What’s the Difference Between Dance Tights and Regular Tights?

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Tights come in a huge array of styles, types and designs and can be used for a variety of purposes. One of the more less thought of styles is dance tights. But aren’t they just the same as everyday tights? Actually, no. They have a number of factors that make them different to typical tights, and their specifications suit their purpose exactly.

Dance tights tend to be a lot thicker, up to three times thicker in some cases, and as such are much more durable. This is an essential factor to consider, as getting a ladder when you’re performing on stage is a much bigger problem that if you’re in the office! These tights need to be thick and durable enough to withstand all the movement and activity that the wearer will perform.

Dancing tights also usually have a dyed to match gusset rather than a separate panel, they don’t have control tops as with most normal tights, and are the same thickness from waist to toe. As dance tights are thicker they’re also opaque, and are much more functional and practical than regular tights. They were developed for the specific purpose of being comfortable as well as durable, and match this specification perfectly. They often come in a variety of different forms and styles, depending on the purpose that they’re needed for. Often, the costume will be more of a focus than the tights so they’ll be of a more muted and inconspicuous colour.

However, sometimes the tights need to be on display, in which case you can find high-gloss styles or custom made ones that you can accessorize to suit the costume. Although you can get a number of finishes and colour in common tights, rarely can you get such a choice as you can with dancing tights. Convertible tights are another popular form of dance tights. These look like regular dancing tights, but have a hole on the underside of the foot so can quickly and easily be converted into footless tights. This is another difference is although you can get both footed and footless tights, you can’t get a pair that can do both.

While everyday tights seem to be available almost everywhere, dance tights are more specialised and it may take a bit more hunting around before you find the perfect pair. There are, however, a number of dance apparel websites and stores available that can offer all the advice you need. As you can see, there are actually quite a few differences between the two. Very rarely would a dancer use regular tights as a substitute, and equally they wouldn’t use their performing tights in an everyday situation. They’re thicker, less fragile, and are a functional necessity rather than a fashion statement. They serve their purpose perfectly, and do exactly what they were developed for.

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