Leotard

The leotard wasn't always called that, despite the fact that it has evolved into the unofficial attire for gymnasts, dancers, and acrobats all around the world. It was originally known as a maillot, but French acrobat Jules Léotard, who popularized it, modified the name over the years.

Léotard, an 1838-year-old who initially intended to study law, found that he was far better at swinging about the rings, bars, and other apparatus in his father's gymnasium. He thus dropped out of law school and joined Cirque Napoleon, where he invented the first flying trapeze act.

Léotard was also interested in creating a garment that was tailored to his needs, one that didn't restrict his movement in the least. This was part of his training regimen. Extra points if it displayed his physique. Although he didn't call it that, that is how the leotard came to be. The garment didn't bear Léotard's name until some time after his tragic and unexpected passing in 1870, but this was because of their close relationship and to pay homage to one of the pioneers of contemporary acrobatics.