Dance tights sizing guidelines

Ever look at the array of tights online or at your local dancewear store and feel a little overwhelmed?  You're not alone.  In this post, I will give my best overview of sizing guidelines for the dance tights with which I am familiar.  I will be discussing adult sizes.

Capezio tights size chart

Body Wrappers tights size chart

My local dancewear store carries these two brands of tights.  I am most familiar with these two, but I also know about Theatricals by discountdance.com, Balera, Sansha, Russian Pointe, and Dance Class by Trimfoot.

Some tights are sold as "double sizes" such as S/M and L/XL.  Brands that do this include Body Wrappers and Capezio, Dance Class by Trimfoot and Russian Pointe.  For these brands, the size charts based on height and weight are very accurate, although the categories can be a little narrow.  Some dancers who are very tall and thin or short and stocky may not fall into any size category at all.  When this happens, it is best to go by height alone.  At 5'3" and 95 lbs, I just barely catch the edge of the S/M category for all of these brands.  This is the correct size for me.  Some dancers' heights and weights place them between categories.  In this case it is wise to go with the larger category.  

The only exception to this rule is when purchasing Body Wrappers A45 mesh professional backseam tights, which run very large.  They are also sold as single sizes, Small through Tall.  If a dancer's height and weight (or only height in extreme cases) falls comfortably into a size category, this is the size to get.  If a dancer is on the edge of a category with this product, go with the smaller size.

For regular nylon/spandex dance tights that are sold as single sizes such as S, M, and L from brands like Theatricals and Balera, go with one size up.  These brands are cheaper, so they run more easily than better quality brands like Capezio and Body Wrappers.  To reduce strain on the material, go with a slightly larger size than what is recommended on the size chart.

Sansha tights come in adult one-size-fits-all.  This size fits me pretty well, so I worry that they may be too small for taller dancers.  

Is one of these your favorite brand of tights?  Do you like another brand best?  Leave a comment!