Over 50 brands took the show floor for the second edition of MODE Market Trade Show, which ran from February 4 through 7 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. As those manufacturers shared exciting announcements about new products and collections, several trends came into focus that will help define dance fashion throughout the months ahead.
From corset seams to sheer layers and athleisure, here are some of the notable dancewear trends that emerged this year at MODE.
Corset-Inspired Leotards
Corset tops are trending again both inside and outside the dance world. At MODE, DRN saw several leotards featuring dropped waistlines and curved front seams imitating bustiers. In some designs, mesh panels or faux boning provided a more amplified corset look.
Examples: Elevé’s Baroque collection, which dropped on January 15, features leos like the Diana, Meghan, Tatiana, Grace, and Aria, which have corset seams along the back and scooping “V” fronts at the waist. Two new leotards launching as part of Australian brand Energetiks Prima collection in July evoke classical tutu bodices, Sansha’s Joli Corset line integrates soft velvet, and Oh La La’s Delphine costume leo even has a lace-up back.
Lots of Layers
Another standout trend in 2026? Layers. Mainstream fashion magazine Elle pointed to intentional layering as a dominating presence at New York Fashion Week, and that multipiece look has trickled into dancewear. Sheer designs that reveal the base layer of the outfit (or that give the illusion of doing so) are especially popular and nostalgically evoke DIY tops and shorts made from cutting old tights.
Examples: Mondor recently dropped its mesh-top Ravena leotard, which features a mesh top enabling dancers to show off the garments they’re wearing underneath. Intermezzo’s sheer Eutenea crop top offers a relaxed fit with lettuce-edge hems, while Aluvie’s Zen top, crafted from a see-through blend of Supima cotton and nylon, boasts a high neck with exposed seams. For a layered illusion, Italian brand DellaLo’s Mania CL leotard combines mesh sleeves with a fabric panel across the bust. And designed with younger dancers in mind are several of Mexico-based brand Daroch’s newest layered pieces.
Ballet Tops Galore
With balletcore still very much in vogue, ballet wraps, shrugs, and cardigans continue to enjoy a spot in the limelight. Sheer fabric options that show off layers seem to be on the uptick, as are above-the-bust cuts.
Examples: Whilebrands like RubiaWear, Lulli, and DellaLo have added sheer mesh shrugs to recent and upcoming launches, Aluvie and Daroch have opted for above-the-bust designs. Spanish brand Mara Dancewear, which dropped its Ballet Barre collection on January 26, also introduced a classic wrap-top to its stock. And a new leotard from MIGARU, the Misaki, even emulates the classic cardigan with a crossover tie front.
Studio to Street
Dragonwing owner Allison Herman has noticed that more young dancers, especially those in commercial-dance genres, are opting for dancewear that can double as streetwear. That athleisure look has informed designs by several brands, resulting in a proliferation of products ranging from skorts to zip-tops.
Examples: Featuring silhouettes that are familiar to nondancers, the crop tops, tennis skirts, leggings, and compression shorts in Dragonwing’s upcoming Colorflow collection (available from May) double as dancewear and general activewear. Meanwhile Ilogear, which creates multifunctional pieces (like its Kyra Short, which can be worn to the gym or on the go), is dropping its next line this month. And Every Turn’s On-The-Go Long Sleeve Zip Thru evokes lululemon’s ever-popular slim-fit sports jacket.
Oversized Outerwear
Oversized hoodies, crew necks, and sweaters are dominating teenagers’ wardrobes lately, and they make for great warm-ups, too! Designs that seem to generate the most appeal include those with simple graphics, long sleeves that reach the fingers, and wide necks that won’t mess up buns or ponytails.
Examples: In recent years, Barre Trash has attracted attention for its best-selling Oversized Hoodie, which will offer more color options, including powder blue, canary yellow, and sunset orange this spring. The design of Covet Dance’s Tutu Crew Sweater adds a varsity vibe with a bunhead pun, and Oh La La’s Babe Hoodie offers an edgier look with a black base and metallic foil stars down the sleeve.
Kyra Laubacher is Dance Media’s digital editor and currently serves as Dance Spirit’s interim editor in chief.