You might think pulling on a pair of tights would be as easy as putting on jeans, but as with almost everything involving male dancers’ clothes, you’d be wrong.
— Dr. Dancebelt
Choose the Right Tights
Men’s ballet tights are thicker than women’s—don’t let anyone tell you women’s tights are “unisex” unless you’re okay with see-through. Female ballet dancers wear theirs under leotards, but that won’t work for you. Women’s tights also have a cotton gusset that won’t be helpful. Insist on real men’s tights.
While I used to recommend only one brand, many manufacturers have improved. Try different kinds to find your favorite. White tights can easily be dyed with Rit dyes, or stores like Tutu.com offer custom dyeing for a small fee.
Fitting Tights Correctly
Ballet tights have a high waistband, so pulling them up to your waist will leave a sagging crotch and folds behind your knees. Tights should be snug—extra fabric in the rear can give you a “unibutt” or a diaper look, which is bad form, and in extreme cases, can interfere with movement.
Wearing Tights
For class, pull your tights as high as possible (usually up to your chest), then wrap the waistband over a belt and fold it 3-4 times until it sits on your hips. Some dancers use a non-stretch belt; others prefer stiff elastic.
Suspenders and Tunics
Many classic male ballet tunics have short waists, so elastic suspenders help keep the tights waistband high and prevent midriff gaps during performances. Sewing elastic over your shoulders is the easiest way to keep tights up. Store-bought suspenders work, but their claws can rip tights. If you can’t sew and need a quick fix, Bloch sells tights with built-in suspenders.
If you wear a leotard, male ballet dancers traditionally wear it under their tights, with thong leotards preferred to avoid visible panty lines (VPL). And remember, always wear a dance belt—leotards don’t provide the necessary support!
White Tights
White tights are for performances, but they reveal everything, including a poorly fitted dance belt. A flesh-colored dance belt is your best bet under white tights, as it’s less visible than a white one.
Some companies suggest wearing two pairs of white tights for a flawless look, but bright stage lighting usually makes that unnecessary. When wearing white tights, always cover them with sweatpants or warm-ups backstage to keep them clean!