Hobby Ballet Booms Among Young Korean Women, Driving Big Spike in Balletwear Sales
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Ballet-as-a-hobby is surging among South Korea’s 20s–30s women, nicknamed “chwi-baller” (people who do ballet as a hobby). Cold weather has shifted fitness demand indoors, and ballet’s sleek, body-friendly silhouettes plus the ability to layer items (cardigans, skirts, pants, warmers) have made it a fashionable choice. In November, online searches for “ballet” rose more than threefold to about 12,000, while searches for ballet clothes and specific pieces jumped sharply. Sales data show a 530% increase in balletwear transactions, with leotard sales up over 30-fold and strong gains for ballet shorts, warmers, tights, bags and hair nets. Influencers and celebrities sharing ballet routines and styling tips on social media have helped spread the trend. Retailers expect demand to continue as ballet outfits are also used for yoga, Pilates and everyday “balletcore” looks (a trend inspired by ballet aesthetics).
