Authentic CATS unitards are made from milliskin and close with shoulder snaps (though some have back zippers as well). CATS unitards never have seams up the front, are fully footed, and have thumb stirrups to prevent the arms from riding up. In professional productions, unitards are usually custom made for the actors and actresses, and several fabric patches (especially knees) are also made at the time of the unitards creation so that a piece can be easily replaced when worn through. Authentic unitards are dyed with acid or dispersed dyes, which last quite a long time and do not become faded easily. Because CATS is a high performance musical, unitards are usually replaced every few weeks when they are unable to be patched any further. Each unitard is washed by hand.
~What size should I order?
Dancewear runs small. I am 5’4”, weigh 105lbs, and usually shop for regular clothes in the petite misses or teen section of stores. For my first unitard purchase, I followed online sizing charts and ordered a small, only to find that was really a medium bordering on large (because of my long torso). I wasted a lot of money in the process, so if you are unsure of your size, it is best to order multiple sizes as long as you are able to return the rejects.
~What does "made to order" mean?
Contrary to the name, a made to order unitard is not created specifically for you; it simply implies that the customer can add custom features--such as stirruped feet, fingers, special necklines--at an extra cost. Only Bal-Togs unitards can be made to order; other brands to not have this feature. Only retailers approved by Bal-Togs may sell them. Made to order unitards can be both exciting an disappointing. Stirruped- and full-feet are made well, but full fingers are often extremely poorly made and will require alterations.
~I can't afford a unitard, but I still want
to make a CATS costume. What should I do?
Consider using a white turtleneck
and leggings for your costume base.
