What are bodytights?

For some dancers, especially those on competition teams, bodytights are old hat.  However, I've noticed that many ballet students have never heard of bodytights.  I'll take you through what this item is, as well as some of the benefits of using it.

Bodytights, also called bodystockings, are dance tights that come up and cover the chest and low back instead of ending at a dancer's waist.  Depending on the brand, bodytights have either clear plastic or fabric camisole straps that hold the garment up.  All bodytights have convertible feet, so they can be worn as footed or footless.  Bodytights come in some of the colors that regular dance tights come in: light pink, skin tones, and black.

I like wearing bodytights under tank and sleeved leotards that do not have shelf bra linings.  The tights coming up over my chest provide the support I usually get in leos with built in bras.  The bodytights are also very smoothing.  They do not cut off at the waist, so there is no visible waistline under leotards.  I've talked to some dancers who have a little more in the tummy area, and they like the way bodytights smooth their torsos and help hold everything in.

Like all dance tights, bodytights are slightly sheer, so they do not provide complete modesty.  However, if you are doing a performance with quick costume changes and don't want to worry about multiple garments like bras, etc., give bodytights a try.  They will also protect your torso from itchy costume pieces.

If you wear a lot of camisole or low backed leotards in class, the straps and low back areas of the bodytights may show.  This is not always an awful thing, but it's something to keep in mind if you want to try wearing bodytights.

The two most ubiquitous brands of bodytights are Body Wrappers and Capezio.  Body Wrappers varieties usually have the clear plastic straps, which are adjustable and can be removed.  Capezio bodytights usually have the sewn on fabric straps in the same color as the bodytights.  I prefer the fabric straps because I find them softer and more secure.

To find out more, try searching these two style numbers: Body Wrappers A91, Capezio 1818.


If you wear bodytights, leave a comment about what you like or don't like about them!