A leotard is a tight-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso and sometimes the legs, worn by gymnasts, dancers, and acrobats. Named after Jules Léotard, a French trapeze artist who popularized it in the 1800s, the leotard allows complete freedom of movement while staying securely in place during flips, splits, and jumps.

Gymnasts wear leotards during competitions so judges can clearly see their body positions and form. Ballet dancers often wear them during practice, sometimes with tights underneath. The snug fit might feel strange at first, but it prevents loose fabric from catching on equipment or tangling during complex moves.

Leotards come in many styles: some have long sleeves, some are sleeveless, and some extend down to cover the legs like fitted pants (these are called unitards). While they're most common in athletics and dance, figure skaters and circus performers wear them too. The key feature is always the same: a stretchy, close-fitting design that moves with your body rather than against it, so you can focus on your performance instead of adjusting your clothing.