It’s hard to believe but swing dancing is almost 100 years old. Swing dancing started in the 1920s and is still thriving today in many area of the country and there are even nightclubs that are dedicated to the athletic style of dancing. Because the style is so athletic and requires a lot of jumping, flipping, and dipping, it is important to wear the proper clothing to get maximum enjoyment out of your next night of swing dancing. Plus it is always fun to look the part.

The say it takes two to Tango and the same holds true with swing dancing. Here is how you can look like an authentic swing dancer regardless no matter what gender you are:

MEN

Alright guys, your style of dress for swing dancing is pretty easy. To look like the dancers back in the day you need to get a really comfortable suit. The traditional suits that the swing dancers of old wore where called Zuit Suits and they consisted of loose fitting pants, a jacket, and a traditional swing dancer’s hat. The pants should be baggy and can come up rather high if you wish. The jacket should hang very low and should also be very loose. Under the jacket, go with a white button down shirt and a tie. Accessories the outfit by wearing a feather in your hat, and get a wallet that has a chain or two hanging way down. Remember, when it comes to Zuit Suits, the brighter and louder the color, the better. Greens, purples, yellows, or whatever, really nothing is off limits.

WOMEN

You women out there have it pretty easy too. Dresses, dresses, and more dresses. You too can go crazy with the colors to get that authentic look and really any patterns go too. Back in the day, it was not uncommon to see many swing dancing gals decked out in polka dotted dresses or other cool patterns. The key with a swing dancing style of dress is to go more form fitting on the top and big and poofy starting at the hips. This is not only designed for ultimate comfort, but it also has a certain look to it when the swing dance is being performed.

SHOES

This is for anyone regardless of gender. In order to enjoy swing dancing, you have to have comfortable shoes. This doesn’t mean to wear sneakers and you certainly want to choose shoes that are a little on the dressy side, but first and foremost they have to feel good on your feet while you are moving and grooving. The bottoms should be somewhat slick as this will help you to twist and turn. If you have a shoe that grips the dance floor too much, you will risk twisting an ankle.

Now all you need to do is grab some of your closest cats and head out for a fun filled night of swing dancing. If you don’t want to go with the traditional look, you can always dress in your own way as there are really no rules when it comes to swing dancing except for comfort and fun.