From salsa to cha-cha, Latin dance is popular for those who enjoy fast-paced, expressive dancing. While women will often dress in flamboyant, sequinned numbers, men’s costumes are sleek and stylish, and while they need to be practical, there’s no reason you can't add some flair and make the look your own. Whether you’re planning on attending a social dance or entering a competition, here’s a guide for men to help you choose what to wear when Latin dancing.

Make a Style Statement with Your Shirt

Most men participating in Latin dancing will wear a collared shirt, which is one of the most important parts of the dance costume. Because it’s one of the first things people will notice about an outfit, it’s a great way to make a style statement. In Latin dance, you’ll often see men in brightly coloured shirts with patterns or metallic accents or even bold accents like billowy sleeves. You certainly aren’t restricted to a plain white shirt. However, you should think about how the shirt will move when you dance. Ideally, you need a fit that’s not too restrictive, as you’ll need to be able to move freely, but you also don’t want excess fabric in your way.

One of the most crucial choices is the fabric. Satin and silk fabrics are popular for things like competitions and shows, as they catch the light and have a luxe look and feel. They make a dance outfit feel more special, especially if you go for patterns or metallics. However, if you’re attending a social or class, you might want to stick with more breathable fabrics such as cotton or mesh. This is because you’ll be dancing up close with lots of partners and need something that’s going to keep you cool and help avoid sweat.

It's worth thinking about the kind of dance you'll be doing when you pick a shirt. For more serious, intense dances like a tango or salsa, sleek black shirts are quite a popular pick, as they match the style of the dance. For more lively, fun dances like the cha-cha, you might want to go for shirts with sequins or colourful accents.

Well-Tailored Pants are a Must

While people don’t tend to notice men’s pants all that much when they dance, if your pants are too tight or baggy, you’ll certainly notice! It’s worth opting for pants that are designed as dancewear, as they tend to have a strong structure while still offering plenty of flexibility as you move. If you don’t want to invest in dancewear just yet, choose some plain black pants and take them to a tailor to get them adjusted perfectly to your body.

Some Latin styles have variations in the pants that they wear. For example, men often wear slightly wider-leg trousers for ballroom-style dances like the tango or rumba rather than fitted pants that are slightly tapered for the salsa or cha-cha, as they require lots of footwork. A high waist can also be good for elongating your legs and helping your posture appear better.

As with your shirt, fabric is important here. You want to find pants that have some stretch and flexibility while also being breathable.

Shoes Can Make All the Difference

Men’s Latin dance shoes will often have suede or smooth soles to allow for gliding and spinning. They may also have a slight heel, which helps with posture and can give an elongated look to your leg. If you’re a beginner, check with your teacher whether you need to invest in dance shoes right away. Many studios will let you wear light-soled runners or might suggest some inexpensive jazz shoes to practice in until you decide whether Latin dancing is for you.

Add Jackets, Vests, and Your Flair

Jackets or vests can be worn over your shirt for more formal events such as competitions. A well-fitted jacket adds elegance and a structured look to your costume. You should consider having it tailored so it sits nicely as you move. A sleeveless vest is also a great option, as it offers a tailored look without the bulk of a jacket, and you can opt for sparkly and fun options if you like.

Accessories are certainly not essential, but they can add individuality to an outfit and help you stand out from the crowd. Stick to items that aren’t going to impede your dancing. Suspenders, belts, or pocket squares are good choices, as they’re close to your body, while necklaces and bangles can be annoying to wear. Accessories are also a good way to coordinate with your dance partner and easily change your look between dances.

If you’re planning on hitting the dancefloor, whether as a beginner or pro, look at the men’s range at Charismatico Dancewear. You’ll find plenty of showstopping dancewear for men in a wide range of designs and sizes so you can personalise your look.