Why Is Dancewear Synthetic?

WHY IS DANCEWEAR SYNTHETIC?

Social media is popularizing a much needed discourse on how our clothes are made. Many brands that once used high quality, natural fibers have quietly replaced their fabrics with cheaper, synthetic fibers, all while charging the same high price point. Consumers invest $300 in a beautiful dress, just for the unlined polyester to wear down after just one season of wear (we’re looking at you, Anthropologie).

It’s easy to lump dancewear in with this phenomenon, as much of it is made from nylon, spandex, and/or polyester. But activewear serves a different function than streetwear. When you’re dancing or working out for long hours, your clothing gets stretched and wet. Not only that, but intense movement requires fitted and supportive garments.

Cotton is a wonderful natural material that serves many purposes. Because it’s thin and easily stretched out, though, it’s not always ideal. Think of your favorite cotton tshirt––what happens to the neckline after a lot of wear? If you wear a fitted cotton top to jazz class, it won’t provide the same support at the end of class that it does at the beginning. As it doesn’t provide compression, cotton is also more revealing. Dancers need a little more coverage in certain areas. 

Nylon and spandex, on the other hand, don’t show sweat. They’re more resistant to moisture, making them less uncomfortable as they rub against your sweaty skin. Swimsuits are made of similar materials, which is why they’re able to stay on even while submerged in water. Because synthetic materials tend to be more durable, they’ll hold their shape and color even after intense floorwork and frequent wash cycles. These fibers can provide compression to keep everything in place so you can move the way you need to without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction.

Of course, you probably don’t want to spend all day every day wearing synthetic materials. It’s not good for your body, and sitting in sweaty workout clothes longer than you must is pretty uncomfortable. Natural fibers are wonderful options for warmups and recovery. When you’re done actively sweating, there are plenty of loose, breathable cotton options to change into and let your skin recover. We love options like Free People Movement, Barre Trash, RubiaWear, Capezio, Bloch, Suffolk, So Danca, Intermezzo and so many more. 

If wearing natural materials is nonnegotiable for you, we do have options! Some leotards, for example, are made of cotton blended with a small amount of elastane (to help the garment retain its shape). These choices are just more limited because not every style of dance and activewear can be both all-natural and functional.

When dancewear brands use synthetic materials in their clothing, it’s not to take advantage of their customers. It’s to provide them a better product, one that will last longer, perform better, and be more comfortable. 

If you’re unsure what option is best for you, stop in and visit with one of our sales associates. We’d be happy to help you find an outfit that supports your movement needs and personal style.