Could use some Dance Moms help on sizing

[ktlm]

We are really having problems finding anything that fits DD to wear to dance class right now, and I could really use some advice. I've gotten some great help from disers in the past, so I was hoping someone might have some ideas! All of the dance leotards seem to come in 8-10(M) and then 12-14(L). All of DD's 8-10s are suddenly too tight (to the point where we are talking in serious danger of a wardrobe malfunction at the top and the straps are cutting into her shoulders), but every large we try on her is too big. I think what she probably needs is a 10-12, but it sure doesn't look like dancewear comes in that size. We went to 2 dance stores last week and neither could find anything in stock that fit her. Poor kid tried on a ton of stuff and everything was either too small or too big. Does anyone know of any brands or styles that might fit for a kid that is between the typical dancewear sizes?

DD is not quite 7. Her BMI calculates in the healthy range, not overweight, but she is a big kid. She is tall for her age and big boned. She has "normal" non-pudgy arms and legs, but the problem is she still has a pudgy baby belly she's never lost, and has a very long torso. She wears a size 8 in clothes. We are hoping for something that is either a single piece with a skirt or a leotard with a separate skirt. Because of her pudgy belly, bootie shorts are not a good look for her, plus most of the girls in her class wear skirts not shorts.

Any ideas anyone has as to brands or styles that might work would be much appreciated.

 

[scrapquitler]

I would suggest trying a Leo with camisole style adjustable straps. That way you could buy it a little bigger so it fits her body better and then you can tighten up the straps so they don't slip off her shoulders.

 

[msmama]

Is 2 piece an option? Obviously you wouldn't want her tummy showing, but it might fit better?

I don't have a dancer, but I will say that when I was a kid, I quit dancing when I stopped feeling comfortable in my leotards. I was a bit more...developed...than the other girls and too self conscious so I really hope you're able to find her something!!

 

[cinderwannabe]

Don't know if it's an option for you but you could always buy the bigger size and bring it to a tailor or use a ribbon to "adjust" the straps

 

[amomma23]

I agree that adjustable straps might be a good option. Capezio (other brands, too) makes a high-neck tank style leo. Maybe that style would provide a little more coverage in the smaller size?

 

[whatname]

I hear you. My solution has been to go with the larger size. The butt may sag a little, but the skirt covers it. Right now, my dds are wearing leos that are a little large. I don't mean huge, but there is definitely some room left in them. It will be a few months before they fit, but they get more wear out of them that way. I"m cheap though and like to get as much use a possible out of them.

 

[Green Tea]

Try adult sizes. My DD never was big enough for the largest kid sizes. She went into small adults which fit correctly. Don't be afraid to give one a try. It might work!

 

[NYCDiane]

Does she HAVE to wear a leotard? If so, I would try an adult size small.

If not, I would just go with bike shorts and a tank top w/a sports bra underneath. Or yoga pants and a form fitting t-shirt (the reason I suggest form fitting is because the instructors need to see how they're moving their bodies, arms, and legs for technique.)

 

[sk!mom]

My DD16 has danced since age 3 and there were some difficult size transition years. We normally shop online.

My best advice is to use the size charts online and measure her girth. The size charts explain that measurement and I have found that to be the most important measurement to a good fitting leo. Then buy whatever size matches her girth.

I like www.discountdance.com

 

[mickeytattoo95]

I second the vote for Discount Dance. You might do better with All About Dance because they offer free shipping both ways. That way you could order a bunch of things and try them on and then return what doesn't fit without having to worry about shipping it back.

Dance sizes are crazy! It all depends on the brand. You'll find the right brand eventually!

You might want to check out Target, Kohls, and Sports Authority. They have (tiny) dance apparel racks, but at least she could try stuff on.

 

[bas71873]

Try adult sizes. My DD never was big enough for the largest kid sizes. She went into small adults which fit correctly. Don't be afraid to give one a try. It might work!

My DD9 is very tall for her age as well (she's just shy of 5 feet tall) and I've had good luck with the Sansha brand and I buy them on Amazon (with prime I get free shipping and I can return them if I need too - although be sure to read the return policy just to be sure). I just bought her an Adult Small and it's fits perfect with a little room to get her through the rest of this year and hopefully the summer. Longer is she'd stop growing . She only HAS to wear a leo for ballet, so for her jazz and tap classes, she just wears leggings & tanks or t's or little shorts from Justice. I don't spend a ton of money of all those glittery hot shorts, etc because she's growing too fast and she's happy with the little stretchy shorts from Justice.

 

[bas71873]

I second the vote for Discount Dance. You might do better with All About Dance because they offer free shipping both ways. That way you could order a bunch of things and try them on and then return what doesn't fit without having to worry about shipping it back.

Dance sizes are crazy! It all depends on the brand. You'll find the right brand eventually!

You might want to check out Target, Kohls, and Sports Authority. They have (tiny) dance apparel racks, but at least she could try stuff on.

Thanks for the All About Dance link. I've bookmarked that. I will only buy from places that offer free shipping both ways when it comes to clothing & shoes. It's why I love Zappos & Amazon

 

[princesspwrhr]

I have a competitive gymnast and a dancer - so almost 13 years experience with obnoxious leotard sizes. The bonus with the dance leotards is that they are usually cotton with some spandex instead of the more difficult to work with fabrics of gymnastics leotards. Unfortunately, that also means that the leotard has less play and either fits or doesn't. In general the more spandex/stretchy the leo is, the bigger the size on the tag, the more cotton/velvet, the smaller size will work. When I worked at the gym, part of my job was to unpack, inventory and sell leo's, helping parents to find the best size, and there were SO many times I'd unpack leos and have the same size, same size, same fabric, same cut/style of a leo have a difference of 1-2.5 inches in a different color. It's maddening.

It's not just the size you'll need to look at but the style and brand (and style within the brand) and you may end up with different sizes in different (or the same) brand. We usually do. My dancer currently has a beautiful leo from Bloch in a 10/12 that fits the same way her basic leo from Bloch in an 8/10 fits. And she also has a Capezio 10/12 and one from Target in a L that fit with a bit of crowing room. Go figure.

With the design of the leotard - shirring is nice for a bit of a belly. Straps that cross in the back will often grow well with a child (watch the neckline though, a slightly too big leo with cross back straps may bring the neckline up to be uncomfortable for the child and the leotard will forever be "the one that chokes me" and she won't wear it even when it does fit properly! Not that I have experience )

Simple things that can be adjusted on leotards that are too big -

• 
  fold the crotch over and sew - this makes the length a bit shorter and the leg openings a tad smaller, allowing the rest of the leo to fit the body. When your daughter grows, undo the stitching and it will still fit.
  
  Halter straps - it's super simple to make a halter strap longer or shorter. This design also draws the eye up to the face elongating the body and helping with any self image issues.
  
  It takes a bit more effort and frustration, but you can also cut and adjust tank straps.
  
  non adjustable camisole straps can be cut and replaced with adjustable straps - check the bra section of stores, or use straps from another shirt that doesn't fit or isn't suitable for wear anymore.

Don't get leotards with sleeves if you can manage to avoid them. With sleeves it's painfully obvious when a leotard doesn't fit (to big/small)

As others have said - also check adult sizes. In the delusional sizes of the "real world" - a 00 junior/miss size is the equivalent to a child's 12/14, and a 0 is equal to a child's 14/16 so in the slightly more dysfunctional world of sizing leotards, try an adult AXS

 

[ktlm]

Thank you guys so much!! I knew I could count on my Disers! She is required to wear a leotard and tights, with skirt or shorts optional. (Technically, her jazz class she would be allowed to wear a 2 piece or jazz pants, but they do the class back to back with the ballet/tap combo, so it is really just one long class with about a 2 minute break where the kids not taking jazz leave so changing isn't an option)

The dance places didn't have any adjustable strap children's larges in stock. We found an adjustible strap adult size small in a black leotard with attached skirt. With the straps as tight as they will go it fits! (well if you ignore the fact that it is really gathered around the neck and under the arms where the straps have pulled all the fabric together) DD loves it because it is "grown up" clothes, and proudly went into dance last night telling everyone all about the fact she was wearing an adult size. It's not perfect, but at least nothing is going to be accidently exposed, it doesn't hurt, and it isn't baggy/sagging in spots. It will work until we can find something better-- actually it will probably work for the next 5 years or until she wears it out!

Prinscesspwrhr, I totally get "the one that chokes me". I tried a halter style on DD, and you would have thought I was killing the child. I'm so glad we don't have to deal with those gymnastics leotards! The dance store suggested we try a couple of those larges on her because they are smaller and tighter than the too big dance larges and I could barely squeeze her into one of those and then it was so tight she about had a melt down- another one of those where I'm sure the people in the store were wondering what on earth I was doing to that poor child in the dressing room.

All About Dance has some really cute stuff. I'm really tempted to try ordering a couple from there since they have free shipping, but I'd hate to order stuff and have to send it all back. I may do it if we can't find at least one other one that will work somewhere.

I never thought about Target or Kohl's. I will definitely check out what they have. We don't have a Sports Authority, but we have Academy and I think they have some dance stuff, so we will try them too.



Thanks so much everyone!

 

[tink576]

As a dance teacher, here's a trick with sizing. A large child and small adult leotard/costumes are the same height wise BUT large child has extra room around the belly. So when I order for my students I always jump from medium child to a small adult if they are thinner.

Also try discount dance, they have lots of reasonable options and ask your studio if they are registered. If they are they can give you a 10 percent off coupon, or at least that was the coupon last year.

 

[ktlm]

Thanks again everyone! I hit Academy this weekend and found that unlike the dance store larges which are a 12-14, the Academy size large leotard with attached skirt was actually a 10-12. It fit DD really well. It is still a little big with room to grow, but not baggy anywhere. It was really cheap too! It isn't as fancy as what she is used to, but she was happy because it was really comfortable. So between the adult small and the Academy large, I think we can make it through the end of the year Spring Recital!