Suffolk 2282C – Empire Mesh Tank Leotard with Satin Bow | Child
An empire mesh tank leotard is a step up from a plain camisole or tank without turning into a costume piece, and the Suffolk 2282C strikes that balance well. A sheer mesh overlay sits across the bodice and is seamed at the empire line — the natural point just under the bust — and a satin bow finishes the look. It still functions as everyday class wear, but it reads more finished than a basic solid leotard, which is why it tends to show up on recital and photo-day lists.
What does an “empire” seam do on a child’s leotard?
An empire seam sits higher than a natural waistline, right under the bust, rather than at the actual waist. On a child’s leotard, that placement tends to elongate the torso visually and gives the mesh overlay a defined edge to sit against, rather than letting it float loosely over the whole bodice. It’s a classic silhouette borrowed from empire-waist dresses, adapted here for dancewear.
What does the mesh overlay add besides the look?
The mesh sits over the base leotard fabric rather than replacing it, so the dancer still has full coverage and stretch underneath — the mesh is purely a layered detail. It catches light differently than a plain fabric surface, which is part of why this style reads well on stage or under photography lights. Because it’s a finer, more delicate layer than the leotard’s base fabric, hand washing (see Care Instructions below) matters more here than it would on a plain camisole — machine agitation is more likely to snag or pull sheer mesh over time.
Tank straps vs. camisole straps — does it matter which one you pick?
Suffolk makes this same empire mesh and satin bow design in two strap styles: the 2282C tank version reviewed here, and a camisole-strap sibling, style 2281C, at the same price. Tank straps are wider and sit more securely on the shoulder, which some parents and teachers prefer for a younger or more active dancer. Camisole straps are finer and closer to what an adult leotard typically uses. Neither is more “correct” — it’s a matter of preference and, sometimes, studio dress code, so it’s worth checking which strap style your studio expects before choosing between the two.
Materials & Construction
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Base leotard fabric with a sheer mesh overlay (fabric percentage not listed by Suffolk for this style — see flag above) |
| Overlay | Empire mesh overlay, seamed just under the bust |
| Detail | Satin bow |
| Straps | Tank straps — wider than a camisole strap |
| Style | 2282C |
| SKU shown (Black / Small Child) | 2282CBLKSC — confirm SKU suffixes for Light Pink and other sizes |
| Available colors | Black, Light Pink — confirm which colors August Muse is stocking |
Care Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Washing | Hand wash cold |
| Drying | Lay flat to dry |
| Why it matters here | The mesh overlay is more delicate than the base leotard fabric — hand washing helps prevent snags and pulls that a machine cycle is more likely to cause |
| Do not | Machine wash, tumble dry, or bleach |
Sizing Guide — Suffolk Child Dancewear
This style runs Small, Intermediate, and Medium Child — no Petite or Large. Suffolk’s published Small and Medium Child measurements are below; I wasn’t able to find a published number range for “Intermediate,” so if your dancer falls between Small and Medium, an in-store fitting or a call to Suffolk is the safer route rather than guessing. All measurements are body measurements, not garment measurements.
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hips | Girth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 22–24″ (56–61 cm) | 20–21″ (51–53 cm) | 23–25″ (58–64 cm) | 40–43″ (102–109 cm) |
| Intermediate | Not published in the size charts I could find — check in store or with Suffolk directly before sizing a dancer into this size sight unseen. | |||
| Medium | 25–27″ (64–69 cm) | 21–23″ (53–58 cm) | 26–28″ (66–71 cm) | 44–48″ (112–122 cm) |
Size chart is a guide only and should not replace an in-store fitting. Measurements reflect body measurements, not garment measurements.
Best For
- Recital, photo day, or performance-adjacent class wear
- Dancers or studios that like a bit more detail than a plain solid leotard
- Parents deciding between tank and camisole strap styles for a younger dancer
- Families building a small “dressier” rotation alongside everyday class basics
- Studios with a Black or Light Pink dress code
A Note from August MuseThis is one we’d point you toward for picture day or a recital rehearsal rather than daily technique class — the mesh and bow are a nice detail, but they do mean a little more care than a plain leotard (hand wash only, please). If you’re torn between this tank version and the camisole-strap 2281C, come try both on — the price is the same, so it really comes down to which strap feels right and what your studio expects.
We can special order in Black or Light Pink. Stop by our Elizabethton, TN location and we’ll help sort sizing, especially if your dancer falls in that in-between “Intermediate” range.
Available at August Muse
The Suffolk 2282C Empire Mesh Tank Leotard with Satin Bow is available at August Muse in downtown Elizabethton, TN, in Child sizes Small, Intermediate, and Medium, at $28.00. Stop in for a fitting or give us a call if you have questions about sizing or color availability.
