizing if you are 5’8″ or taller.

The fabric does not grip

Smooth, silky fabrics slide against your skin and shift every time you move. Matte fabrics with a bit of texture grip better and stay in place.

For leotards, look for fabrics with lycra or spandex blended in. For bodysuits, cotton-spandex blends hold their position better than pure polyester.

Your body shape creates tension

Round, defined buttocks pull the back panel inward because the curves create tension that draws fabric toward the center. This is the most common cause of leotard wedgies for dancers.

Styles with a wider back panel or a higher leg cut distribute the fabric more evenly and ride up less.

How to Stop Leotards and Bodysuits From Riding Up

Get the right size

Try on the leotard or bodysuit and do a full range of movements before buying. Reach overhead, bend forward, sit down, and twist at the waist.

If the garment shifts during any of these, it is the wrong size. According to Discount Dance Supply’s fit guide, the leg openings should sit flat against your body without gaping or digging.

Use body tape on your backside

Double-sided body tape (paid link) is the fix that professional dancers and performers use. Cut a small strip and stick it to your skin where the garment tends to ride up, then press the fabric down firmly.

The tape holds the garment in place through an entire performance or a full day of wear.

Wear tights underneath

Tights create a layer of friction between your skin and the leotard. The leotard grips the tights instead of sliding against your skin.

This is the standard fix for dancers and gymnasts. According to Dance Magazine’s leotard guide, wearing tights under your leotard also prevents the garment from stretching out during class.

Choose a longer torso length

If the garment keeps snapping upward every time you raise your arms, the torso is too short for your body. Many dancewear brands now offer “long torso” or “tall” sizing specifically for this problem.

Long-torso bodysuits (paid link) add 1 to 2 inches of extra length through the middle, which is usually enough to stop the riding up.

Pick a fabric that grips

Matte fabrics with texture hold better than smooth, slippery ones. For leotards, cotton-lycra blends grip the skin and resist sliding.

For bodysuits, avoid pure polyester or satin finishes. A cotton-spandex blend with a matte finish stays in place much longer through a day of wear.

For related problems, see how to stop shirts from riding up, how to stop underwear from riding up, and how to stop dresses from riding up.