Tights & Socks

Q: What type of tights are best for ballet in Australia?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Ballet tights should be sheer or footed in the required colour for your class. Pink is most common for girls' ballet. Look for tights with a soft waistband, gusset for comfort, and a durable toe. Brands like Bloch, Capezio, and Wear Moi all make reliable ballet tights."}]}]}

Q: What is the difference between footed, footless, and convertible tights?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Footed tights cover the entire foot and are standard for ballet. Footless tights end at the ankle and are used in contemporary and jazz. Convertible tights have an opening at the ball of the foot that allows them to be worn footed or footless. Convertible styles are the most versatile option."}]}]}

Q: How do I size dance tights?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Tights are usually sized by height and weight ranges. Match your child's or your own measurements to the brand's size guide. Tights that are too small will pull down at the waist and run during class. Tights that are too large will wrinkle at the ankle and look untidy."}]}]}

Q: Do you stock flesh-tone tights for performances in Australia?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. We stock tights in a range of skin tones for performance and competition use. Nude, tan, and suntan options are available across different brands. For a seamless look on stage, match the tight to your natural skin tone as closely as possible."}]}]}

Q: How do I make tights last longer?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Wash tights by hand in cold water or use a delicate machine cycle inside a laundry bag. Use a gentle detergent and avoid wringing. Air dry flat. Trim any snags immediately to prevent runs. Keep toenails short and smooth to reduce the risk of poking through the foot."}]}]}

Q: Do you stock dance socks for children?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. Total Dance Australia stocks dance socks including ankle socks, grip socks, and ballet socks for children and adults. Dance socks are popular for young students in their first year of class before moving to tights. Browse the collection for available styles."}]}]}

Q: What is the difference between shimmer tights and matte tights?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Matte tights have a flat, non-reflective finish and are the standard choice for ballet class and examinations. Shimmer or sheen tights have a slightly lustrous finish that catches stage lighting and is popular for performances and competitions. Check whether your syllabus specifies a finish type."}]}]}

Dance tights and socks are the foundation of every dancer's uniform. Get the fit right...

Dance tights and socks are the foundation of every dancer's uniform. Get the fit right and everything else falls into place.

Convertible or Footed. Which Do You Need?

Most studios specify one or the other. Check your studio's uniform requirements before ordering.

Convertible tights have an opening at the sole. Good for ballet, contemporary, and classes where bare feet are needed.
Footed tights cover the whole foot. Standard for performances, competitions, and most classical ballet exams.
Transition tights (also called transformation tights) feature a stirrup-style opening. Popular for lyrical and contemporary.

Getting the Size Right

Dance tight sizing runs differently to everyday clothing. A few things to keep in mind.

Child tights are sized by height and weight, not age. Always check the size chart.
Adult tights are sized the same way. Do not assume your usual clothing size will transfer.
Tights should sit firmly at the waist without rolling. If they roll, size down.
A small amount of tension across the foot is normal. Tights stretch with wear.

What to Look for in a Dance Tight

Not all tights perform the same on the floor. Here is what matters most.

Nylon and elastane blends give the best stretch and recovery.
A soft knit waistband reduces rolling and digging during movement.
Flat or minimal seams matter under costumes and fitted leotards.
Colour consistency matters for performances. Stock up early so your group all match.

Caring for Dance Tights

Tights last longer with proper care. Simple habits make a real difference.

Wash in a delicates bag on a cold gentle cycle.
Avoid the dryer. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
Store flat or loosely rolled, not balled up in a bag.

For Dance Parents

Buying for a growing dancer means tights need replacing regularly. It helps to keep a spare pair in the dance bag at all times. Snags and runs happen at the worst moments, usually five minutes before a performance. Having a backup is simple common sense.

Fast Australian shipping on all orders.

Read less

Tights & Socks — Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tights are best for ballet in Australia?

Ballet tights should be sheer or footed in the required colour for your class. Pink is most common for girls' ballet. Look for tights with a soft waistband, gusset for comfort, and a durable toe. Brands like Bloch, Capezio, and Wear Moi all make reliable ballet tights.

What is the difference between footed, footless, and convertible tights?

Footed tights cover the entire foot and are standard for ballet. Footless tights end at the ankle and are used in contemporary and jazz. Convertible tights have an opening at the ball of the foot that allows them to be worn footed or footless. Convertible styles are the most versatile option.

How do I size dance tights?

Tights are usually sized by height and weight ranges. Match your child's or your own measurements to the brand's size guide. Tights that are too small will pull down at the waist and run during class. Tights that are too large will wrinkle at the ankle and look untidy.

Do you stock flesh-tone tights for performances in Australia?

Yes. We stock tights in a range of skin tones for performance and competition use. Nude, tan, and suntan options are available across different brands. For a seamless look on stage, match the tight to your natural skin tone as closely as possible.

How do I make tights last longer?

Wash tights by hand in cold water or use a delicate machine cycle inside a laundry bag. Use a gentle detergent and avoid wringing. Air dry flat. Trim any snags immediately to prevent runs. Keep toenails short and smooth to reduce the risk of poking through the foot.

Do you stock dance socks for children?

Yes. Total Dance Australia stocks dance socks including ankle socks, grip socks, and ballet socks for children and adults. Dance socks are popular for young students in their first year of class before moving to tights. Browse the collection for available styles.

What is the difference between shimmer tights and matte tights?

Matte tights have a flat, non-reflective finish and are the standard choice for ballet class and examinations. Shimmer or sheen tights have a slightly lustrous finish that catches stage lighting and is popular for performances and competitions. Check whether your syllabus specifies a finish type.