The original leotard first appeared in 1859. Named after the creator, a French aerialist, Jules Leotard, it showed up first during a French flying trapeze performance. The first edition of the garment was a hand-knit jersey that covered him from wrist to ankles. In fact, it was more of a unitard than a true leotard.

From ballet artists, to showgirls, to lingerie models, leotards went on to become a part of pop culture through the 1960's and 1970's. However, as the late 80's and 90's passed, leotards were limited to formal ballet performances and rarely showed up in pop music or the night life of major markets once the hair band era moved on. That is all changing now as the first decade of the 21st century marches toward completion.

It is true, leotards are making a comeback. Nearly 20 years since hair bands and unitard costumes went the way of the dodo, the leotard look is coming back with performers, dancers, and clubbers alike. The new trend is finding its way into the pop culture consciousness by being simple, sexy, and vintage.