(22 Mar 2020, 01:32 )essanym Wrote: [ -> ] (21 Mar 2020, 20:40 )LeotardLover Wrote: [ -> ]I'll probably have to start adding pictures soon
I've been hoping to see some photos of your collection, your descriptions make it sound amazing.
Regarding my contribution to this thread, I've mentioned before that I wear leotards as my underwear, so comfort is what I'm most looking for in my choices. I've got a closet absolutely full of leotards, latex suits and wetsuits, but there's only a handful of leotards that see regular use. The one I'm wearing now is a Theatricals brand nylon/spandex blend in purple. Nothing fancy, just practical comfort. I've got several of the same type of these in different colors. I've also got some of the same brand but made with a cotton blend. Because of the work I do, I prefer to wear those when I know I will be working hard as they are better at wicking away moisture. For my body type, this brand is the best as the cut is perfect and requires very little adjustment through out the day.
That makes total sense for daily wear. I wear spandex leotards as underwear or liner under a unitard because it makes everything more supportive, look smoother and better. BUT I don't wear spandex leotards as underwear all day, I switch into Nike Pro underwear with regular clothes.
Since joining the website, I have learned a lot about newer brands I have never heard of like Theatricals. My collection is mostly of aerobic dance wear I got during my modeling days that still fit, so they are the major brands, some still in business and some not. I also bought some vintage leo's and tights on eBay years ago, but eBay hasn't had any good vintage leotards in recent years. I think they were all acquired by collectors who won't part with them. I bought 2 leotards made by the Russian brand White Shark which is sold all over eBay, but they are very cheap quality and for that reason, I never recommend them. I have a ton of Reebok aerobic unitards and leotards, Dance France, Tickets, Gilda Marx/Flexatard, Bodyglove, LA Fitness, Everlast, Adidas, Nike, etc. I have some really cool custom dance wear and swimsuits from a trip we took to Japan. I mentioned that before and it was one of the most fun experiences because I got to be directly involved in the entire manufacturing process.
We also got a couple custom wetsuits, which no brand seems to do well here in the USA, or not as well as Japan. Most of the top US wetsuit brands are made in Japan anyway. I also have several vintage 1990's women's french cut wetsuits which I actually dived in. I like the older ones, but the ones we got in Japan have higher cut legs, which on my girlfriend look spectacular! And the suits in general are better cut, so they're easier and more flexible and the actual neoprene material is so much nicer also, granted it's a newer more flexible material due to added softer rubber. I have not worn these wetsuits in the water yet but plan to sometime, just haven't had a chance. When we go to the beach its usually tropical or during the summer which isn't great for 5-8mm wetsuits.
Another custom experience was with pantyhose, which I got in Switzerland. I can't believe I actually pulled that off looking back on it. I found out about the store before my trip, which was kind of a guise to visit relatives who lived in Zurich at the time. My aunt is the kind of person that MUST show you everything to see and she is hard to get away from. I lied that I was having lunch with a college friend to go to this boutique pantyhose shop...that's were I got all the unitard pantyhose. I just prefer a unitard with high cut leg leotards, plus you don't have the elastic waistband. The lady who measured me was extremely knowledgable and had zero issues with me buying from them, she never once made me feel uncomfortable which is a sign of a true pro. She then showed me fabric books and I got several from lightweight to heavyweight, heavyweight high support which I like because its really-really snug. etc. all in glossy nylon. I didn't like the semi to matte look. My only gripe was that it took five months to receive after the trip but the quality is top notch!
I think I have a fun collection of shiny spandex and hose, I like only shiny materials. But I'm sure many on the forum have collections far superior to mine.