Notes on Selecting Supportive Clothing and being Gender-Affirming
Clothing, in general, tends to be behind when it comes to selecting what is gender-affirming. Sizes are often gendered and based on assumptions about gender and beauty that are marketed as the standard. The world is moving (albeit slowly) but moving toward an understanding that there is no true “standard,” and dance, which has been a deeply gendered space for a long time, is still not as accessible or gender-neutral as we would like. When choosing clothing that feels gender-affirming for you, it is important to develop an understanding of your own physical body and how garments support movement, safety, and comfort.
This course requires movement/athletic/dance clothing and undergarments that permit students to have a full range of motion and allow for maximum mobility. How you wear these items is up to you (choose what looks good to you and what you feel best in) but prioritize current anatomical and physical needs. These guidelines are intended to help students select garments that provide appropriate support, safety, and mobility for physical training.
Foundational Support Garments
Students needing groin support are strongly encouraged to wear a dance belt for physical protection, support, and comfort during movement.
Students needing chest support may benefit most from wearing a leotard to provide consistent support during class. Students with larger chests may additionally choose to wear a sports bra under the leotard for added comfort and stability.
Leotards are designed to function as foundational garments that support, contain, and streamline the body during movement work.
Leotards & Fit
Leotards are commonly categorized by manufacturers as “men’s” and “women’s,” though these labels reflect construction design rather than gender identity.
Leotards often marketed toward women typically feature a higher leg line and a chest seam or cup that may not be comfortable or functional for individuals with a penis.
Leotards marketed toward men are often structured more like undershirts or singlets and are typically worn with a dance belt.
Some leotard styles are designed with attached shorts or a singlet-style cut and may be worn as external garments.
Students may wear leggings or shorts over a leotard if desired. Those who require genital support should plan to wear a dance belt underneath.
Students are encouraged to choose the style that best suits their bodies, movement needs, and comfort.
Tights & Legwear
Ballet tights are also distinctly categorized by manufacturers:
Tights sold as “women’s” are often semi-transparent and function more like underwear in the seat area. These should not be worn alone and are typically worn with a leotard or with shorts layered on top.
Tights sold as “men’s” function more like leggings and may be worn alone or over a leotard. They are generally thicker and more substantial in fabric.
Students are strongly discouraged from wearing “women’s” tights alone and should select garments designed for coverage, durability, and containment.
Body Awareness & Fit
The first consideration when selecting clothing should always be support and coverage. Students are encouraged to understand their own body proportions, including chest size, waist, hips, and shoulders, when choosing garments.
Using costume shop measurements or professional fittings can be extremely helpful when selecting clothing. Clothing that fits well enhances safety, confidence, and clarity of instruction.
If you have questions about garment selection or need guidance, please feel free to reach out privately.
Dance Shoes, Sizing, and Fit
Like most footwear, dance shoes are often sold using gendered sizing systems, which reflects manufacturing standards rather than who the shoe is intended for.
Students may choose whichever shoe style, brand, or category best suits their comfort and aesthetic preferences, regardless of the gender label attached to the product. What matters most is proper fit, support, and mobility.
Because sizing systems differ:
“Women’s” and “men’s” sizes are not the same scale. Students should consult size conversion charts when ordering and not assume their usual street shoe size will translate directly.
Students with wider feet may need to seek out shoes designed with a wide fit or consider selecting shoes from brands typically offering broader construction.
Many dance shoe companies are based internationally and use European, UK, or international sizing charts. Always consult the brand’s size guide before ordering.
Shoe size and boot size are not always the same. Some dance boots run differently than dance slippers, jazz shoes, or sneakers and may require sizing up or down accordingly.
Students are encouraged to order early when possible and to try shoes on well before the semester begins, allowing time for exchanges if needed.
