It was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1838–1870).
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When Jules Léotard created the Maillot it was initially intended for men.
Philippe Léotard | Jules Léotard | Leotard | leotard | François Léotard |
The song celebrated the fascination with the many trapeze artistes then performing in the UK, including Leotard and his sensational appearances at the Alhambra Music Hall in London.
He also popularised the one-piece gymwear that now bears his name and was the inspiration for the 1867 song "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze" sung by George Leybourne.