A familiar item for classical dancers, the wrapped ballet cardigan is apparently no longer reserved for the studio. In recent years, iterations have made their way onto catwalks, such as in Ferragamo’s SS25 show. Lifestyle magazines including Red and Good Housekeeping are also writing about the burgeoning trend. “Whether you’re planning to [invest in yourself more] through daily walks or a weekly Pilates class, a stylish yet practical athleisure wardrobe is essential,” writes Prima UK staff writer Christina Geggus in an article published in January. “There’s one item you must add to your athleisure wardrobe this season and that’s a chic ballet cardigan.”
Most coverage has focused on generalist interpretations from brands such as & Other Stories, Sézane, and H&M. Even NikeSKIMS recently released a ballet-inspired collection featuring a cropped, long-sleeve wrap top. But dancewear manufacturers have been offering thoughtful, heritage-led designs for decades. For retailers, such options present an opportunity to capitalize on 2026’s ballet cardigan trend with credibility.
Below, DRN highlights some of the best authentic ballet-wrap cardigans from dancewear-specific manufacturers for retailers to consider stocking. Designed with function, quality, and dancewear tradition in mind, these pieces not only meet the needs of your local dance community, they also have the potential to draw a new wave of fashion-conscious customers attracted to ballet’s timeless aesthetic.
- French dance and luxury brand Repetto is a master at offering ballet-inspired fashion while staying true to its dancewear savoir-faire, which dates back to 1947. It’s no surprise, then, that the company’s long-sleeve wrap-over top is the first on this list. Made from a knit blend of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, the item features long straps that dancers can tie in a variety of ways—like a bow at the back or front. The delicate Petal Pink colorway evokes the most classic ballet aesthetic, while other hues—including Mouse Grey, Midnight Blue, Anthracite Grey, and Black—offer more modern, versatile options. MSRP: $100
- Dancewear leader Capezio also offers a wide range of ballet cardigans, including innovative takes and modern reimaginings. The brand’s Studio Collection—what the company describes as its “elevated” line—features a wrap top made from spandex and nylon rather than cotton, ensuring a streamlined, fitted look that allows dancers to layer without adding bulk. Available in pink and black, it comes in both girls and adult sizes. MSRP: $53.50 (girls), $59.50 (adults)
- Capezio also makes traditional styles, such as its adults’ ribbed knit wrap sweater, which is made from a soft knit blend, offering a “polished silhouette with cozy warmth,” the brand writes via email. The children’s knit wrap sweater for girls also mirrors this timeless ballet aesthetic with a V-neckline, long sleeves, and a self-tie closure. Available in pink, black, and white, it’s crafted from a 55% acrylic, 45% cotton blend, with ribbed detailing subtly highlighting the dancer’s form. MSRP: $39 (girls), $50 (adults)
- Like Capezio’s wrap tops, Bloch’s Ladies Celeste knit wrap top is made from a soft knit fabric and includes all the signature design features and colorways one would expect from this beloved ballet staple. The company’s Ladies Atiyah long-sleeve wrap top in grey marle, black, and cherry is what shakes things up, though, with a cable-knit pattern, ribbed cuffs and underbust band, and cool thumb holes setting it apart from other styles. MSRP: $42 (Celeste), $44.50 (Atiyah)
- While Nikolay’s classic Kailani bolero keeps things simple, the company’s broader selection of cardigans boast unique features. The Kersten bolero, for example, retains a classic shape but adds a funky twist through bold color-blocking that pops, and it’s made from 50% merino wool. Meanwhile, the Theodora wrap sweater introduces a hood for an extra layer of warmth and cool, contemporary style. For dancers who prefer a more conservative neckline, the Thea wrap sweater crosses higher on the chest to ensure maximum coverage. MSRP: $67 (Kailani and Kersten boleros), $58 (Theodora), $42 (Thea)
- Closely related to the ballet-wrap cardigan is the ballet shrug—a cropped, elegant overlayer covering the arms and shoulders. RubiaWear’s Soho shrugs are among the company’s best-selling items and feature a striking black hue and are made from a textured fabric blend of 89.5% rayon/bamboo and 10.5% elastane/spandex. Unlike a traditional shrug, the design not only drapes elegantly over the shoulders, it also extends across the top of the chest, offering extra coverage for warm-up layering. MSRP: $62
- RubiaWear also produces Natalie shrugs, which can be paired with matching legwarmers. They come in an array of colors, from Ocean (blue) to Feather (cream), and are crafted from materials ranging from soft stretch fabric to breathable mesh. The mesh keeps the upper body warm while “maintaining an airy, graceful feel,” according to the brand. MSRP: $56
- Mesh also takes center stage in Eurotard’s wrap top for women. Via email to DRN, the brand describes it as “a super soft, durable mesh wrap top with matching ties for a stylish, secure, and customizable fit,” and the fabric is “comfortable and easy to move” as well as “durable and lightweight for year-round wear.” MSRP: $35
- Elsewhere in its collection, Eurotard’s long-sleeve cotton/Lycra ballet-wrap sweater for women (in black, burgundy, and hunter) is a more classic option, with soft, fade-resistant fabric and adjustable ties for a secure fit—ideal for layering in the studio or as a stylish cover-up on the way to class. For dancers seeking warmth and elegance, the brand’s soft, knit wrap ballet sweater features ribbed cuffs, waist ties, and wide-trim detailing for a no-slip, polished fit that holds during choreography. For a slightly different take, the tie-front knit design offers a flattering, adjustable fit. MSRP: $33 (cotton/Lycra wrap), $44 (knit wrap), $21.90 (tie-front)
- Dragonwing’s new long-sleeve wrap top is due to be released in early spring. Coming in soft purple, sea blue, mint, black, and apricot colorways, the fitted Aura top “is designed for movement, combining a sleek silhouette with all-day comfort,” writes the brand via email. Cropped at the waist, it’s perfect for pairing with high-rise bottoms, and the wrap detailing enhances the wearer’s shape. The soft, breathable performance fabric gives a second-skin feel and offers light, supportive compression without restriction—good for layering and “transitioning effortlessly from studio to street,” the brand adds. MSRP: $64
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.