I am going back to dance classes after a very long and as such I decided I needed to go out and buy some new leotards because the ones I have don't fit me anymore.

I am not overweight or even particularly large. I'm an Australian size 10 in bottoms, but can range from 12-14 in tops because of my boobs and back.
My boobs are biggish (C - D cup), and my back is very broad and kind of muscular. I've recently lost weight but my boobs have gone nowhere.

I searched high and low today and must have tried on at least 10 different leotards in different shops (Bloch & Capezio) and I am having the same problem with all of them - they are super uncomfortable under my arms. Too tight, and restricting my movement when I try to lift my arms because of it. They fit comfortably, or even with room to spare on my bottom half, but they just cant cope with my boobage or sholders. I tried them on with a minimising bra, without a bra, and with a bodysuit - but nothing helped.

Does anyone else have this problem? I ended up leaving empty handed because I didn't feel comfortable enough in any of them to consider buying them.

I really want to start classes next week but at this rate, I'll be dancing in a swimming costume any tips for slightly more generously proportioned leotards?

I just dug out my two favorite leos. One is MotionWear the other is GILDAdance. The MotionWear one is a M (I wear it with out a bra, I wear a 36C bra...sometimes a D). The GILDAdance one is an XL I do wear a bra with this one.

I don't have a broad back but I think that these brands would work well with that.

EDIT - My other favorite is a halter leo, the brand is Danskin, this one is a L.

I think a halter leo would be a good way to go.

Basically my point is, try a variety of brands and styles and sizes. Each brand fits differently.

Thanks for such a quick reply!

I think a halter leo would be a good way to go.

My boobs make this virtually impossible. I can't even wear halter neck stuff in every day life because of the neck pain. I've never understood how other busty girls could stand it.

I have broad shoulders and a D cup, so I feel your pain. I usually can't do the criss cross strappy type leos because they cut into my back too much. I also can't do the simple tank leos with a high back because I feel suffocated no matter the size. I always get a leo with a low back if I am going to a class where it doesn't matter if my bra shows. You do have to be careful with a low back though if you are having problems with leos cutting into your armpits, because most with a low back have small arm holes. You could try one with adjustable straps.

My 2 favorite leos got worn to death and it has been hard to replace them. One of them was actually a cap sleeve leo with a wide neck (sleeves almost off the shoulder), it was so roomy in the shoulders/back but fit tight enough that I felt strapped in. I have not found a good replacement, but short sleeved could be a good option. Ohh this one looks good www.discountdance.com . . .

I had a dance teacher that used to only wear short sleeved leos and she had a VERY broad back, but the rest of her frame was small. They looked good on her, so that is when I decided to try one.

I have a bunch of Yumiko leotards, and my favorite is the Jessica. While I'm very small (A cup, borderline B when I'm on my period), I do still need support when I dance (I always feel myself "bouncing around" to some extent during jumps especially, even though I don't have much to bounce around). The Jessica leotard zips in the front and conceals a sports bra if you decide to wear one with it (I tried it to see how it looked at one point). The leotard is really supportive and comfortable. I assume you live in Australia, since you gave Australian sizes, so I'd check and see if they ship to Australia. The leotards are pricey, but definitely well worth the money. My Yumis have lasted me a long time and have certainly paid for themselves with the amount of times I have worn them.

I never used to have this problem but when I returned to teaching when my kids were a bit older I realised that I have to accommodate boobs when shopping for leotards.

This is one of favourites because I know I can wear just about any bra under it.
www.pagelinx.com . . .

and this is a picture that you can zoom in on.

www.allaboutdance.com . . .

I have the same problem. I am quite an hourglass figure and always have trouble with boobs and leos.
However I just bought a leotard yesterday. It's capezio style number 4074 cap sleeve leotard. It's great because it has an adjustable drawstring closure across the back/ shoulders. My bra shows acriss my back but I'm not worried.
I live in Australia - so possibly it could still be found?
Good luck, loz

Did you try Energetiks? You probably did, but a lot of the bigger framed girls in my class used to wear this leotard:

www.energetiks.com.au . . .

WearMoi has some good leos for girls who have a bust. Mirella also seem to suit bustier girls. However, I have found them irritatingly short in the torso. I know Bloch stock both those brands, so maybe you've already tried them.

Are you in or near Sydney? I know of an excellent independent retailer who stocks all kinds of leotards (I have bought from them before). PM me if you're interested in details.

EDIT - Just looked at the link posted for Energetiks above ^ and the scoop neck leo (first one in the womens catalogue) looks good if you want to wear a bra under. Also, I have the AL15 wide cross strap leo and can definitely recommend it. (I actually thought it was a Wear Moi!). It has a really decent shelf bra and the front isn't cut low. You could easily wear a sports bra under it too. I tried it with a body stocking last week, though, and I looked like I had hideous saggy squashed uniboob.

NEXT EDIT (it's late!) - One thing I like about WearMoi, (some) Mirella and Energetiks is the fabric. It's thicker and more supportive than your average Bloch brand stuff.