Swing Dance Clothes

[Vince A]

What do you wear??? For fun and for dress up . . . social and competition . . . women too . . . Any favorites???

I love clothes, and love to go clothes shopping with my wife . . .

For fun and social dancing . . . I'm a stickler for jeans, like really tight in the derriere, yet very baggy and wide in the legs . . . form-fitting body shirts, and either tango shoes or dance sneakers.

For evening and competitions, I usually wear black dress slacks that have extremely baggy wide-legs, and an untucked-in 'swing-type' shirt - the 30's, 40's, 50's kinda looking shirt. I always carry about 3 shirts and three pair of tango dress dress shoes for those "hot dance" nights!

If the dance is very mixed, like has ballroom, salsa, and hustle music, I have a tendency to dress somewhere in the middle!

[Spitfire]

I dress casually for the swing dances since that is what the atmosphere is. For me that's a t-shirt and sneakers.

I dress up more for ballroom.

[pygmalion]

For swing especially, I like the "twirly" and "swishy" skirts from dancestore.com. Perfect for swing. Cheap. Washable. Available in a bunch of colors. And boy, do they feel good when you move.

I use these mostly for dress-down dancing, but have a friend who with a little imagination, was able to make some great costumes using these skirts as a starting point.

[d nice]

Wow, Vince you are such a westie.

I stopped having dance clothes and non dance clothes for the most part. I just wear clothes appropriate to the venue.

[Swing Kitten]

I tend to bring an extra shirt to freshen up mid-way throught he dance... I'm sure it's appreciated and it feels better.

Other than that I just select clothes that I can move in... which basically describes the bulk of my current wardrobe any way-- although I do sometimes use it as an occassion to dress up a little (although I'm sure that my level of dressing up is hardly noticable compared to many other folk... alas)

[Vince A]

Wow, Vince you are such a westie.

Absolutely! Even though I'm an East Coast transplant???

So you Sacramentans aren't into clothes, eh?

There are reasons behind the question . . . I believe that the dressing up part of Swing dancing is an art form all by itself. I wear extremely baggy slacks and body shirts, as do most of us "westies."

But how about those "easties?"

How about the Zoot suiters?

How about those Lindy dancers?

In an another thread, "agression" was mentioned . . . I'm wondering if it is the jerks who are dancing these days?

Or is it the music and venue???

Where I dance there is an emphasis on comradery . . . family . . . manners . . . using your brain on the dance floor . . . and really neat styling! And "yes," there are exceptions to it! The jerks are there, but there are few of them!

Side bar question d nice: do you ever attend any UCWDC events in the area?

[dancergal]

Ahh dance clothes, my favorite subject. I'm always buying something new. For evening dances, I mostly wear black pants (flares are nice) and any top that has spagetti straps or looks cool enough to dance in because we get pretty hot dancing all night. :lol: I like the girlie frills or lace. I've got tons of dance tops and pants, the more sexy the better. If it's during the day, I like jeans and a tank top. For country dancing, I like my black Rockies (tight) and cowboy boots. If I have a country looking top, I'll wear it, otherwise any dance top will do.

[pygmalion]

Since we're expanding beyond swing into dance clothes in general.

For C&W, gotta be tight, tight boot cut jeans, and boots, of course. Any top will do.

For ballroom, a little black dress is nice, not too tight around the knees. Breathable fabric, and if it's long, slits in the sides, not front or back.

For salsa, I go for the looks. Comfort comes second, 'cause I want to get some dances.

[Swing Kitten]

So you Sacramentans aren't into clothes, eh?

Well, I don't know about that. I certainly can't speak for everybody. Maybe it's because we look so nice regularly that we don't see much point to try to add to our splendor! :D (I dunno, just a guess!) For me it's not about being seen, thus less stress on the hip threads, it's more about the dance and movement, so as long it doesn't limit movement and is comfortable for both me and my lead then it's a go. Of course I want to look nice but unless I'm working (painting and some carpentry etc.) I do that any way.



But how about those "easties?"

How about the Zoot suiters?

How about those Lindy dancers?

In an another thread, "agression" was mentioned . . . I'm wondering if it is the jerks who are dancing these days?

Or is it the music and venue???

could you clarify these questions for me? I would appreciate that.

[d nice]

Westie is the affectionate term of endearment that lindy hoppers have given West Coast Swing Dancers. It isn't a statement about location or place of origination.

It isn't that I don't dress up. I just wear clothes appropriate to my personal style when I go dancing. What you see on the dance floor is what you'll see any other night out. Anything less is just to "costume-y" for me.

Lindy Hoppers tend to be "slobs" by westie standards. Lindy Hoppers tend to be younger and the new generation of America's teens have taken "casual" to a whole new level. Baggy or loose jeans, cargos,"rave-pants", shell top addidas or other sneakers that have been chromed, baggy shirts for the guys baby tees and other close/tight tops for the girls. These tend to be what you'll see at lindy hop events.

UCWDC? Nope. Not really into country dancing. I have thought about going to the Fresno event, but nwever get around to it.

[pygmalion]

It isn't that I don't dress up. I just wear clothes appropriate to my personal style when I go dancing. What you see on the dance floor is what you'll see any other night out. Anything less is just to "costume-y" for me.



You say costume like it's a bad thing! :)
Actually, I just enjoy having an excuse to collect all those clothes for different types of settings. Maybe it's a girl thing. :?: :)

[Vince A]

Swing Kitten,
I'm glad you ended with "Of course I want to look nice . . ."

I think we all do, and I think the clothes make us feel "the part" somewhat. It' s like . . . well, some of the events that I go to, they also have C&W dancing. I may wander back and forth between the C&W floors after a 2 Step and go over to the Swing floor for a WCS.

If . . . I'm wearing tight Wranglers and Evening Star dance boots . . . you know . . . I just cannot get down and funky . . . or at least that feeling is not there . . . as much as I could if I were wearing more Swing-type clothes. "Yes," I know I could, but it's the feeling! It's kinda similar to dancing a WCS to Shania Twain . . . it can be done . . . it just doesn't get done for me!

I am also a professional, and know that I act the part much better in a three-piece suit at a meeting, than I would if I had on a golf shirt and slacks. I'm still the same person, just "fell' differently.

As far a clearing up the questions . . . well d nice called me a "westie." I was wondering what "easties" wore? The ones that I know dress like I do.

I earlier said you "look the part, you act the part." If I wore a zoot suit to a country dance, I certainly wouldn't feel right. I just could not dance!

Etc., etc., etc. I just wondered if clothes, the style or what you wear makes a difference? You mentioned movement limitations and comfort . . .
I could wear spandex bottoms and a tank top to get these, but I wouldn't dance the same, nor would my wife dance with me.

[dancergal]

I guess it is a girl thing, Pygmalion. Anytime I'm out shopping, I always look at clothes and think that it would be a great "dance" top or pants. I'm sort of running out of closet space. :D

[Vince A]

I guess it is a girl thing, Pygmalion. Anytime I'm out shopping, I always look at clothes and think that it would be a great "dance" top or pants. I'm sort of running out of closet space. :D
Most of the women I associate with 'are' dancers . . . and that is exactly what they say when they are out buying clothes . . .

If it's not a classy place, it's my regular plaid pants
and a button shirt. If it's a nice place, though, I'll
match it with the appropriate level of a comfortable
suit, sans tie for heating purposes.

-FF

[Vince A]

UCWDC? Nope. Not really into country dancing. I have thought about going to the Fresno event, but nwever get around to it.
"Westie" . . . see I learned a new word today???

UCWDC events are no longer stricly C&W. Everyone that I have attended in the last year or so also have a strictly Swing floor and competition in Swing and Hustle. I meander back and forth between the two, but am usually on the Swing floor!

Fresno is best . . . the main floor is for "mixed" dancing and the atrium is Swing only! Great event, great dancing, great people, great partying! The women out-number the men about 8 to 1! You literally could dance all night, as most people stay up until the wee hours of the morning just dancing. Many dance in PJs.

Try it. You'll be hooked!

[dancergal]

I totally agree with Vince. The Fresno event is the most fun of all. Lots and lots of non-stop dancing and I like the two dance floors. If I got tired of country, I could take a break and dance swing. We missed the "Gong Show" because I just couldn't wake up that early. I hear it was really funny.

[Vince A]

Fresno is Number 1.

The wake-up skits are too funny, as is the Gong Show. This year they even did a take-off of that show Fear Factor. . . in which contestants ate worms! Absolutely side-splitting!

Dancing 24 hours-a-day! Hospitlaity rooms, and many skimpily-dressed females . . . :shock:

Don't go to Fresno if you cannot have fun or are a prude!

[Swing Kitten]

Don't go to Fresno if you cannot have fun or are a prude!

Thanks now I know to avoid it! :wink:

You had me up until that point with the skantily clad women out numbering the men 8 to 1 and everything-- yes I find that sooooo appealing :roll: - I really hope you can sense my sarcasm!... I'm lying it on extra thick just for you!!!

:D

[Vince A]

Swing Kitten,

Thanks . . . the thicker the better! Now . . . you know I only go there for the dancing!

So, save me dance when you get there . . . OK!

[Swing Kitten]

Well it sounds like every follow there can look forward to a bit of down time and dance very eighth song or so. So if I were going I would gladily, and easily, save a dance for you!

[Vince A]

Well it sounds like every follow there can look forward to a bit of down time and dance very eighth song or so. So if I were going I would gladily, and easily, save a dance for you!
Sometimes, this IS not fun, but a bunch of dancing? - Yes! Some of us die-hard guys refuse to let a woman sit out a dance . . . we get everyone up and dancing . . . some of us can control two followers at the same time.

Bragging? No, it's just that we hate to see someone sitting out a dance when they can be dancing. Plain and simple. We go there to DANCE. We go there to have FUN. And that we DO!

Have you ever been to the Fresno event?

[dancergal]

Swing Kitten, don't let Vince scare you. It's not that bad at all. I get asked to dance all the time and with two dance floors, you can dance all night. There are plenty of men there. If you are a real die-hard dancer, the key is to never leave the dance floor. As soon as the music ends and a new song starts, just grab another dance partner before they leave the floor or sometimes they will ask you before you leave the floor too. Guys really like it when you ask them to dance. But you gotta be fast. When I sit out a dance, it's mostly because I want a break!!! :lol:

[Vince A]

dancergal,
Thanks . . . I hope Swing Kitten knows that I'm kidding!

I found Fresno to be just as you described! It is "FUN," and you can dance as much or little as you want to. Plus . . . you will leave there with many, many new friends!

[Swing Kitten]

I hope you both know that I am exaggerating. I'm sure it's not nearly as painful as it sounds! :wink:

No I have never been to the Fresno event... this is my first year dancing and I don't get out much-- as anyone who knows me can attest!

[Swing Kitten]

now does it matter that this tread is, and has been, completely off topic??

Clothes???

[dancergal]

You're right, we did get off track! Clothes for the Fresno event is anything from casual to fancy. It usually have a theme (this year was tropical) and one evening is set aside for a pajama party. I think that's where Vince was going and got off track. I always seem to buy something new for each dance convention because of all the familiar faces there, I don't want them to see me in the same outfit!! Heavens!! btw-have you ever bought a top or an outfit to wear but want to save it for a special event? I have such a top. It's so cute, I want to save it for a special event, but haven't found that event yet. :lol:

[Swing Kitten]

ummm... ...no.

[pygmalion]

Ummm. Yes.

I don't want to get off topic. So when I'm shopping for dance clothes, here's what I do. Just shop for cheap clothes. Seriously. After about a year of dancing, I had a closet full of clothes. So now, I look for cheap stuff. $35 or less. When I see something good, I buy it. Then, like dancergirl, I save it for the appropriate occasion -- sometimes months later.


Just for the record, clothes are a very sensitive topic for women, guys. Keep that in mind. :D

[Swing Kitten]

You're adorable pygmalion!!

[pygmalion]

You're adorable pygmalion!!

:oops: :oops: :D :D


Thanks!!!

[Vince A]

Just for the record, clothes are a very sensitive topic for women, guys. Keep that in mind. :D
There are "some" guys who DO know this . . . ask my wife . . . we both love clothes . . . we both love shopping for clothes!

[MissAlyssa]

I loooooooooove to wear jeans and high heeled boots. I am really digging the new gauzy tunic type shirts with the slit sleeves. I love clothes. :D

[Vince A]

I loooooooooove to wear jeans and high heeled boots. I am really digging the new gauzy tunic type shirts with the slit sleeves. I love clothes. :D
"M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m good!

[Swing Kitten]

Quick everyone... count your pairs of shoes!!!!


this should be interesting!!

[d nice]

I'm not sure I can count that high. I have way nmore shoes than any straight man should.

[d nice]

I have ten pair in sight, closet doors closed, three pair in my car. Maybe another eight pair in my closet. Then there are the ones in storage.

I think I need an intervention. Either that our start guesting for Carson when he is on vacation.

[Swing Kitten]

I just counted and I have 13 pairs... most of them serve different purposes.

[Black Sheep]

Just for history buffs,
In the 1950's the only dancers that came in casual clothes were the Contest Contestants, and then even some of them like Pat Eggers, Gill Brady and Joe Lanza always came dressed in suit, or sport outfit, shirt and tie, even on hot summer nights and competed fully dressed.
But I think it's OK to dress like a bag of rags if that's your thing.
Ballroom dancers, we set the style always. we were the first ones to go completely black, the first ones to wear cut off boots, and slanted cuffs and form fitting shirts, you name it. We dancers set the style for the rest of the world.
The dancers today are imitating the pre-teenagers with the crotch down to their knees and leg pants six inches too long dragging on the floor and shirts and sweaters two sizes too large.
But if you want to look like a bunch of rags rolling around like a ball of nitting wool covering your dance style and hiding all those wonderful dance techniques and try to look 30 years younger like a pre-teenagers, be my quest. It's a free country.
Talk about shoes; I still have the shoes I danced in the classic, 'Don't Knock the Rock'. But whose counting?
Black Sheep, I'm for free choice.[/code]

[pygmalion]

I have ten pair in sight, closet doors closed, three pair in my car. Maybe another eight pair in my closet. Then there are the ones in storage.

I think I need an intervention. Either that our start guesting for Carson when he is on vacation. :lol: :lol:

What does straight or otherwise have to do with it? If ya gotta have shoes, ya gotta have shoes.

I thought I was bad. Fifteen pairs, plus two pairs of boots.

And a wish list with at least fifteen more styles on it. When big events come around, people don't ask me what I want anymore. They just ask me for the url of where to get my shoes. Five pairs last christmas. Three for my birthday (March 20, just in case you have any shoes to spare!) :D

Oh, and since we're (supposedly) on the subject of swing clothes, the swing shoes with the "spin spot" are really cool -- cool looking, and I love that spin spot. Kinda hard to do much of anything other than swing with rubber soles, though.

Oh, and by the way, we are talking about just dance shoes,aren't we? Heavens only knows how many pairs of regular shoes I have. Can't count that high.

[d nice]

"Bag of rags"?... 'nuff said.

Cultural Mavens have always set the style trends. Black jazz/blues musicians in the 30's were the first to start wearing oversized clothing as a fashion statement which was quickly picked up by the dancers. The bohemian culture that they spawned were the first to wear all black as a fashion statement, another way to visually distance and distinguish themselves from mainstream society.

Clothing can accentuate lines, even though it may hide the limb responsible for the movement. A long dress hides a womans legs but the way the dress flows, swirls, and hangs gives a better and more visually captivating dynamic to strides, spins, turns, and stops. Loose flowing pants do the same for men.

[youngsta]

I have 16 pairs of shoes :shock:

[Vince A]

You ALL are so bad . . . you're worse than I am.

I have a shoe fetish too!

If you love clothes, you gotta have shoes!

[Spitfire]

All I need are my single pair of Tony Llama boots when I dress up and my sneakers for those more casual atmospheres. Not enough room for so many pairs of shoes.

[Swing Kitten]

Oh, and by the way, we are talking about just dance shoes,aren't we? Heavens only knows how many pairs of regular shoes I have. Can't count that high.

Oh, I was counting everything from hiking boots to sandels... I have one pair of shoes I go dancing in.

:lol: but it would be interesting to hear both numbers!!

.... did I mention you're adorable??

[MissAlyssa]

Hmm...I have about 25 pairs of regular shoes and 2 pairs of dance shoes, but I'm ordering 2 more pair next week.

[pygmalion]

Come on, MissAlyssa!

How can you call yourself a dancing female with only two pairs of dancing shoes? Get out there and shop, girl! :D

[MissAlyssa]

lol, I am too addicted to buying clothes to remember to buy shoes :lol:

[Vince A]

lol, I am too addicted to buying clothes to remember to buy shoes :lol:
I waited 4 days to see if anyone would come back at you for your last post.

I don't know which of those two vices is the better one (or bad???) for me???

I just looked at my shoe racks this past weekend and said . . . "sorry, some of you have to go to make room for some new ones." Of course, there was 'no reply,' so off to Goodwill they went! Off to the mall I went. But I didn't find anything that I liked . . . :cry:

[pygmalion]

I also wondered if anyone would reply. Here's the thing: if you're a dancer, you have great excuses to buy both, so why not?

I have a closet full of dance clothes, and another closet full of shoes. Why not? I need them to dance in. :lol:

[Swing Kitten]

... this really makes me question my position as a dancer!

I only have one pair of shoes I dance in (note** I did not call them 'dance shoes'!) and they're not even chromed!!

I am a poser and a fraud! and yet oh so sensible!! :D

How did I sneak in here!!

lol

[MissAlyssa]

POSER!!! lol, just playin', I just ordered another pair of shoes yesterday I'M SO EXCITED TO GET THEM!!

[pygmalion]

I found this neat article about swing dance clothes and shoes. This is the first time I've seen someone differentiate swing shoes from dance shoes in general. I agree, btw. I have ballroom shoes -- mostly International or Supadance. And I also have swing shoes -- Bleyer. Hmm. Swinging in court shoes or Latin shoes really does bang into the balls of your feet. I like the cushioned insoles in the Bleyers.

http://www.uky.edu/StudentOrgs/HKSDC/Shoes,Clothes.html

[SwinginBoo]

I just bought a pair of black Bleyer Swivel shoes. They're so cute. I'm not sure if they're too big though...hmmm...

I should have ordered two sizes and sent one back. It's tough ordering shoes online.

[pygmalion]

Did you get the insoles? Without them, the shoes will definitely be too big. Even with them, my shoes feel a little roomy. That's the downside of the Bleyers. You also have to pay the extra $18 (I think?) for the insoles, or the shoes don't work.

[SwinginBoo]

The insoles are built in :( But they'll probably be ok.

[pygmalion]

Oooh. Yeah. You're right. I'd forgotten. Bleyer does have a couple styles with built-in insoles. My bad. Most of their shoes, you have to buy the insoles separately. But not all. :oops: 8)

[d nice]

The Swivel is the only shoe Bleyers makes that is any good. The insoles are the only good thing about the other shoes. The rest of their shoes tend to fall apart and their "spin spot" is next to worthless for swing.

If you want to do lindy hop your best bet is to pick a low heeled shoe or athletic shoe you like and have mens dress leather put on the sole. It will give you some traction, but still allow all the slips and slides and spins you'll want. It will be far more comfortable, far more durable, and FAR more stylish.

[pygmalion]

How do you feel about the dance sneakers -- the Capezio or Danskin ones? Or the ones with suede soles?

My Bleyers are holding up very well after six months of wear -- of course, I don't swing dance nearly as much as you. *shrug*

[SDsalsaguy]

How do you feel about the dance sneakers -- the Capezio or Danskin ones? Or the ones with suede soles?
I hate Capezio jazz sneakers... the only brand that I really like -- and I really *do* like them -- are Blochs (although they may not be suited for swing... I'll leave that call up to an expert such as d nice).

[d nice]

Jazz sneakers are pretty good, but again without leather soles they limit the types of stuff you can do on a typical dance floor.

There is a reason for this, most professional stage floors are terrible, I know tons of broadway dancers who "coke" floors before the show goes on... "Coking" is pouring Coca-Cola on the floor so it becomes sticky so you don't slip or slide.

In swing, particularly lindy hop, we do the exact opposite. We use talcom powder, corn meal, or some other fine powder to make the floors more slippery.

I'm not a fan of suede/chromed leather soles, mostly because the sole is so thin. A dress leather sole only used on non-abrasive surfaces will generally outlast the upper be it leather, canvas, or other. Chromed leather will last with care a couple of years depending on the dance frequency and style. Weekly use of Bleyers will generally make the shoe fall apart anywhere from three months to about 18 months... estimated.

[will35]

Just out of curiosity, do you think this might work? I am considering buying some for Tango. Other than the strange look, well...it is the only sneaker I can find with a real, hard leather sole. http://www.tangoinmiami.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=35&osCsid=075b6fff87bf598f0724684840e22bf4

I have always used street shoes.

[SDsalsaguy]

Jazz sneakers are pretty good, but again without leather soles they limit the types of stuff you can do on a typical dance floor....
Figured as much...

Personally I live in my jazz sneakers -- but then again I don't really do swing...

[SwinginBoo]

My Bleyers are only for occasions when I'm dressed in vintage get-up and I need a shoe to match the period. Because you're right, they are not the best shoe to dance in, especially for spins and turns. But mostly I dance in my sneakers with the chrome leather attached to the bottom.

[jon]

I'm not a fan of suede/chromed leather soles, mostly because the sole is so thin.

That's a property of the dance shoe design, not the chromed leather itself. Heck, Brunswick bowling shoes (useful for crappy unsprung wood or hard concrete/linoleum floors in particular, although the soles are really too thick and inflexible) have chrome leather pads, but are otherwise just athletic shoes!

My ballroom shoes typically last 3-4 years of 2-3x/weekly swing and ballroom dancing on decent floors, FWIW.

[pygmalion]

Note to self: Request even more dance shoes for Christmas gifts. :lol: :lol:

Yup, swinginboo. The Bleyer shoes do have that neat retro look. I got mine for a WWII swing dance performance at the local history museum. Spectator. Cool. 8) :D

[will35]

Did nobody look at my link? When I hear swing dancers and Tango dancers talk about shoes, I hear some of the same complaints. I know Tango dancers who glue hard leather to the soles of sneakers. Ballroom shoes, they say are too sticky with the suede soles, and not enough support. I don't know, because I wear mostly street shoes with leather soles. But I am always looking for something more comfortable. On the other hand, if they look silly, I feel silly. I can't dance that way if my partner is too busy laughing at my footwear.

[pygmalion]

Yes, will, I saw your link. I think I posted it a while ago, in tango's thread about where you practice. I didn't comment because I only know one person with non-jazz sneakers, and they have suede soles. *shrug* So I don't know enough to comment. I was planning to add a pair of those tango miami shoes to my xmas list,as well. They're reasonably priced, and you can order whatever sole you want. I'll check back in after I get my sneaks. :D

[jon]

Did nobody look at my link? When I hear swing dancers and Tango dancers talk about shoes, I hear some of the same complaints. I know Tango dancers who glue hard leather to the soles of sneakers. Ballroom shoes, they say are too sticky with the suede soles, and not enough support.

My complaint about standard ballroom shoes (Diamant, Supadance, etc.) is that the tongues always creep to the outside of my feet after a few minutes, no matter how tight the laces are. Otherwise they work fine for pretty much all kinds of dancing on sprung floors, and basic black goes with everything 8)

It seems bizarre for someone to say ballroom shoes are too sticky. What kind of floors are they dancing on?

[Vince A]

Like SD . . . I live in my dance sneakers!!!

[will35]

The sticky complaint I don't quite understand, because I have never used suede soles. The Tango girls say the hard leather on the Tango soles is faster, and better for spinning. It probably lasts a lot longer, but I don't know. If you could imagine a very worn pair of suede soles that have never been brushed, that would be like hard leather soles, I guess.
On second thought, I think the complaint against ballroom shoes is that they are thin and floppy. That makes the foot use just a little bit of its area to do a spin. The leather sole is harder, so the weight is spread out over the whole bottom. I think the similarities in Swing dancers' needs and those of Tango dancers is that the dances were developed around the same time, with the dancers just wearing dress street shoes to do the original dance. That is why I just wear street shoes. I have some Tango shoes, but they are really just old looking street shoes. For women, the Tango shoes are really just old looking street shoes, too, but now it is incredibly hard to find shoes for normal street wear with a full leather sole and straps to hold the shoe on. When the dance was invented, that is what everybody wore on and off the dance floor. Now, they call them Tango shoes.

[jon]

I think the similarities in Swing dancers' needs and those of Tango dancers is that the dances were developed around the same time, with the dancers just wearing dress street shoes to do the original dance.

Maybe, but I've gotta say that in my observation, contemporary Lindy dancers are more likely to be wearing some sort of dance-adapted sneakers than anything else. The Bleyers two-tone look went out of style some years back, and street dress shoes just don't go with ratty T-shirts and baseball caps :-)

[will35]

I know what you mean, Jon. That is why I am always on the lookout for something more comfortable. I wear leather soled street shoes now everywhere I go, even to work in the garden. We never know when we might have a second or tow to Tango, and we need to have the right shoes. Dance sneakers would look more like normal people, and they might be more comfortable. But I can't dance in those rubber soles. And I am not crazy about modifcations.

[HepcatBob]

...they are not the best shoe to dance in, especially for spins and turns.

I've got the Charleston model with the smooth white sole and they spin quite well. I do know you mean, though. The black rubber soled Bleyers don't spin that well.

[suek]

after years and years and hundreds of dollars spent on dance shoes and dance sneakers my feet are finally happy in a $5 pair of drugstore sneakers with $25 worth of professionally applied suede on the bottom. no inserts, nothing. i dance longer and with less pain than ever before.

live and learn.

[Dancegal]

After a year and a half of swing dancing with hard leather soled shoes, I tried all-black Bleyers with the "Special Sole". I was disappointed - could not nearly spin as well in spite of the "spin spot" - unfortunately I had to dance in them for a while to figure it out. On a positive note, they are good (and safe!) for very slippery dance floors - and I do encounter those at a club I regularly visit.

I'm getting ready to find shoes to wear for a swing-dancing New Year's Eve party (wearing black knee-length dress) - the Swivel shoe and the Jitterbug shoe both have the same "Special" synthetic sole as the basic black so it seems I'd run into the same "sole" dilemma. Any recommendations?

[pygmalion]

Maybe, but I've gotta say that in my observation, contemporary Lindy dancers are more likely to be wearing some sort of dance-adapted sneakers than anything else. The Bleyers two-tone look went out of style some years back, and street dress shoes just don't go with ratty T-shirts and baseball caps



That's my dilemna. I definitely want to learn lindy, but hey, I'm much more of a black cocktail dress kind of gal. To me ratty T-shirts are for cleaning the garage. No offense intended, lindy hoppers. But what's a more formal kind of person to wear? To fit in, but not TOO much? :lol: Anybody have recommendations?

[pygmalion]

So the consensus on the Bleyers is :

Pros: Good on slippery floors, insoles a big plus, nice if you want retro styling

Cons: Not so good for spinning, tend to wear out quickly

Any shoe manufacturers out there listening? :lol: We could definitely be the perfect focus group for dance shoe makers/marketers. :lol:

dancegal, are you looking for a dressy shoe? If so, you might try tango shoes. Showtime has a gorgeous line of Argentine tango shoes for women -- leather soles, high quality leather upper, a variety of heel heights, good support of the foot. On the down side, not much padding (thin insole), and quite pricey. $150 - $180. I love my red leather ones, though. Coast and Celebrity also offer their entire line of dance shoes with street soles by special order -- that takes a while, though. I think one of their distributors is toe2toe.com

[Sagitta]

Note that this only applies to the local dancing scene as I've not been out-of the area dancing, as such:

Speaking of Lindy attire....

The most common shoes that I've seen are just normal shoes, with scotch or some other tape put on the bottom so that one can spin/swivel with them. The shoes range the gamut from bowling shoes...to casual dress shoes, and similarly the clothing matches the shoes. So I have seen guys in slacks, nice shirt, and nice shoes...also gals the same way...

[Dancegal]

Thanks Pygmaliion & Sagitta! When it comes to dressy shoes - I prefer shoes I don't have to carry around before the party! I am unable to wear high heels - my toes cannot stand the pressure - at best no more than 1 1/2-2" height. I checked out Showtime shoes & toe2toe websites - thanks. There's a dealer near me I may be able to try some shoes on. I went to a swing Christmas party last year and wore 2" heeled leather soles - the floor was quite slick - one reason why Bleyers might not be so bad. Not sure yet what I'll do....

[Sarah]

That's my dilemna. I definitely want to learn lindy, but hey, I'm much more of a black cocktail dress kind of gal. To me ratty T-shirts are for cleaning the garage. No offense intended, lindy hoppers. But what's a more formal kind of person to wear? To fit in, but not TOO much? :lol: Anybody have recommendations?

Could you do the quirky op-shop slightly suggesting vintage (but not too much) sort of look?
Hey - I know what I mean! :D

Cheers
Sarah

[pygmalion]

:lol: I know what you mean too. Semi-retro might work for me. Good suggestion. Thanks. For sure, the baggy T-shirts and pants don't. BTW, Merlet, a dance shoe company from France, has some really pretty ballroom shoes perfect for a forties-era retro look. :D Oh oh. That Christmas wish list is getting long. I have a feeling a few pairs might spill over to my birthday list. :lol: :lol:

[Swing Kitten]

I don't wear ratty T-shirts while dancing... and don't see many people who do actually.

Clothes are loose to facilitate and enhace movement. The key is to be comfortable so you can relax, move and have fun. I'd say those are the major objectives of the lindy hopper. Of course people want to look nice (which definition varies from person to person of course). I personally go for the cute sporty girl type of look. This works mainly because I buy my shirts in the boy's department-- which I adore. I seldom if ever dance in jeans even though I suppose I could since I don't wear any of my pants tight. I don't wear baggy clothes (except that ratty T when I'm painting)... but loose... they fit.

I'm under the impression that lindy is the most casual of the dances we discuss here. I'd say dancing ability has much more to do with popularity than clothing. If you can cut a mean rug and feel comfortable doing it in a black cocktail dress... nothing is saying that you can't! Go for it!

You don't need a "look" (although you'd probably develope one anyway) to go hopping.

:D

May the swing be with you!

[SwinginBoo]

NO ratty T-shirts for this lindy hopper! :evil: :lol:

There are lots of different styles of dress for us. Like Swing Kitten said the main goal is comfort. And with that in mind, you need to think about how are these pants going to feel when I start dripping in sweat? Will this shirt go with these pants when I need to change because I'm really sweaty?

Now for the gals who like to look more feminine there is nothing better than getting decked out in swing garb. It's especially nice since the retro/vintage look seems to be back in style and you can get some cute stuff very cheap. I personally prefer the dresses that have the petticoats underneath. But cute sailor-type pants with cropped shirts and flowers in the hair are also a nice touch, along with the fabulous skirts offered at Dancestore.com This is just THIS lindy hoppers opinion...we are not sloppy dressers just because our dance can be kind of crazy at times. :D

[HepcatBob]

NO ratty T-shirts for this lindy hopper! :evil: :lol:


None for me, either. The most casual I'll go is a bowling shirt with a pair of baggy, solid black military fatigue pants. Depending on the type of dance, or if I'm going to a nice club, I'll pull out one of my 10 zoot suits. I still enjoy wearing them and a lot of the older folks get a kick out of them.

[Dancegal]

Count me in (on the "no ratty t-shirt" Lindy club) :) I generally wear either jeans (since they have pockets for my keys/wallet) and a casual top or yoga style pants and a sleeveless top for dance classes or practice. I feel more feminine in a skirt but I save these for special events. I wear skirts all week for my job so I welcome casual wear after hours as well as dressing up more to go out. I view my Lindy time as a workout (except it is WAY MORE FUN than working out); therefore, I dress comfortably.

[d nice]

You'll notice all the lindy hoppers chiming all have different ideas of style, the common thread is comfortable and reasonably casual.

I tend to wear loose fitting slacks or jeans a t-shirt under a collared dress shirt which i usually leave untucked. For footwear I tend towards leather dress shoes or loafers.

[Swing Kitten]

I'm also a fan of bringing an extra shirt or two... it's nice to freshen up during a dance.

I'd say that's fairly anti-ratty :D

[suek]

My closet has undergone an amazing transformation. I had no dresses or skirts--none--for years and years. And now I have the world's coolest swingskirt (sixgore, below the knee, gabardine, twirls great) and four or five vintage or vintage-look dresses. And a pair of 40s silk pajamas that are great for dancing. And I find I like wearing dresses even when I'm not dancing. Amazing.

Social dancing I usually wear yoga/workout pants (lightweight) and a sleeveless or tank top (so I can be as cool as possible in a very sweaty situation). Or I dress up (as mentioned above), depending on the venue and my mood.

Either way I wear a little mascara and red lipstick. And I have six different cloth flowers that I clip in my hair in combinations of two or three.

I read Jenn's post the other night and went right to dancestore.com. I have two new skirts and some cool underpants (for those high twirls) coming this week.

This is fun.

[Vince A]

No ratty T shirts for me either, but I do wear nice T-shirts or Polo-type shirts. I collect a shirt (always black) from each of the venues that I attend, and this is usually what I wear while wearing jeans.

Really baggy-legged jeans, but tight in the hips/butt area, or very wide-legged dance slacks. One final thing I wear is a "Kippy" belt. The look kinda says casual swing!!!

And of course, dance sneakers . . .

[d nice]

Just to stir the pot a little (and continue my never ending battle against the evil that is Bleyers non-Swivel shoes)...

Women did not wear two-tones or spectators in the swing era. "that was a modern invention in the eighties."

*snicker*

Seriousely if you want to dress like a vintage swing dancer you really should be wearing Keds or some other canvas sneaker. If you want to dress like in vintage like the average woman on her night out dancing then a low thick heeled or wedge, solid colored shoe is more appropriate.

Most people don't really care about looking "authentic", but if you really are attempting to look the part, you can get a much better looking, longer lasting, more accuarate shoe than a Bleyer spectator.

[pygmalion]

*giggle* Actually, my 73 year old Mom clearly remembers having a couple pairs of spectator pumps and some platform/wedgie shoes in the late forties. I just called and asked, for the sake of "stirring the pot." :lol: You may be right about what the swing folks danced in back then, though. Her shoes were strictly for church. :lol: :D

Edit: Oh yeah, and you're absolutely right about the heel height. She told me 1.5 inches. Nice solid, low comfortable heels. Looks like swing dancers have always been sensible about that. :D

[pygmalion]

Cool. I found a link, just like you knew I would. :lol: :roll: :wink:

Fashion history for lindy hoppers. Looks like Mom was behind the times with her spectator pumps. According to this page, they first appeared in the early thirties. Wedgies/platform shoes were quite popular in the forties. Even Mom, in rural South Carolina, had some! :lol: :D

http://www.lindyhopping.com/fashionhist.html

[suek]

I just emailed my mom and asked about shoes...will let you know what she tells me.

[Swing Kitten]

Especially for dancing I try to wear a soft shirt or one with an interesting texture but nice to the touch. I consider that my lead will need to touch the back of my shirt and some of the shirts I see gals wear (esecially the ones with sparkles) I would think would be a little scratchy to deal with.


Also, while I think it's important to know what is historically accurate, I like the look of two tone shoes! If I have a nice pair of two tone wing tips you could bet that I would wear them. ... but the dance shoes I've seen come this way have not impressed me. The uppers are too soft, flexible, and slipperesque for my tastes. You can see the dancer wiggle their toes... no body and too thin. :shrug:

[Dancegal]

After a year and a half of swing dancing with hard leather soled shoes, I tried all-black Bleyers with the "Special Sole". I was disappointed - could not nearly spin as well in spite of the "spin spot" - unfortunately I had to dance in them for a while to figure it out.

Apparently I did not dance in them long enough - tonight I took the Bleyers to my Lindy hop class and danced at the practice time afterwards - and had a great dance night! I was even doing "shines" (continual swivels) which I had trouble doing before (well... I was practicing my "shines" at home wearing socks on CARPET :lol: ). I did slide some too (on the DANCE floor; no, did not try sliding on CARPET :lol: ). And took off the Bleyer insoles, shoe still fit fine (I had ordered a size 7/39 Bleyer and I normally wear 6 1/2). I guess I was just too accustomed to my hard leather bottom dance shoes.

[Sagitta]

Great dancegal!! Glad it worked out in the end! :)

[d nice]

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear at all, spectator and two-tone shoes themselves have obviousely been around for many years... the jitterbugs I know all denied dancing in two-tones (actually this includes the guys as well curiousely enough). The reference actually made by one was those were worn by the downtown crowd (Harlem being the northern point of Manhattan). The overabundance of two-tones in swing dancing seemed to come with the first revival of lindy hop in the 80's.

It'll be interesting to here from the experience of older dancers from other parts of the country.

I certainly shouldn't have phrased it as an absolute. It just begs to be proven wrong, and isn't hard to do.

[pygmalion]

:lol: I was just teasing about the spectator pumps. :lol: And you are absolutely right about the heels women wore. When I look at old family photos or old movies from that era, the thing that strikes me about the shoes is how clunky they were, by modern standards. Nice sensible, thick heels.

[Dancegal]

I just got my black swishy skirt and peasant shirt from dancestore.com. I love them! I love the skirt so much I'm thinking of shopping for a dressier top I could wear with the skirt for my New Year's Eve Big Band Bash party. And of course, I'm geared for the Great Southwest Lindyfest in March! Yep, building up the Lindy collection.... :D :P :D

http://lindyfest.hsds.org/

[lindy jihad]

as i have said before, i dont really dance anymore, but i did go to a dance tonight.
i was sporting the best shirt. ever.
Cinderella - Long Cold Winter Tour 88-89
its so awesome. its that niiiice 80s buttrock thin cotton.
thats what swing dancing is all about.

[pygmalion]

I hope you had fun at the dance, lindy jihad. Cool shirt, either way! 8) :D

[pygmalion]

Woa! I found a couple websites with vintage-look clothes and shoes. Has anybody tried them? Re-mix Vintage Shoes for 1940's wedgies, and 50's flats, and cool wingtips for men. And Zoots by Suavecito for zoot suits. Anybody? These clothes look cool! Oh yeah, and no Bleyers are involved. :lol: :lol:

[Vince A]

Woa! I found a couple websites with vintage-look clothes and shoes. Has anybody tried them? Re-mix Vintage Shoes for 1940's wedgies, and 50's flats, and cool wingtips for men. And Zoots by Suavecito for zoot suits. Anybody? These clothes look cool! Oh yeah, and no Bleyers are involved. :lol: :lol:
Hiya Jenn,
In all of your travels on Google, have you run across any sites that have men's shirts, like the swing dancers wear . . . short sleeve, mainly black, where the whole front sections are a pattern or something like that? Kinda like the one in my "photo album" pictures, the one with Carolyn and SDsalsaguy.

I'm looking for some with musical instruments or cars themes too!

If you happen to see any . . . let me know???

[Swing Kitten]

I've got my shoes!!! :lol: now I just have to see about dancing in them ;)

[pygmalion]

Yay for new shoes. :D Do tell.

[pygmalion]

Woa! I found a couple websites with vintage-look clothes and shoes. Has anybody tried them? Re-mix Vintage Shoes for 1940's wedgies, and 50's flats, and cool wingtips for men. And Zoots by Suavecito for zoot suits. Anybody? These clothes look cool! Oh yeah, and no Bleyers are involved. :lol: :lol:
Hiya Jenn,
In all of your travels on Google, have you run across any sites that have men's shirts, like the swing dancers wear . . . short sleeve, mainly black, where the whole front sections are a pattern or something like that? Kinda like the one in my "photo album" pictures, the one with Carolyn and SDsalsaguy.

I'm looking for some with musical instruments or cars themes too!

If you happen to see any . . . let me know???

Sorry I missed this before, Vince. Sure. I'll keep my eye open.

[bgirlswinger]

I have some sites on my list but I often find that going out around town in our own jackyard can be an advantage. Jenn there is are 2 vintage shops in 5 points which is located on the riverside of jacksonville. One of them has bee naround for a couple of years and it is a cool little retro shop. The other one is eith right next door or liek 2 doors dow ncalled Violet and it has alot of vintage skirts, shirts, jackets, scarves, hats and i stay i nthere for a while just chattign to the lady about the clothes, and droolign over the clothes and I htink I wil go back tommrow. lol
for shoes I like Bleyers, and converse-all stars, I have flat feet so I am particular about the shoes I get. i HAVE TO WEAR MY ACTUAL "DANCE SHOES" to get the complete slide effect. everyone has a different style too. mine is kind of "punkish." and so I rarely dress up but I do have a few things in my collection.
-amber d
amber d.

[pygmalion]

I know what you mean, bgirlswinger. Some of my best retro clothes I've gotten from my (10 to 20 year) older sisters and my (older than that LOL) Mom.

Also, for people who sew, a few pattern companies (Vogue, Butterick, Simplicity and McCalls, I think) have retro patterns currently in print. Move quickly, though. Some of those retro patterns are already being discontinued.

[LindyKeya]

Actually, most of those have already been discountinued. I think Vogue is the only line still carrying vintage patterns. There are several companies that sell actual vintage patterns on the internet.
Also, there are lots of patterns you can easily modify to look vintage, and some patterns, though not "vintage" have that retro look anyway.

As far as nice shirts for men go, sewing your own is always a good inexpensive option, but also check out www.daddyos.com for some nice (but not all of them are!) shirts.

[Vince A]

That's one of the sites I was looking for . . . thanks LindyKeya . . . I lost them when my hard drive had a melt-down!!!

[pygmalion]

Actually, most of those have already been discountinued. I think Vogue is the only line still carrying vintage patterns. There are several companies that sell actual vintage patterns on the internet.
Also, there are lots of patterns you can easily modify to look vintage, and some patterns, though not "vintage" have that retro look anyway.



Yup. You're right about the patterns being discontinued. But guess what I found out? (via google, of course :lol: ) Butterick, Vogue, and Simplicity all carry a stock of discontinued patterns. I googled on discotinued Vogue patterns and got contact info. Just contact the company, and you can get one of those old vintage style patterns. Cool.

And as for actual vintage patterns -- I bet they are more authentic. But, from a seamstress's point of view, a lot less user friendly. Dress sizing has changed since the 40's/50's, seam allowances have been added, and a bunch of other stuff. A retro pattern is probably easier to work with, unless you're a very experienced seamstress.

[DancingMommy]

Lindy Hoppers tend to be "slobs" by westie standards. Lindy Hoppers tend to be younger and the new generation of America's teens have taken "casual" to a whole new level. Baggy or loose jeans, cargos,"rave-pants", shell top addidas or other sneakers that have been chromed, baggy shirts for the guys baby tees and other close/tight tops for the girls. These tend to be what you'll see at lindy hop events.

Don't slam me, but around here, we call those "teenyboppers". ;) The "grownups" tend to dress a little differently...

[DancingMommy]

Just out of curiosity, do you think this might work? I am considering buying some for Tango. Other than the strange look, well...it is the only sneaker I can find with a real, hard leather sole. http://www.tangoinmiami.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=35&osCsid=075b6fff87bf598f0724684840e22bf4

I have always used street shoes.

I LOVE THEM!!!!!!! MUST BUY THEM!!!!!!

[pygmalion]

You have some? Do tell. I want to get some. and soon.

[Vince A]

Yup . . . I want a pair, as well . . .

[Diavo]

My swing dancin' outfit:

*b&w wintip Stacy Adams w/ dance sole
*dress socks
*black slacks, baggy
*suspenders (button on) and/or thin classy belt
*T-shirt or a beater if summertime
*lounge shirt (I have a total of 15 to choose from currently) [ great examples at www.bowlingshirt.com, don't have any of those tho]
*porkpie hat

That's my usual, it's dressy (swank) yet light and keeps me cool (I get *really* hot dancing, I swing hard). Sometimes the occasion calls for something more dressy, so that's when I don my black w/ white pinstripes zoot suit (my mom made via my tailoring instructions! :P )

--Diavo

[pygmalion]

Sounds cool, Diavo. Got any photos? You can always post in the photo album and let us see how cool you look. :wink: :D

I like your look. Cool, but just dressy enough. Excellent taste, if you ask me. :D

[Diavo]

You can see a couple of pictures of me swung out at my website
www.geocities.com/CoolestIntentions >Enter>Photos>Swing and also >Photos>Magic (I'm a magician and there's a pic of my friend doing magic tricks for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy summer '03 in Baltimore)

More coming when I finally finish this roll of film on my camera, it's mostly of swing dances! =)

--Diavo

[pygmalion]

You look too cool! 8) :D

[Diavo]

Thanks, pygmalion.

I'm now accepting applications for swing chicks who want to date me. lol! :lol:

--Diavo 8)

[LindyQuest]

I also like the twirly and swishy skirts from dancestore.com. :D I usually wear these with soft or shiny tops. Most of the time, though, I just wear black pants or my capri jeans, since everyone's pretty informal around here.
I have a pair of the Bleyer swivel shoes, and I really like them! I solved the spinning problem by having suede put on the bottom. The shoe store by my house only charged me $4.00 for suede for the pair - awesome!
In March there is a "Night in the 40's" event I want to go to, but I don't have anything that really looks "40-ish." It says that vintage dress is encouraged...I've done some searching around town and online, but haven't really found anything that I like, more specifically, I haven't found anything within my price range. :roll: Does anyone have any suggestions of good places to look for vintage or vintage-style dresses?

[pygmalion]

Have you tried asking your Mom (or Auntie, or grandmom) or going to GoodWill or the consignment store? A lot of the best retro outfits I've seen have been the real thing, bought on the cheap. Dancestore.com used to have some WWII surplus jackets and pants at fairly reasonable prices. I wonder if they still do. Hmm.

[Vince A]

Does anyone on the DF wear "Kippy's?" I do!

[TemptressToo]

My style varies. Where I swing dance...many of the girls dress up and some of the guys. We all have either dance dresses (used for ballroom), swishy-swingy skirts and dresses, etc.

I really like the retro look from 1920-mid-1950 or so. Some days I'm in flapper wear with fitted dress and tasseled hems and sleeves. Other days it's a swingy dress (love dresses by Rampage and Ruby Rox) with crinolin underneath. Always, I dance in some type of heel with felt bottoms. This past weekend...I looked a lot like Grace Kelly. I had purchased a vintage-1940's hat and matching kid gloves to go with my vintage reproduction dress. The little hat kind of looks like a really fancy headband but it fits on the back/crown of your head and end just above and behind the ears. Very cute. Also, for those of you that has access to a Dillards store...their juniors dresses department has a LOT of vintage reproductions...the best news is that they were not too popular with non-dancers...so there is a LOT of dresses that have finally been marked down to $13-14 a piece.

I've found some really cute swingy stuff at consignment shops and on Ebay. Those are both good ideas for finding stuff. I also use some of my handy sewing ability to doctor up plain shells adding fringe, etc.

[pygmalion]

:D Cool. I'll check with Dillards. 8)

[LindyQuest]

A lot of the best retro outfits I've seen have been the real thing, bought on the cheap. Dancestore.com used to have some WWII surplus jackets and pants at fairly reasonable prices. I wonder if they still do. Hmm.

I'll have to check them out - thanks! :D

This past weekend...I looked a lot like Grace Kelly. I had purchased a vintage-1940's had and matching kid gloves to go with my vintage reproduction dress. The little hat kind of looks like a really fancy headband but it fits on the back/crown of your head and end just above and behind the ears. Very cute.

That sounds awesome!!! I'll have to check out Dillard's, too, maybe they have something online...

[Diavo]

FYI:
Just wanted to post a place for buying cool swingin' shoes.

If you're near Baltimore, check out this store:
JUST FOR KICKS
It's on the corner of of Baltimore St and Howard St.

The place has TONS of cool shoes, lots of Stacy Adams, and plenty of black & white shoes, wingtips and more. All leather. They even have black&red/yellow/purple wingtips!! Friendly service.
Prices are good too, between $50-$130.
I got shiny new Stacy Adams b&w wintips for $70. 8)


--Diavo 8)

[pygmalion]

Hi Diavo. Sorta long time, no see. Thanks for the tip. 8) :D

[jdavidb]

For Lindy Hop, I think suspenders with the pants pulled up to the chest is cool as hell.

[Diavo]

^Yeah, any zoot-imitating style rocks! I wish I could wear my zoot suit more to dances, but it's way to hot to dance in (even after taking off the jacket and rolling up the sleeves, taking off the tie...).

Last weekend I didn't wear my usual lounge shirt & porkpie hat combo. Instead:
my b&w wingtips
black slacks
white leather belt
black T-shirt (with dice on fire in blue on the sleeve)
black w/ *blue pinstripes* vest :)
my new Kangol-type cap that's black w/ white pinstripes.

A 1920's kind of look, it was classic yet modern. 8)

[Doug]

So I am probably as boring as can be, but I simply dress up to dance. Top quality light weight wool slacks and a comfortable but loose shirt. And Betzi is the color nazi that ensures that they are color coordinated. Thank you Betzi!

Although I dance primarily vintage dances, I don't dress vintage. And I certainly don't dress in "club" clothing or pretend that I am a bad lounge singer, a cowboy, one of the Village People (YMCA) or something else that I am not. Back in the day, many of the men simply dressed up in the style of their time to go out with their girl. I try to do the same. And being in my mid 50s, I also try to dress my age, not in the styles of my children......

Booooring!

[Diavo]

Doug,
I try to avoid the styles of today & the styles worn by my age group (I'm 23) -- they tend to be plain, worn-out looking (that's a style?!) and "used" [but not in the thrift-shop way :wink: ]. Did you know you can actually buy baseball caps that have the edges of the brims pre-worn away? Ugh!
There's no class in most of today's male styles, aside from business dress.

I actually where black slacks & lounge shirts day-to-day (I have 17!). It's who I am. 8)

wool slacks -- nice. :)

[LindyLuv]

Lindy Hoppers tend to be "slobs" by westie standards. Lindy Hoppers tend to be younger and the new generation of America's teens have taken "casual" to a whole new level. Baggy or loose jeans, cargos,"rave-pants", shell top addidas or other sneakers that have been chromed, baggy shirts for the guys baby tees and other close/tight tops for the girls. These tend to be what you'll see at lindy hop events.
Hahahahahahahahaha :lol: this is a really late quote, but I just found these forums while searching the internet for dance clothes sites. Wow, that's so funny; it's right on. I have shell top addidas and I even took them to a cobbler to have chrome leather put on the bottoms. Baggy pants (or, at least those that are wide-legged) are excellent... as are cargo pants... and baby tees (esp. exchange tees)... and tight tops (light weight cotton tanks)... wow, I think you were looking in my closet when you wrote that!!

And as for style, just in general: I think everyone has a different dance style so it shouldn't be surprising that people have different preferences when it comes to the clothes they are dancing in! And, surely, every type of dance calls for different looks - clothes that cater to different moves, attitudes, styles, scenes...

Depending on what I wear, my dancing even changes! Yes, I am a shop-aholic, but my clothes/shoe obsession controls me even after my new shopping conquests have reached my closet!! For example, my style changes from shoe to shoe - freaky, eh? It not only has to do with how the shoe feels on my foot (which inspires different footwork) but it also alters my mood/attitude. When I feel cool in my ensemble, my dancing becomes cooler! Along these same lines... my dancing changes when I wear skirts - I really milk the spins for all they are worth (hey, I don't wear skirts for nothing!) Also, I tend to stray away from blues and the like... don't know why :?: :?: I think somehow I actually feel less secure stylizing in a skirt; pants are better (I think...), because they actually tend to aid the point I want to get across rather than make it look goofy :?

Anyway, this is an awesome forum - interesting to see what different clothes people like to wear!!

[Sardoth]

I never even thought of my clothes. XD

I don't even wear anything special.

Then again I also want to get an entirely new wardrobe.

[luh]

i usually have kind of normal clothes on. i try to avoid computer t-shirts and stuff like that (it doesn't seem to appear funny to my dance partners - i think they are holarious :P )
But where i'm really watching what i'm wearing is my shoes. i think i just danced once swing in chucks, and NEVER again. since than i danced in black kindofleather shoes. And in two weeks i'm gonna get real wingtip shoes. (very similar to: http://www.dancestore.com/1aawingtip.html
(we all seem to like dancestore.com - don't we ;-))
for do ballroom - just again slipery shoes, and if i'm going to go really nicely dancing, - suit. I don't have to many clothes, so i don't have a big choice either.
concluding:
slipery shoes for almost everydance
suit for do-ballroom.
luh

[blue]

I like to dress a little bit neatly, not extremely but I seldom go out dancing in jeans. Regarding shoes, I started in those ugly split soles dance sneakers - very comfy, but not very neat. Now I go for a pair of black shoes with a leather sole, very similar to a man's dressy shoes, and bring my sneakers only for excessive amounts of dancing or when I go to a new floor for the first time - just in case the leather would be too slippery.

Heels, I save those for my tango. Dancing in comfy shoes is one of the really good things about lindy. :)

[LindyKeya]

. . . But where i'm really watching what i'm wearing is my shoes. i think i just danced once swing in chucks, and NEVER again. . .
luh

Sueded Chucks are great for swing dancing, if you are going for a casual look. And they're comfy.

[luh]

true, they are confy, but i understand something else under slippery. they were so sticky, that my moving looked like an elefant. Not smooth at all. Maybe if you wear them down enough they are good.
luh

[Diavo]

Skater Sneakers work surprisingly well though. You can't do slide-y moves, but the comfort and spring in your step certainly make up for it. [For a low-key, very casual social dance night.] Nothing but my b&w wingtips for me since '99!

Lately [wintertime] I've been wearing unbuttoned dress shirts in place of lounge shirts (always a black or white T-shirt underneath). I was watching Swing Kids and The Untouchables back-to-back one day and got this inspiration: arm garters! So I found some black elastic and made a pair, easy. Great for a classic look with the dress shirt. 8)

--Diavo

[luh]

since i added a foto, it's pretty obvious how I like to look. It's pretty much like the foto, - t-shirts change ;) (of those pants i have tons) :D
luh

[Zaratustra shaking it]

Do u want a great swing (or whatever you are dancing) outfit.
Have you heard of hindu pants?? They are made of a really light and fresh fabric. They are wide and extremaly confortable.
In the top I would wear a fit t shirt.

[luh]

hmm, and where do you get these pants? they sound a little like those pants you get at dance store.com
luh

[huey]

I've started to dress up more for dances. I like clothes that are smart, loose and light. I also prefer clothes that I can wear away from dances.

I've also just started to wear what in the UK are called 'fashion trainers', like Nike Air Force 1's as shown here (I've now learned they are basketball shoes, but they look and feel good for dancing and general wear) -

http://www.jdsports.co.uk/product.asp?id=4408&lg=1

I stick 'elephant tape' (or 'duct tape') all over the soles so that I can slide in them -

http://www.office-supplies-uk.co.uk/SELLOTAPE_ELEPHANT_TAPE_50X25_3883_-_Pack_of_4_17299.html

[Vince A]

huey . . . FYI . . .
The pic shows those shoes at 54.99 pounds, which is roughly 99.55 US dollars . . . I pay about $55 for a pair of Bloch's dance tennis shoes - about 30 pounds - and I wear them everywhere . . . even to and from dance places . . . and, I can slide in them, as well!

Dance tennis shoes put you on the balls of your feet where you belong!

Although, I know quite a few people who also do what you do!

[huey]

huey . . . FYI . . .
I pay about $55 for a pair of Bloch's dance tennis shoes - about 30 pounds - and I wear them everywhere . . . even to and from dance places . . . and, I can slide in them, as well!

Dance tennis shoes put you on the balls of your feet where you belong!


Hi Vince,

Thanks.

Do you mean these? -

http://www.blochworld.com/outsideframe.cfm?location=product/storeframe.cfm?groupid=2

I have some Bloch 'dance trainers' as I call them, but they don't look as good as the Nike Air Force 1 pair, and are very dangerous for going up and down stairs, having a split sole with no support beneath the arch. I've nearly fallen down stairs several times when wearing them outside dance halls, so I've stopped doing that.

[luh]

i used to dance just in my dance shoes. wingtipps with leather sole. Since i haven't had them always with me when i needed them, i also used chucks, or whetever i got with me. (socks)
On friday there'll be a dance outside. I'm probably going to use chucks again. don't want to wear down my leather soles.
luh

[Ms_Sunlight]

Skater Sneakers work surprisingly well though. You can't do slide-y moves, but the comfort and spring in your step certainly make up for it.

I don't swing dance, but I've got to say I love my Vans for regular club dancing. Lovely, lovely shoes to dance in. At my favourite club, I can even slide and spin in them -- at least later on in the evening when the floor is wet with spilled drinks!

[luh]

Skater Sneakers work surprisingly well though. You can't do slide-y moves, but the comfort and spring in your step certainly make up for it.

I don't swing dance, but I've got to say I love my Vans for regular club dancing. Lovely, lovely shoes to dance in. At my favourite club, I can even slide and spin in them -- at least later on in the evening when the floor is wet with spilled drinks!

drinks on the floor. YUK. that's the worst. don't take beverages on the floor. I hate it if someone does that.
luh

[Ms_Sunlight]

drinks on the floor. YUK. that's the worst. don't take beverages on the floor. I hate it if someone does that.
luh

It's a rock/indie/punk club with live bands. Spilled drinks are a given -- but rubber soles can cope with them!

If I saw someone dancing with a drink at the salsa evenings where I wear my suede-soled shoes I might be a little dischuffed. :D

[luh]

drinks on the floor. YUK. that's the worst. don't take beverages on the floor. I hate it if someone does that.
luh

It's a rock/indie/punk club with live bands. Spilled drinks are a given -- but rubber soles can cope with them!

If I saw someone dancing with a drink at the salsa evenings where I wear my suede-soled shoes I might be a little dischuffed. :D

okay, that is something different. that is no real dancing, just mash pot. i'd never go with my drink there- would be afraid it gets spilled ;)
luh

[penguness]

What i wear depends on the dance...

for my dances that i go to on saturday, which have live band, and are held only once a month, I dress up, nice skirt, do my hair pretty, makeup etc a blouse or tank top.... This is how the people that go there dress, so thats how we dress...

For thurday night dances, which are just the kids from school getting together and swing dancing, i just wear what i wore during the day, even sneakers, beacuse we don't dance much... for friday stuff, which is right after school the same thing except i throw on my cheapo payless shoes beacuse we have lessons and i need to dance like i somewhat know what i am doing!!!

for sunday night dances, these are all the good people to dance with, that i dance with weekly... I used to dress normal for this dance, jeans and a t shirt, or whatever i was wearing during the day.. But last sunday my friends and i did an experiment, just to see what happened. I have one friend who normally gets asked to dance just about every other dance, but she always wears skirts.. This week she decided not to wear a skirt, but just to wear a nice pair of capris.... I normally wear skirts, about every other week, but they are normally down to my knees and don't spin out much, they just kinda stay down there.. This week i wore a skirt about to my knees that poofs WAY OUT when i am dancing and looks really cool.. My other friend, also wore one of these types of skirts (not planned!) lol sooo my friend and i wearing the poofy skirts that spin really pretty got asked to dance practically every song, and my friend who was wearing pants, only got asked to dance about 10 times all night.... Sooo from now on, we will always be wearing poofy skirts to dancing on sundays and on saturdays... This dance is normally just dress up pretty, but i do not take the effort to do hair or makeup!

For shoes i wear dress shoes to the dance and put on my "dance team" shoes to dance in, which are cheapo payless sneakers, and put insoles in them.... they were all white and had bottoms made ot felt, we painted them so the toe and heal were dark blue and they matched our skirts. They had great spin to them, better than leather bottomed dance shoes that i have worn! Then i found these really nice pair of sneakers, made for, i am not sure exactly, but i started out wearing them as normal every day sneakers. They have really nice padding and support, but they arn't high, and they arn't too think, otherwise i trip over them.... lol, so they are low and really nice... But ione day i was in the grocery store and randomly started doing the shimsham while my mom was trying to get us some cheese... lol.. and i realised that they were really aweseome to spin in! Better than my dance team shoes, and better than the actual dancing shoes that i have tryed! Sooo no matter what i am wearing, i wear these shoes while i am dancing. Unfortunatly they look very much like running shoes, and very unlike what you are suppossed to wear dancing, so they look really funny when i walk inside wearing fancy shoes, and change into sneakers when i get inside, and the big spiffy dancers who are wearing nice dance shoes always ask me about them and i just laugh beacuse they were normal shoes, but than i switched them to being my dancing shoes! lol...

wow.. that is a reallyt long post, i never realised how much i thought about what i was wearing dancing!

[huey]

On friday there'll be a dance outside. I'm probably going to use chucks again. don't want to wear down my leather soles.
luh

I find wearing leather dance shoes outside quickly ruins the soft leather soles and makes them useless to dance in.

[Diavo]

When Blue Sky 5 plays [like tonight!] I put on big baggy blue dess pants with a black T-shirt / beater and a black lounge shirt with 2 blue panels (and black woven fire up them) so show my support. =)

It's zooty without the suity. :wink:

[Vince A]

Hi Vince,
Thanks.
Do you mean these? -
http://www.blochworld.com/outsideframe.cfm?location=product/storeframe.cfm?groupid=2
Sorry, I had forgotten about this thread . . . yes, those are the ones. I think I use the Boost DRT Silver Mesh in black, and my wife has the blue and red!

I have some Bloch 'dance trainers' as I call them, but they don't look as good as the Nike Air Force 1 pair, and are very dangerous for going up and down stairs, having a split sole with no support beneath the arch. I've nearly fallen down stairs several times when wearing them outside dance halls, so I've stopped doing that.
Oh no . . . be careful.

You stopped what? Wearing the Bloch's or staying off the stairs outside of dance halls - J/K!

I wear mine everywhere . . . never had a problem with stairs or anything. I've even rode a bicycle in them with no problems.

You DO have to remember that you have them on!!!