Yumiko Boutique

I finished a performance today as a guest with a ballet company and ran immediately to Yumiko because I was leaving the next day. I got there 10 minutes before they closed, and as soon as I walked in the employees immediately acted annoyed because I came in a bit before closing. They would not allow me to try anything on saying that they close the dressing rooms 15 minutes early for «the customers comfort». Which makes no sense. I was the only one in the entire store and still they would not let me take 2 minutes just to make sure it was the right size. The customer service was unfriendly and unpleasant. As for the leotards, I wouldn’t know because i couldn’t even put one on.

By far my most favorite leotard I have ever purchased! The fit is perfect and the leotard itself is super comfortable. They have so many options and are constantly updating their stock. The leotards are very durable and I would highly recommend these leotards to anyone. The downsides include the price (which is too high in my opinion), the long wait if ordering online, and the fact that you have to pay extra for bust lining. Other than that, wonderful!

I used to have tons of dancewears, and when I decided to move to NYC I only brought 5 leotards. And 3 of them were Yumiko’s. Moreover, I bought all of them before 2011, but they are all still GOOD. Yes it is pricey, but it lasts longer.
I personally prefer their «soft» fabric — some of their leotards are made with very smooth but sturdy fabric — it never squeezes your skin or leave a red mark (it’s apparently different with the typical leotards out there). If you visit their shop, you can ask for the fabric chart, see what colors are available with the softer fabrics, choose the design from hangers, and can order what you want.
I personally don’t recommend string-​shoulders and string-​halters, bc the rubbers inside string usually worn out after an year of laundry. No matter it’s from Yumiko or not.

All of Yumiko’s products have three basic elements: gorgeous design, top-​of-​the-​line quality, and most importantly, amazing colors and fabrics. The boutique is small but appropriately sized. While there were many items, they also allow you to customize your own leotard and have it shipped to you. Overall, I would highly recommend all of yumikos products.

I was so excited to visit this boutique on my last visit to NYC. My husband and son happily brought me here and waited patiently while I tried on half the store because they knew how much I was looking forward to this. I did however end up slightly disappointed. While they did have a lot in stock virtually nothing was available in my size. I realize Large to X-​Large probably isn’t a big seller, but I know I can’t be the only super tall dancer out there.
The few leos they did have were in lovely colors, but they were so sheer. They say right on their website if buying a pale color get the full lining. So why didn’t they have it on their ready made pale pink leo? I couldn’t have bought it if I wanted to. My studio is relaxed but I’m pretty sure they’d have a problem with me showing up virtually nude.
Trying stuff on in their coffin of a dressing room was a pain as well. They had a long exposed florescent tube in there. It was so hot even though I was half naked I was still sweating bullets. And it was so tiny I was afraid I was going to burn myself on the lightbulb. The poor girl in the other dressing room was painfully shy and her mother was dying from the heat in there with us. But the girl was afraid to come out of the room because she’d be in full view of the store. I could see her mother the whole time since my curtain didn’t really close, there’s just no privacy in there.
The sales girl was probably the most helpful and best part of the store. She answered all of my questions and even let me take photos of their swatch booklet (as opposed to paying $ 25 for it). Even though it was right at closing when we left I never felt rushed.
Bottom line, great product and kind, patient, and helpful staff. But the store and it’s inventory is really lacking. The product itself (if you custom order) and the sales girl are the only reason I rate this place so highly. If I were going just on the store (layout, dressing rooms) and product available it would get two stars at best. I’d probably go back, but only after calling and finding out what they had in my size first.

Hand-​made, custom dance-​wear that combines the best of Japanese fashion sense and Spanish craftsmanship. Aside from the custom items, they do carry a selection of ready-​made pieces in their sleek and sparse little store. You can order online, too, and in that case you’re selecting a custom piece per your size, color, and options (stripes or no; sleeves or not). Not cheap, but highest of quality and again: it’s custom.
What drew me most of all to Yumiko however is that they have some innovative, beautiful, pieces for male dancers. Dance-​wear for men is difficult to locate and some of Yumiko’s stuff is very wearable outside of dance, too. If only they’d make custom hoodies, too, how awesome that would be! Still, they’re a true treasure.

These leotards are addictive like some illicit powdered drug. Almost as expensive, too. But they hold up well over time and are great for class.
The service here is pretty mixed. I definitely had some pretty bad customer service here, but then again, those leotards are damn pretty so I just fork my wallet over.
In theory, I like the idea of custom leotards, but when it comes time to actually put something together, I’m so overwhelmed by all the choices (would you like this shade of ecru or that shade of eggshell? Or is that too American Psycho?) that I just go for something on the hanger. And guess what? It looks smashing anyways.
At certain times of the year, the inventory is CLEANED OUT because everyone and their mother decided it was time to go buy leotards (ie., winter holidays, summer intensive starts). I do wish the sizing were more consistent, and then I’d avoid the store and just buy online.

Only in Manhattan can a store selling leotards and only leotards make it in a high-​rent zone. Okay, maybe also in Tokyo.
The inventory is not huge but manages to span quite a variety of styles, some with sexy or artistic cutouts, others more traditional in shape. There’s a rainbow of colors, many with contrasting trim or colorblocking, plus the very necessary all-​black section.
I bought a basic black cap-​sleeve to wear casually (I haven’t taken a dance class in donkey’s years) but the thing is so comfortable I’m already tempted to get another, in a more daring colorway.
$ 60+ is not cheap for a piece of dancewear, but considering they are made in Spain and absolutely 1000% nicer than standard leotards, it’s not a terrible deal. Cool and unique shop.

Lovely find!
Yumiko is a dancer herself, so her dance-​wear creations are comfortable. On top of that, the styles are diverse and one of a kind. Once you know your size, you can order online and [best of all] custom select your colors. LOVE THAT! The store is very sleek and cute, and they carried different colors than the standard listings online, which was nice. The price is reasonable for custom-​made leotards.
Can’t wait to wear the newest addition… Merry Kwannukah to me :)
p. s. After wearing Yumikos, I can confidently say that it’s the most slimming bodice of a leotard in the market. It really sucks you in, possibly reduces me by a cup-​size. It’s like the Olympic swimmer-​wear but for dancers. I think I glide through space wearing these!!!

Dancewear of extremely high quality and beauty. You can purchase in person here and/​or order custom pieces online.
The store is spare and elegant. Staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable in light of the quality and unique designs. If you are or know a dancer, you want to visit Yumiko!