About Tango Clothes

Tango clothing should reflect the heavy Latin influence of the dance and usually includes lots of reds and other primary colors. This is not the dance requiring a light pink tutu. Wear red rocks for this sultry Latin number. Another consideration for tango dancers is the ability to move freely in the clothing. A lot of the steps are quick, sleek and meticulous, so dancers don’t need clothing that restricts their movement or takes away from the sleek profile.

Bright colors and high-slit skirts are perfect choices for women’s tango clothes. Tops should always be form fitting, either a tight sheath with long sleeves, a sleeveless variation of the tight sheath or a bandeau halter. The skirt, or dress bottom, is often fitted through the waist and hips with a flare of lengthy ruffles along the bottom. Skirts or bottoms are frequently asymmetrical and hang loose directly from the waist. Tango dresses and skirts can also feature a short front and long back or triangular points of material hanging down from the waist. Ideal materials are spandex and Lycra blends that let the ladies bend. Some are embellished with sequins or fringe.

Since the ladies are vibrant and bright, men’s tango clothes are often much simpler. A straight-leg pair of black slacks coupled with a form-fitting black t-shirt will do the trick. Men who prefer dressier attire can opt for simple black or white silk or equally shiny straight-cut shirt with matching slacks. Men’s wear can be accessorized with suspenders, a vest or fedora-type hat to add to his mystery and allure.

High heels and strappy styles make for the best tango shoes for women. The toe area is usually closed, although some with peek-a-boo toe cleavage are on the market. Shoe straps reach around the back to form an “X” around the top of the foot and secure at the ankle with buckles or satin ribbon. Tango heels are very high, often nearly 4 inches, and feature a fat base that tapers to a point at the place the heel reaches the floor. Soles should be smooth for easy sliding and gliding across the dance floor.

Smooth soles are also a must for men’s tango shoes, as are high heels. No, the guy won’t be prancing along the floor with a stiletto, but his shows will have a boxy heel that can reach to heights of nearly 2 inches. Since men’s tango clothing is often so basic, he can choose tango shoes that sparkle, with interesting patterns, a saddle-shoe, bi-color look or even sequins. All men’s tango shoes have laces rather than another type of closure.