Leotards & Unitards

Best Leotards & Unitards in the UK: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and Top Picks

Why Leotards and Unitards Are Wardrobe Essentials

Leotards and unitards have come a long way from studio-only staples to everyday wardrobe heroes. They hug the body in all the right places, making them perfect for layering, shaping, or standing alone as a bold fashion statement. Think of a leotard as a blank canvas: you can paint it with a blazer, tuck it into jeans, or let it shine under a high-waisted skirt. Unitards offer extra coverage and a streamlined silhouette, great for athletic wear or dramatic evening looks. In short, they blend practicality and style in one tidy package.

Functional benefits

Beyond looking good, leotards and unitards deliver practical benefits: Freedom Of Movement for dance or workouts, minimal bunching under clothing, and built-in shaping that replaces the need for separate undergarments. For performers and fitness enthusiasts, the form-fitting nature prevents snagging and lets instructors clearly see posture and alignment. For everyday wear, fewer layers mean fewer wardrobe malfunctions—what’s not to like?

Fashion flexibility

Want to go casual? Pair a cotton leotard with distressed jeans and chunky boots. Heading out for dinner? Try a satin unitard with statement earrings and heels. Leotards act like a second skin that plays well with other pieces, so a single well-chosen bodysuit can cover looks from coffee runs to cocktail hours. They’re tiny wardrobe investments with surprisingly big returns.

Lindex: Scandinavian Style Meets Comfortable Bodysuits

Lindex is a Scandinavian brand that’s been quietly winning hearts with clean designs and comfortable basics. In the UK market, Lindex stands out for offering well-made bodysuits and shaping pieces aimed at a modern, minimalist audience. If you like clothes that look effortless and feel tidy, Lindex is worth checking out for a mix of everyday leotards, shaping bodies, and seasonal statement pieces.

Popular Lindex picks

If you’re browsing Lindex, you’ll see staples like the Freedom Bodysuit Closely (a sleek, second-skin option), Bodysuit With Collar for a smart twist, Medium Support Shaping Body for smoothing, and Bodysuit With Long Sleeves for cooler days. These styles are versatile—great for layering under knitwear or worn solo under trousers. The Freedom range in particular is designed for comfort and mobility; think breathable fabrics that behave like a gentle hug.

Sizing and fit tips for Lindex

Lindex sizing tends to run true to size but always check the size guide. Measure your bust, waist, and hips in inches and compare to the guide provided. If you are between sizes, consider whether you want a firmer fit (size down) or more comfort (size up). Also, because some Lindex bodysuits have snap closures at the crotch, check those details if you plan to wear the piece for long days out or late nights—comfort at the seams matters.

High-street Stores for Everyday Leotards

If you want stylish bodysuits without breaking the bank, several UK high-street retailers are your best friends. These stores usually balance trend-led designs with reliable basics, so you can pick up everything from lace-trimmed leotards to seamless shaping unitards.

Marks & Spencer and Next

Marks & Spencer (M&S) brings tried-and-tested quality, especially in shaping and comfort-focused pieces. Expect options geared toward support and longevity, often available in solid colors and practical fabrics. Next offers a broad selection of everyday leotards and bodysuits that pair easily with both workwear and casual denim—perfect when you need versatility without fuss.

H&M and ASOS

H&M and ASOS are go-to destinations for trend-driven styles and seasonal updates. H&M often stocks affordable basics and fashion-forward cuts, whereas ASOS gives you a huge range—from petite to plus sizes and many independent labels. If you enjoy experimenting with prints, cut-outs, or bold colours, these two are fantastic for variety and fast turnover.

Dance and Performance Specialists

When your priority is stretch, durability, and fit for movement, specialist dancewear brands and stores deliver. These retailers understand the needs of dancers, gymnasts, and performers, offering leotards and unitards engineered for stage and studio use.

Bloch and Freed of London

Bloch and Freed of London are industry names for dancewear. Their pieces tend to use higher-grade stretch fabrics that retain shape after repeated wear and washing. Whether you need a classic black leotard for class or a performance unitard that lies flat under stage lights, look to these brands for technical quality and professional fit.

Dance Direct and local studios

Dance Direct stocks a wide variety of sizes and styles and is often more budget-friendly than boutique brands, which makes it ideal for growing children or students who need multiple practice leotards. Local dance studios and independent makers can also be excellent sources for bespoke fits, custom colours, or specialist items like competition leotards and tailored unitards.

Sports and Activewear Options

Leotards and unitards crossover well into the fitness space, especially for activities that demand full range of motion—yoga, Pilates, barre, and certain gym classes. Sports brands focus on moisture-wicking, compression, and durability.

Decathlon and Sports Direct

Decathlon is a great budget-friendly option for workout-ready bodysuits, often made from performance blends with breathability and quick-dry features. Sports Direct offers a mix of sports brands and value ranges where you can pick up supportive, affordable pieces. Both are good choices when you need functional activewear that won’t hold you back.

Gymshark, Nike and alternatives

Brands like Gymshark and Nike tend to focus more on athleisure and technical gear. While they might not have a huge leotard range, their bodysuits and fitted units often employ high-stretch fabrics and supportive construction—ideal for gym sessions and hybrid streetwear looks. For a fashion-forward gym outfit, pair these with high-waisted leggings or joggers.

How to Choose the Right Fabric and Fit

Picking the right fabric and fit is where shopping for leotards gets personal. The fabric determines breathability and stretch; the fit determines comfort and silhouette. Spend a few minutes thinking about how you’ll use the garment and match the material and construction to that purpose.

Fabrics explained

Cotton blends feel soft and breathable—ideal for casual wear—but they may not hold their shape as well after frequent washing. Nylon and elastane blends (sometimes labelled Lycra or spandex) provide excellent stretch and recovery, making them perfect for dance and performance. Satin and velvet add glamour for evening or stagewear. If you need breathability, look for mesh panels or moisture-wicking finishes.

Sizing tips & measuring

Always measure in inches: measure your bust at the fullest point, your waist at the narrowest, and your hips at the widest. Also note your height in feet and inches if the brand offers length guidance—unitards often require a longer torso fit. If you’re between sizes and want a sculpted look, size down cautiously. If comfort and mobility top your list, size up slightly to avoid pinching at seams or crotch closures.

Styling Leotards for Everyday Wear

Leotards can be styled to suit many occasions. The trick is to think of them as a base layer rather than a single-season fad. With the right pairings, you can pull off chic, casual, and formal looks without buying a whole new wardrobe.

Layering and accessorizing

A fitted blazer over a collared bodysuit creates instant polish for work or meetings. Throw on a denim jacket and trainers for a relaxed day look. Don’t forget belts—they cinch the waist and add structure when a leotard is tucked into trousers or skirts. Scarves, statement necklaces, and bold earrings also work wonders to elevate a simple piece.

From day to night

Transitioning from day to night is easy: swap flats for heels, add a clutch, and switch a cardigan for a leather jacket. A satin unitard becomes cocktail-ready with sky-high heels and a pair of bold earrings, while a matte, opaque leotard pairs well with tailored trousers and a structured coat for an evening out.

Caring for Your Leotards and Unitards

To keep your bodysuits looking good, give them proper care. Fabrics with elastane will lose elasticity faster if treated roughly, so gentle laundering and careful storage prolong life and keep seams intact.

Washing and drying tips

Wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water, or hand-wash if the label suggests. Use a mild detergent and turn the garment inside out to protect delicate finishes or prints. Never tumble dry high—air-dry flat or hang to dry to preserve stretch. If you must use heat, go low and brief. Remember: rough handling is the enemy of elastane and delicate trims.

Storage and repair

Store leotards flat or folded, avoiding sharp hangers that can distort shoulder areas. For unitards, folding carefully saves space and prevents snagging. Small repairs—like resewing a snap or reinforcing a seam—can extend the life of a favourite piece. A quick stitch or replacement fastener is often cheaper and greener than a new purchase.

Where to Buy: Quick Guide to UK Options

Whether you prefer high-street convenience or specialist performance wear, the UK market has options for every need and budget. Here’s a quick rundown: Lindex for minimalist Scandinavian basics; M&S and Next for reliable everyday shapes; H&M and ASOS for trend-led choices; Bloch, Freed of London and Dance Direct for performance gear; Decathlon and Sports Direct for affordable activewear; and brands like Gymshark or Nike for athleisure innovation. Don’t forget independent boutiques and local dance shops for unique finds and custom fits.

Shopping online vs in-store

Online shopping gives you choice and often better prices, but trying on in-store can save guesswork on fit. If you buy online, read reviews and use size charts measured in inches. Pay attention to return allowances and fabric descriptions so you’re not surprised by feel or sheen when the item arrives. When in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit—many retailers make that simple.

Sustainable and ethical choices

More brands now offer recycled fabrics, fair labour practices, and transparent sourcing. If sustainability matters to you, check brand pages for material breakdowns and ethical certifications. Choosing fewer, higher-quality pieces and repairing when possible is the most eco-friendly route. A well-made leotard that lasts is better than three cheap ones that fall apart after a few washes.

Conclusion: Leotards and unitards are versatile, stylish, and practical pieces that deserve a spot in your wardrobe. From Lindex minimalist bodysuits to specialist dancewear and high-street finds, there’s a perfect option in the UK for every budget and purpose. Measure in inches, pick fabrics that match your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to experiment with styling—these items are more adaptable than you might think. Try one on, and you may find it becomes one of your most reliable go-to pieces.