| For those of us who aren't familiar with all the styles of | | | | Then there are the styles of the tights themselves, like |
| dance tights available, or who are novice dancers who | | | | fishnets, convertibles, supplex, stirrup, high gloss, and |
| want to know the difference, let's briefly break down | | | | opaque tights that meet the needs of different styles |
| the types of garments dancers usually wear. | | | | of dance. Opaque and metallic tights are even utilised |
| First, there are different styles of tights or leg wear - | | | | as casual wear for college girls or to accompany |
| leg warmers, Capri pants, leggings, leotards, unitards, | | | | skirts and spring dresses. |
| and bodysuits, to name a few. | | | | Convertible tights have a hole under the arch so that |
| Legwarmers are acrylic knit socks, sort of like | | | | dancers can change into socks, slippers, shoes without |
| sweaters for legs that dancers wear for extra | | | | having to remove their tights. Stirrup tights have just a |
| warmth while dancing. They usually sit just below the | | | | band of material to place over the foot for more |
| knee and have stirrup slots at the toe to fit easily over | | | | mobility. Fishnet tights are popular with jazz and more |
| a pair of dance tights and ballet shoes. | | | | contemporary styles of dance. |
| The length of material for tights sometimes determines | | | | One interesting addition to some pairs of tights used in |
| what they are called. Capri pants are similar to full | | | | ballroom dancing is the addition of rhinestones or other |
| tights only they end at mid-calf, for a little more | | | | jewels to add some sparkle to a costume used in |
| freedom of movement in warmer rooms. Leggings are | | | | competitive dance. The extra flair is noticeable when |
| also similar to fully footed tights, only their material ends | | | | female dancers twirl and spin on stage with their |
| at the ankle, leaving the foot free. | | | | leading men. |
| Likewise, there are longer, one-piece garments like | | | | Leotards are a usual accompaniment to dance tights. |
| tank top or long-sleeve unitards that give a unified | | | | They generally cover only the torso and have a scoop |
| shape and a very clean look for the sake of simplicity. | | | | neck with either short or long sleeves. The higher |
| For younger students of dance, clothing suppliers offer | | | | quality garments are made from the same nylon |
| "biketards" that extend from the shoulders to the | | | | material as tights are, and the antimicrobial fabric |
| thighs. | | | | resists bacteria growth and "breathes" well to keep |
| Then there are undergarments that protect and | | | | moisture off the body. Bodysuits and unitards cover |
| accentuate a dancer's body. Camisoles, bras, and | | | | more of the body, but accomplish the same thing. |
| briefs are made of the same nylon and spandex | | | | The range of colours, varieties, and high-performance |
| materials as dance tights, and provide a level of | | | | materials produced by today's manufacturers make |
| comfort and support for layered costumes and | | | | dance tights more versatile than ever before. Women |
| dancewear. There are skirts, shorts, dresses, and tutus, | | | | (and men) of all ages and levels have plenty of options |
| for example, that adds colour and shape to the | | | | in finding the right dancewear to suit their individual |
| character of particular dance styles. | | | | needs. |