Designed to help retailers stay ahead of the curve, Release Radar is DRN’s quarterly roundup of dancewear manufacturers’ latest product launches. For our fourth edition, we spoke to Suffolk, Capezio, Gaynor Minden, Dragonwing, Wear Moi, and Taecho to discover the standout styles they’re highlighting as must-haves for dancers this holiday season—whether for training, performance, or gift-giving.
- Gaynor Minden is embracing the holiday season with a new capsule collection that reimagines some of its classic pieces. This November/December, the brand’s popular three-quarter-sleeve leotard will be released in two new hues—sage green and sugar plum—while its black Essential Bag and fan favorite Studio Bag will return with an updated Gaynor Minden monogrammed lining. MSRP: $78 (three-quarter-sleeve leotard), $80 (black Essential Bag), $90 (black Studio Bag)
- As we discussed on DRN last year, The Nutcracker is not only the holiday season’s signature ballet, it’s a cultural phenomenon with strong retail potential. Suffolk is embracing that legacy with its upcoming Nutcracker Collection, reimagining two of its most popular leotard styles in festive colors and prints. Set to launch in early October, the collection will feature a Sugar Plum print of hand-drawn fairies dancing across the fabric and classy holly design, as well as solid green and red options for dancers who prefer subtle nods to the season. MSRP: $55 (adult), $53 (child)
- Capezio’s limited-edition assortment of holiday-inspired gifts, studio essentials, keepsakes, and collectible accessories will also take inspiration from The Nutcracker. Due to drop between September and October, the jewel in the collection’s crown is the first-ever Capezio Advent calendar featuring 12 surprise gifts housed in packaging resembling an illustrated book. The range also includes Nutcracker-print warm-up booties, knee-high socks, a reversible Ouch Pouch Jr., a collectible mini-bootie keychain, and plush Nutcracker and Mouse King charm keychains, giving retailers a selection of items ideal for merchandising as last-minute stocking fillers near the cash wrap. MSRP: $13–$139
- And coming up in Capezio’s less overtly festival collections: Elemental Reverie focuses on elegant leotards crafted with sculpting mesh, dramatic open-back silhouettes, and luxe crushed-velvet accents. Arriving in November, the collection will be available in adult and tween sizes, with sophisticated colorways that include black, mocha mousse, and zinfandel. MSRP: $34–$48
- For younger dancers, Capezio will introduce the Precious Heart collection, also in November. Featuring dresses, leotards, skirts, shorts, and bra tops, the range is adorned with delicate heart-print mesh that adds texture, shimmer, and a playful touch. The pieces will be available in a selection of black and pastel hues, including butter, light blue, and pink. MSRP: $28–$48
- Dragonwing is inviting dancers celebrating the holidays in cold climates to dream of tropical escapes with its Electric Eden collection. Released in August, it features statement-making two-piece sets of skirts, tops, and shorts made from vibrant neons and glossy fabrics. Designed to brighten the season, these pieces transition effortlessly from studio to street. $52 per piece
- As 2026 comes to a close, Wear Moi is continuing to push two of its strongest releases from earlier in the year: its Margot and Alva leotards, both introduced in March.
Margot features a striking two-tone design with contrasting lines that accentuate the bust. Delicate straps frame a straight neckline, while a clean, V-shaped back with a sheer insert lightens the silhouette and enhances the back line. MSRP: $54
Meanwhile, Alva offers a clean, structured aesthetic with pointed cutouts that flatter the bust. A graphic V-shaped tulle insert creates the illusion of a longer silhouette, while the wide, open back showcases the shoulders and back without compromising on support. MSRP: $59
- South Korean brand Taecho, which has been expanding its presence in the U.S. throughout 2026, is continuing to spotlight its Summer ’26 Fluid Silhouette collection, which has not yet been introduced in the States. Comprising draped skirts, flowing trousers, and twist-front leotards that elegantly wrap across the dancer’s form, the collection is presented in a palette of brown, black, and cream. According to the brand, the collection has been well received and has quickly become one of its strongest-performing releases. MSRP: $34–$109
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.