Ballet dancers, both male and female, wear specialized dancewear that allows them to move freely and perform the demanding movements required in ballet. For women, a key piece of dancewear are tights, which hug the legs closely. But what do female dancers wear under their tights?
Why Ballet Dancers Wear Tights
Ballet tights serve several important purposes for female dancers:
- They allow the teacher or choreographer to see the dancer’s leg and foot positions clearly, to ensure proper technique and alignment
- They provide gentle compression and support to the legs and feet
- They prevent fabrics like leotards or tutus from clinging to the legs
- In performances, they provide a seamless, sleek appearance for aesthetics
Due to these benefits, female ballet dancers wear tights for the majority of classes, rehearsals, and performances. But tights must be worn with some type of undergarment to provide coverage and absorbency.
Thongs
The most common undergarment worn by female ballet dancers under their tights are thongs or G-strings. Thongs provide a minimal rear coverage, eliminating visible panty lines under tight-fitting dancewear. The thin strap between the buttocks is more comfortable and less bulky than full underwear when performing the flexible leg and hip movements of ballet. Many dancers find thongs essential to prevent underwear from riding up, bunching, twisting, or showing through tights.
Advantages of Thongs
- Minimal coverage and thin materials prevent visible panty lines
- Comfortable fitallows freedom of movement
- Stays in place and does not ride up or shift during dancing
- Does not cause muffin-top over tights waistband
- Lighter and cooler than full underwear
Disadvantages of Thongs
- Can be uncomfortableor take time getting used to
- Provides less absorbency than full underwear
- Some find the thin strap unacceptable or immodest
- Not ideal for certain leotard styles or high leg lines
Dance Briefs
Some dancers opt to wear dance briefs, which offer more coverage than a thong but are still designed specifically for movement and to remain invisible under tights. Dance briefs are crafted from lightweight breathable fabrics like cotton, nylon, or spandex blends. They fit smoothly against the body with minimal seams to avoid lines under tights. Dance briefs come in a variety of styles:
- Low-rise briefs – sit low on the hips for a leg-lengthening effect
- Mid-rise briefs – hit at the natural waistline
- High-rise briefs – come up to or above the belly button
- French cut/high-cut leg – have high-cut sides to elongate the leg
- Boyshorts – provide a bit more coverage and comfort
Dance briefs allow more coverage than a thong while maintaining a close fit and preventing visible outlines. However, some find the extra fabric still bundles or shows compared to a thong.
Advantages of Dance Briefs
- Closely fit to body with minimal lines
- More coverage and absorbency than a thong
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Range of styles for preferences
- Prevent underwear lines under tights
Disadvantages of Dance Briefs
- Extra fabric may still bunch slightly
- Panty lines possible with lighter color tights
- Seams or edges may show through very thin or light tights
- More expensive than regular underwear
Seamless Underwear
Some dancers opt for seamless underwear from mainstream brands over dance-specific undergarments. Made from stretchy microfiber or nylon/spandex blends, seamless panties and briefs cling smoothly to the body with no edges, bulky stitching, or demarcated waistbands. High-cut seamless styles can mimic the leg-lengthening effect of French cut dance briefs. Seamless underwear contains moisture and prevents visible panty lines under tight outfits. But sizing and fit varies greatly by brand and style.
Advantages of Seamless Underwear
- Smooth, edge-free construction disappears under tights
- Prevents visible underwear lines
- Breathable, moisture-wicking microfiber fabrics
- Often more affordable than dance-specific brands
- Range of styles from thongs to briefs
Disadvantages of Seamless Underwear
- Sizing and fit inconsistencies between brands
- Less durable than dance briefs
- May still show some lines under very lightweight tights
- Less absorbent than cotton underwear
Going Commando
Some dancers choose to go commando and forego underwear entirely under their tights. Reasons for going commando include:
- Avoiding visible panty lines
- Preventing underwear riding up or shifting during dance moves
- Staying cooler with one less layer
- Achieving a smooth, uninterrupted look for aesthetics
However, going without underwear can be problematic as well. Sweat and discharge may soil tights directly, requiring more frequent washing or replacement. Some dancers find certain positions or movements uncomfortable against bare skin. There are also risks of irritation, infections, or discharge staining the tights visibly. Dancers must weigh carefully the benefits vs drawbacks when considering going commando.
Advantages of Going Commando
- No panty lines whatsoever
- Nothing to ride up, twist, or adjust
- Cooler with one less layer
- Seamless look under tights
Disadvantages of Going Commando
- Discharge/sweat soils tights directly
- Increased risk of irritation or infection
- Some positions may be uncomfortable
- May show discharge stains through tights
- Requires tights to be washed more frequently
Menstrual Periods
Dancers must also consider menstrual periods when selecting underwear for under tights. Many dancers continue regular class and rehearsals even during their periods. Choosing the right undergarments can help prevent leaks or visible staining:
- Tampons or menstrual cups – catching flow internally
- Dark-colored briefs – less visible staining
- Thongs or g-strings – less fabric to shift and prod
- Moisture-wicking fabrics – prevent leaks through
- Panty liners or pads – extra backup against leaks
Dancers may need to take extra precautions, change undergarments frequently, or opt for dark tights during their periods to feel secure and prevent visible leaks or stains.
Style of Tights
The opacity and style of tights also influences choices for underwear. Thicker, darker, or opaque tights conceal lines and potential staining better. But thin, light, or sheer tights show every imperfection. Underwear choices should suit the specific tights being worn:
- Thick/opaque tights – any underwear ok
- Moderate tights – seamless or low-profile underwear best
- Super thin/nude tights – thongs or no underwear recommended
Lighter-colored tights also tend to be more revealing than dark shades like black, brown, or navy blue. Dancers must tailor underwear to complement the opacity and color of tights while allowing the needed freedom of movement.
Preferences by Age or Experience
A dancer’s age or experience level may also impact their preferences for underwear under tights:
- Young students – often wear regular underwear or panties
- Teens – explore thongs and seamless options
- Professionals – adopt thongs or nothing as daily norm
Younger girls first starting ballet tend to stick with regular underwear like briefs or bikinis paired with pink tights. But as dedicated students advance into teen years, they transition towards thongs, dance briefs, or nothing at all. Professionals typically find thongs or going commando the most suitable options for their intensive daily wear and movement needs.
Injuries, Conditions & Irritation
In some cases, health issues may also necessitate underwear choices that minimize discomfort from tights. Dancers with skin conditions like eczema must avoid irritation from thongs strings and seek super-smooth options. Those prone to infections find breathable cotton ideal. Injured dancers in recovery selects styles that don’t rub or press on bandages or braces.
Leotard Styles
The style of leotard worn over tights can also influence underwear choice. High-cut leotards or those with high leg openings limit options to low-rise thongs or briefs to remain hidden. Low-cut leotards or bodysuits allow more versatility. But underwear showing above the leotard line remains undesirable. Dancers must ensure their underwear pairings complement the leotard silhouette.
Gussets
Many dancewear brands now offer underwear with cotton gussets or inserts in the crotch. The cotton lining provides extra breathability and absorption to keep dancers comfortable and fresh during long rehearsals. Gussetted designs help prevent the discharge staining through tights that can occur with all-synthetic blends. Dancers may select gusset styles to meet their needs and avoid visible staining.
Seams & Materials
Seam placement and materials factor into underwear visibility as well. Underwear with seams along the hips or waist are more prone to showing lines under tights, while seamless pairs create no demarcations. Synthetic blends like nylon/spandex provide stretch and moisture-wicking, but can cling and show outlines. Cotton blends are more breathable and absorbing, but lack stretch. Dancers must choose materials and seam placement wisely.
Cost Considerations
Budget and cost also play into dancers’ choices. Premium dance brands carry higher price tags for briefs and thongs. Mainstream seamless pairs cost less. But for daily wear, cheaper pairs may pill or degrade more quickly. Professional dancers may budget for multiple high-quality pairs to last. Students often opt for lower-cost options in multiples as their bodies grow. Economic factors make underwear choices highly individual.
Best Practices & Tips
Here are some top tips for female ballet dancers choosing underwear to wear under tights:
- Select minimal styles like thongs, G-strings, or seamless when wearing thin or light tights
- Choose cotton-lined options to absorb moisture and prevent staining
- Match underwear waist height to complement leotard cut
- Consider going commando if tights are opaque enough
- Bring extra underwear for quick changes as needed
- Look for hidden micro-grips around leg openings to prevent sliding
- Carry cleansing wipes for quick refreshes during long classes or rehearsals
- Clean tights and underwear frequently to avoid bacteria buildup
Conclusion
For female ballet dancers, underwear choices under tights aim to provide coverage and absorbency while remaining invisible and allowing free movement. Thongs and going commando are prevalent options among professionals, while students may opt for budget-friendly seamless underwear. Dancers select styles to complement their leotards, activity levels, health needs, and tights opacity. With so many factors at play, underwear preferences remain highly individual based on dancers’ specific needs and priorities.