Swing Dance Costumes

Swing Dance Costume Basics

The most important thing when it comes to choosing a swing dance costume is that it allow a lot of freedom of movement. Given the fancy footwork, fast moves, twists and throws that can be part of a swing dance, it's important that both men and women have a full range of motion.

Women in particular also need to be aware that when being flipped or spun there's a high likelihood their skirt is going to flare up, so the skirt needs to have full coverage built in.

In addition to the clothing worn during swing dancing, footwear is also very important. Both partners need shoes with good traction that they are comfortable moving around in. You'll often find that women's shoes for swing dancing have platforms instead of heels so that they are easier to move around in but still give you a feeling of height.

Your Swing Dance Style

There are many different options for swing dance costumes, but they often reflect the Latin or jazz costume traditions. Women often wear either tight dresses or have flaring skirts that themselves swing as you move.

Men traditionally wear a suit or some variation, as they might with ballroom dance, and the zoot suit or a 1940s style is very popular for swing dancing.

Of course the real rule is that anything goes, so as long as you feel good and can move comfortably in an outfit, it's the right choice for you.

Finding Swing Dance Costumes

Shopping online is probably the best way to find swing dancing costumes to suit your needs, unless you live in a city large enough to support a dancewear shop. Some studios have small shops attached, but they won't have the selection that an online shop can provide.

There are many different options for buying swing dance costumes, whether you want to go with a classic 1940s style or bring a Latin twist to your outfit. Here are a few places to check out:

• DanceStore.com has a great selection of swing dance clothing and shoes. You'll also find videos teaching the basic dances and accessories such as sunglasses and sailor hats.
• Suavecito makes zoot suits ready to wear and custom made, as well as offering suits for rental (a popular choice for weddings). The suits are avialable in a variety of fabrics and colors.
• Aida Dancewear has a good selection of practice and show dresses, as well as menswear and shoes.
• Dance Shopper is a great choice for twirly skirts and sexy Latin shirts for men.
• Back Bay Dancewear has Latin dresses, ballgowns, recital costumes and dance dresses, as well as leotards and practice outfits.
• Swing Skirts sells nothing but flirty little skirts that are perfect for swing dancing.
• Dancewear Solutions has a wide variety of dresses that are geared more toward ballet, but there are a few jazz outfits as well.

The Costume Isn't Everything

Having a great custom-made or otherwise expensive dance costume is really important if you're participating in a competition, but if you're just going out for a night on the town with friends, it doesn't really matter what you wear.

You probably have something in your closet that will do just fine for casual swing dancing. Just remember that you need something that's comfortable, that allows for free movement, shoes that won't slip and undergarments that make sure everything's covered when you try out the wild moves.

The main thing is to have fun showing your stuff on the dance floor and maybe picking up some new moves from the other dancers. And all that is possible no matter what you're wearing.