The history of ballet clothes can be traced back to the 15th century. However, it was during the 17th century in France that ballet costumes as we know them today started to evolve. In the early years of ballet, dancers wore elaborate court costumes that were heavy and restrictive, reflecting the fashion of the time.

As ballet transitioned from the courts to the stage, costumes became lighter and more practical to allow for greater movement and flexibility. The French ballet master Jean-Baptiste Lully is credited with introducing more standardized ballet attire in the late 17th century. He advocated for shorter, lighter skirts for female dancers and introduced heeled shoes called ballet de cour for male dancers.

In the 18th century, ballet costumes continued to evolve with the development of the ballet as an art form. The Romantic era of ballet, which emerged in the early 19th century, saw the introduction of the iconic tutu. The tutu, a short, stiff skirt made of layers of tulle, became synonymous with ballet and is still widely associated with the art form today.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, ballet costumes continued to change and adapt to the evolving styles and choreography of the time. Contemporary ballet costumes now vary greatly depending on the specific ballet and the artistic vision of the choreographer and costume designer. They can range from traditional tutus and tights to more modern and experimental designs, reflecting the diversity of ballet as an art form.