Swing dancing is usually associated with glamorous ballrooms, old-world music, and men and women bedecked in their best suits and dresses.
If you’re new to this wonderful activity and are wondering what to wear for swing dancing, you may be under the impression that there’s a strict dress code at every venue.
And you could get kicked out if you don’t show up in proper attire.
Well, not quite!
There’s no dress code to swing dance at all. Sure, some clubs may have dress codes. But generally speaking, swing dancing is a pretty informal affair.
In this guide, we’ll show you how you can dress to show up at a swing dance event in style!
Table of Contents
What to Wear to Swing Dancing Classes
For classes, you don’t need to go the full mile and dress up in your best outfits. Instead, go for something that’s comfortable and functional.
A good-looking practice outfit is great, but remember that fashionability shouldn’t take precedent over function.
Go for an outfit that can facilitate movement and isn’t too stuffy. Formal clothes can be very restricting and will affect your performance.
Female Swing Dancers
For females, you can select a light shirt that won’t gather too much sweat as you dance. A blouse or a simple T-shirt made from light and breathable materials like cotton and linen will do the trick.
As for the bottom, you can wear a pair of high-waisted shorts or pants. They expose your legs and allow them to “air out” without becoming sweaty and stuffy. Additionally, they don’t get in the way of your dancing.
If you want, you can also opt for swing dance skirts such as these from Motony. But skirts that are too swirly can be distracting for you as well as your partner. In that case, you can wear shorts underneath.
Male Swing Dancers
For male dancers, a light shirt and full-length pants are the norms. This ensemble will apply to both dance classes as well as real performances.
If you need something a bit lighter and more breathable, you can wear shorts to classes, too. However, it’s recommended that you don’t show up to a swing dance event in shorts.
Make sure that the pair of pants you pick are comfortable to dance in. Once again, you should always focus on the comfort and functional side of things rather than look in class.
Extra Advice
- Avoid any overly constrictive type of clothes
As we mentioned, your clothes mustn’t get in the way of dancing. So, test out any outfit you bring to class first at home and twirl a few times in them.
If you don’t feel comfortable or the clothes are too tight as you move, it’s best to switch out the outfit for something else.
- Bring spare clothes to class
This is a good practice especially if you’re going to dance for a couple of hours. You’re going to be soaked with sweat afterward. The change of clothes can make you feel less gross after the class is over.
- Bring a couple of “accessories”
First, you should have a trusty hand towel in your bag at all times. It can help you wipe off all of the accumulated sweat that you will definitely build over the course of the class.
Then, a bottle of water is a must. It’s going to keep you feeling refreshed and stave off dehydration.
What to Wear for Social Swing Dancing Events?
This will depend on the type of dancing you’re about to do. There are many forms of swing dancing, ranging from formal to more casual evening dances.
We’ll show you how to dress up for both!
Dressing for Formal Dances
If you know you’re going to a rather formal swing dance event, put some effort into your outfit.
Swing Costume for Female
- Vintage dresses are best
For female dancers, a sure-fire way to pop out among the crowd is with a vintage dress that extols the dance tradition.
Swing dance came about and became hugely popular during the 40s and 50s. So, wearing dresses and skirts from this era will be fitting.
You can select either 40s or 50s dresses which are abundant at the IHOT store.
In the 40s, the most popular dresses had form-fitting tops with collars and A-line skirts. Another popular look at the time was button-down dresses.
It’s possible to go for whatever color you want, but we recommend elegant colors like black and navy blue for maximum historical effect.
In contrast to the relatively conservative fashion of the 1940s swing dance clothes, clothes from the 50s were far less strict. You can make an ensemble from a full-length skirt and a tight top.
Or, if you’re feeling a bit more lively, halter tops and mid-length dresses can give you a more sensual appearance.
Dresses from the 50s tend to be brighter in coloration. You can pick clothes with floral patterns, too! They were pretty popular at the time.
As for where you can find these dresses, they can be found online or at thrift stores. Just tell them you’re looking for vintage-style dresses, and they should point you in the right direction.
- Undergarments
The next but no less important piece of the ensemble is undergarments. You’re going to be swinging and frolicking a lot, which means your skirts are going to fly all over the place.
Dance trunks, stockings, and shorts are essential. If you want to stick with the vintage theme, consider petticoats and slips.
Aside from covering up your body, undergarments will soak all of the sweat and will be able to protect you from having that “sweaty and gross” look after a few hours of dancing.
- Remember to test your attire at home first
But whatever you end up picking, make sure to wear them at home and test them to see if any of them are obstructing your movement.
Once again, comfort and movement should always go before the aesthetic.
If your skirt is too tight or your top is too loose, you can make adjustments or replace them entirely with something that isn’t constricting.
Also, watch out for the fabric of your clothes. Besides being breathable, it should also be stretchy enough that it won’t rip while you’re trapping about the dance floor.
A wardrobe malfunction can ruin a night very quickly.
Swing Costume for Male
A good suit is timeless. For semi-formal affairs, a layered suit will do.
To assemble a good suit, first, put on a neatly ironed dress shirt, then layer a vest on top of it. Don your tie. Lastly, to complete the look, put on your jacket.
If it’s hot in your area, leave the jacket at home, but keep the rest of the layers on (dress shirt, vest, and tie). Still too hot? Take off the vest and just wear a dress shirt and tie.
In highly formal affairs that require you to go all out on clothing, the best way is with a double-breasted suit. You can select more modern swing dance outfits if that’s more to your taste.
However, it’s recommended that you pick suits tailored in a more vintage style to suit the historical characteristics of country swing dance.
If you’re wondering what a vintage suit looks like, the jacket will have broad shoulders and is more loose-fitting. Ties and bow-ties should be wide, not skinny.
Last, the pants should be high-waisted, and the legs should be loose.
Dressing for Evening Dances
Evening dances are characterized as being more informal. Typically, these are hosted at large festivals, so people who join the dance will be of every stripe.
You’ll see a few people in formal wear, some in vintage wear, and some in casual jeans and T-shirts. All are acceptable!
You can wear whatever you like to such events. Our only tip is to pick clothes you’re confident which will keep you cool and comfortable through the night.
What Shoes to Wear for Swing Dance?
The clothes aren’t nearly as important as the shoes, though.
After all, you’re not dancing with your torso, you’re dancing with your feet. So, having a pair of high-quality dance shoes is paramount.
There are three common types of shoes that swing dancers wear: rubber, suede (chromed leather), and genuine leather.
Rubber Soled Shoes
Rubber-soled shoes are your typical footwear like sneakers and canvas shoes. They’re cheap and accessible. There’s a good chance you already have a pair or two in your closet now!
So, we highly recommend these for beginners who are new to the sport and aren’t ready to commit time and money to it.
Of course, the disadvantage is that they may not feel as great to dance in compared to specialized dance shoes.
Because of the way the soles are built, they can stick to the floor due to high traction. This can be very dangerous for your knees while executing turns, pivots, and similar high-speed movements.
Suede Shoes
Suede shoes have better build quality and stick less to the floor, making your move smoother and safer. These shoes also protect your legs from twisting while dancing on a sticky floor.
Shoes with rhinestones like the one from TTdancewear can even make you stand out and take you to a higher level.
Our only gripe is that it can become dirty very quickly. Dirt and all manners of grime can collect on the material.
So, after virtually every dance session, you will have to use a shoe brush to scrub out all of the grimes.
Leather Soled Shoes
Leather-soled shoes are pretty similar to suede shoes in construction and feel. Your feet will feel a whole lot better with it on instead of something like a pair of rubber-soled sneakers.
These shoes are a touch better than suede shoes in that you will feel the floor’s surface more easily, which translates to better and more natural movements as you time the beat.
However, they may feel a bit strange to dance with at first. So, if you buy one of these, we recommend you practice with them for a session or two to get used to the feel.
Shoes for East Coast & West Coast Swing
For both styles of swing, it shouldn’t matter too much what kind of shoes you wear so long that it’s comfortable to dance in.
But there are a few brands that stand out depending on where you come from and the style of swing you pick.
East Coast swing dancers prefer Keds shoes, while West Coast swing dancers prefer Toms.
Both of these shoes are flat, flexible, comfortable, and easy to dance in. More importantly, both of the brands offer you the option to resole the shoes.
For all of these reasons, those shoes are popular not just among beginners and amateurs, but also among professional dancers who participate in swing dance competitions.
Extra: Some Shoe Tips
Support is essential for a pair of dance shoes. It can keep your feet from injury and make you more comfortable as you dance.
Though it may be expensive, we recommend you bring an extra pair of dance shoes.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same type of shoes. Instead, bring a pair with high traction, just in case the dance floor is “fast” (slippery).
The extra one can be less grippy, like suede or leather-soled shoes to combat sticky floors. If you’re a female dancer, bring a regular pair of shoes with you if you’re going to dance in heels.
And speaking of heels, you should practice dancing in them first before you show up to dance with them. Heels will feel very different compared to flat shoes.
To be safe, your heels shouldn’t exceed 1.5 inches in height. And avoid stilettos. Choose wider heels, instead. They’re easier to walk and dance in.
Accessories Swing Dancers Can Wear
Accessories range from hats to jewelry.
For women, you can choose vintage lady hats, a bow, or a string of pearls across your neck. All of these items evoke an old-world sense, which fits right into the atmosphere of a swing dance party.
For men, you also have a range of hats to choose from, ranging from fedoras to newsboy caps. Ties and suspenders are also popular among male swing dancers.
Hygiene Is Important for a Good Dancing Experience
Good hygiene is important. Everyone sweats after an hour or two of dancing. And if the sweat isn’t controlled, body odor will ensue.
To combat that, you can enlist the aid of many tools, ranging from deodorants to body sprays.
Perfumes are great, but it’s best that you don’t go overboard with them just in case your partner or some people around you are sensitive to the smell.
Instead, make a few light spritzes here and there and that’s it. Avoid dousing yourself in perfume!
Before Leaving
Before you leave, you should bring a bottle of water with you even if you’re going to a party where there’s going to be refreshments. And of course, always stay hydrated!
We hope this guide has given you a better idea of what to wear for swing dancing and what to bring to all of these occasions.
It can be intimidating at first, but, as you’ve already seen, there aren’t many expectations or rules that you need to follow to fit in.
And wherever you go, don’t forget to have fun!