Unlike shops they are more likely to offer a refund if an item is not suitable. The advantages of buying direct can include a competitve price for the same item in a shop and the manufacturer can make a garment tailored to your requirements (in respect of either size or colour combination). Here are some of the manuafactureres we know of:

Wear-moi Unit 15 Rufus Business Centre 22 Ravensbury Terrace London SW18 4RE	Telephone:	0181 2870932
A catalogue is available and the postage charge ranges from £3.00 for 3 items. It is worth noting that they offer a refund if the goods are returned within 10 days. The garments are on the small side and it is worth ringing to confirm the correct size. The lead time is about 2-3 weeks A significant part of the range features velvet top and lycra bottom garments (see photo of ENB's Elisabeth Miegge) in a variety of styles. The particular styles are fairly innovative and practical and not merely a copy of other makes. In addition, Thelma Chan, one of the staff deals with enquiries excellently. Here is another example, this time of a lycra unitard - again featuring Miegge.

Dansez International Limited 7 Blenheim Close Pysons Road Industrial Estate Broadstairs Kent CT10 2YF	Telephone:	01843 866300
A catalogue is available and the postage charge ranges from 3.50 (being £1.50 post and £2.00 handling).It is worth noting that they will exchange a garment should it be faulty or not the size or colour required but will not refund any monies unless the garment can be proved to have not fulfilled the specifications as advertised. The garments are on the small side and it is worth ringing to confirm the correct size. The delivery time if the item is in stock is 2 days, if the item is not in stock Danzes will contact you and give an indication of the likely delivery date. A significant part of the range features cotton lycra and the styles are fashionable with some interesting neck and backlines. In addition to dance clothes they manufacture clothes suitable for the gym or aerobics.

The Leotard Company The Thatch Great Billing Park Northampton NN3 9BL	Telephone:  Web:  Email:	01843 866300 www.leotard.co.uk info@leotard.co.uk
The web site is well presented and features a sample of the companys range of clothing. The company sells leotards/shorts etc which are suitable for dance and exercise classes as well as swimwear.

Dance Rags Web:   http://home.clara.net/gbhorsman/ Email: dancerags@gbhorsman.clara.net

Greg Horseman and Lisa Pavanne (Senior Principals with ENB) are advertising a loose fitting unisex all in one garment suitable to be worn over dance clothes/or indeed on its own. It is very popular with members of English National Ballet who model it in a variety of colours at class and rehearsals. It is very practical and worthy of serious consideration. And just for good measure.... we interviewed Greg & Lisa in the January '98 issue of Ballet.co magazine.