While tango originally emerged as the music of the underprivileged in the working-class districts of Buenos Aires in Argentina and Montevideo in Uruguay, in the early years of the 20th century, this musical and dance style managed to reach the Argentine upper class, which quickly spread this unique dance worldwide.
They achieved this feat by first promoting it in the fashion centers of the world, such as Paris, London, and New York.
There, tango became the partner dance everyone wanted to learn. In the year 1913, tango became a global phenomenon. Europe was particularly enchanted with it, with new fashion styles emerging that helped young people break free from Victorian fashion chains and embrace new clothing paradigms.
That year, tango was danced at Tango Teas at the Waldorf Hotel in London, new fashion styles emerged from Tes Dansants in Paris, and the grand Tango event held at the Selfridges store in the United States was later remembered as one of the biggest fashion events of the season. In 1913, the first proper “tango” dress began to be made and promoted.
Light, colorful dresses featuring a loose transparent bodice and a skirt that shortened to mid-calf length were worn.
The tango was danced by many, but it was also criticized by those who disapproved of its extravagant clothing trends.
The tango arrived just in time as the restrictive Victorian fashion style was waning in popularity, especially items such as hoop skirts and tight corsets.
Historians have noted that Parisian women willingly stopped wearing corsets to be able to dance the tango freely (although for many years, female tango dancers wore a slimmed-down version of the corset that allowed them to execute many tango dance movements).
These changes fueled negative voices, which described the tango dance, music, and fashion as too revealing, vulgar, and indecent. But, of course, fashion styles and social circumstances changed, allowing the tango to be embraced worldwide.
Other parts of Victorian women’s fashion quickly followed the fate of corsets. For example, before the arrival of the tango, women preferred elaborate hats with large brims and decorations that flowed away from the hat (such as large feathers), obscuring the front of the wearer’s face.
While these hats were beautiful, they posed a hindrance to dancing, and fashion quickly changed, allowing women to wear vertical hats that facilitated close embrace during tango dancing.
Dresses also underwent significant changes, with increasingly favorable open skirts, especially those with more open front sections that allowed for easier dancing.
The tango craze of the early 20th century touched nearly every part of fashion clothing, including shoes, stockings, dresses, hats, and everything in between.
For many years, the official color of tango dancewear was orange, a theme that managed to resurface in fashion several times up to our present day. Today, one of the most popular colors for female tango dresses is red, while men’s clothing is typically black or white.
Tango clothing for men
Men’s tango clothing is simpler and closer to regular attire. Male dancers typically prefer to wear a nice and elegant combination of shirt and trousers (straight cut), tailored from materials that best suit the dancer’s needs. Silk shirts are very popular, but other materials are also common.
In addition to this, men can enhance their appearance or style with the presence of various accessories including things like vests, suspenders, and hats.
The most elegant presentation, of course, is achieved if the men’s clothing does not clash with the appearance of their dance partner.
Tango clothing for women
Tango is a sensual and passionate dance, and women’s clothing reflects this. Women’s attire should always strive to be elegant, but a greater degree of customization allows each dancer to personalize their clothing to better suit their needs.
At its most basic form, women’s tango clothing should be light, comfortable, and provide comfortable movement that includes intertwining of both dancers’ feet.
Traditionally, tango dresses were initially long, but over time they have become increasingly shorter. Nowadays, tango dancers can even opt for very short dresses and skirts.
One of the main elements of every tango dress is elegance. Women often choose tango dresses to serve a dual purpose: to be used for dancing and to be worn when attending parties and social events. Most traditional tango dresses can fulfill both needs.
Traditionally, tango dresses often have asymmetrical skirts and many of them feature various adornments like fringes and crochet. Most dresses have an open top that showcases the neckline.
These dresses are considered highly sensual, and dancers often spend a lot of time choosing a suitable dress that best suits them.
In most cases, female dancers prefer not to wear strapless dresses that allow the slit to move too high during energetic dance movements. Tight-fitting dresses are rarer to see in this type of dance.
The material of the dress is also crucial, as the best tango dresses are those that do not raise heat levels during a dance, and that are soft and loose enough not to cause skin issues.
Regarding accessories, dancers are encouraged not to wear elaborate designs or overly long dresses that may cause them to trip or get entangled with their dance partners. This includes accessories like chains, large hats, or heavy and rough-edged objects.
Dance partners wear the most extravagant and eye-catching tango attire in the competitive tango dance scene.
What clothing is worn to go to milongas in Buenos Aires?
The tango is a very passionate and sensual dance, so the clothing worn at Argentine milongas is usually very elegant. However, the most important thing is that the clothing is comfortable and allows freedom of movement.
Argentine milongas are events where tango is danced, and there is a characteristic style of dress that reflects the tradition and elegance associated with this dance.
Here is a list of common and appropriate clothing, footwear, and accessories for dressing at a milonga:
Clothing for a Milonga
For men, typical tango clothing includes black pants, a white shirt, and a tie. Jackets, vests, or blazers can also be worn, but they are not mandatory. However, for the old guard of tango dancers, the jacket is synonymous with tango; obviously, if you want to be “chic chic,” in the style of 1945 to 1960, wear a jacket, dress pants, shirt, and tie, while the alternatives do not use it.
For women, typical tango clothing includes long or short dresses, skirts, pants, or shorts. Blouses, tops, jackets, or vests can also be worn.
Dresses and skirts:
Women often opt for elegant dresses or skirts that allow for fluid movements when dancing. Tango dresses are usually of classic design, in solid colors or discreet patterns. Two-piece suits: Another option for women is two-piece sets, such as blouses combined with skirts or palazzo pants. Pants: Men typically wear dress pants, often with a shirt and tie. Shirts and jackets: Men can opt for dress shirts paired with a jacket or blazer for a more formal look. Stylish tops: Women can opt for stylish blouses that complement their outfit.
Footwear:
Tango shoes are essential for dancing tango. They should be comfortable and have good grip, as tango requires quick movements and abrupt changes in direction. Traditional tango shoes are black leather and have a leather or rubber sole. Tango shoes with colors or more modern designs can also be worn.
Tango shoes:
Both men and women should wear tango shoes specifically designed for dancing. These shoes often have leather soles that allow for good sliding on the floor and provide the necessary support for tango movements. Comfortable shoes: It is important that the shoes are comfortable since tango involves a lot of standing time and intense movements.
Accessories:
The accessories worn at Argentine milongas are usually simple and discreet. Men can wear a hat, bow tie, or pocket watch. Women can wear a hat, scarf, necklace, or a pair of earrings.
Dance shoes:
Women often carry their tango shoes in a separate bag to change once inside the milonga.
Elegant jewelry:
Both men and women can opt for discreet and elegant accessories, such as jewelry or bracelets. Scarves: Women can wear elegant scarves that add a touch of style to their outfit.
Small bag:
A small purse or clutch can be useful for carrying personal items.
Clothing should be comfortable and allow freedom of movement. Clothing should be elegant and flattering. Footwear should be comfortable and have good grip. Accessories should be simple and discreet.
It is important to remember that milongas have different levels of formality, so it is advisable to adapt your attire according to the place and atmosphere. In general, the goal is to dress elegantly and respectfully, maintaining the classic and traditional essence of Argentine tango.
Finally, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident.
