Argentine Tango Fashion Through the Decades
Nothing could be more apt in describing tango as much as the old saying associated with it: it takes two to do it.
More than just a dance, tango is an art form, a combination of substance and style — and one cannot exist without the other on the dance floor.
Its fluid, sensual movements make up the tango’s substance, with its lively, vigorous motions providing stylistic appeal. Tango is more than its movements, though.
The best part about La Mina Tango Boutique is that is located in New York. Close enough so you can visit and check all the clothes personally.
What tangeros and tangeras wear is just as important in exuding and manifesting the passion, energy, and sensuality that have defined tango for decades.
Tango fashion is not merely for show, but a way that dancers could express themselves even before they begin to execute their mesmerizing choreography. Additionally, tango fashion is geared toward freedom of movement, wherein dancers would have no difficulty carrying out wide, expansive gestures or close, intimate movements.
Just as tango went through an evolution over the years, so did the fashion that came with it. From its vintage, post-Victorian origins to the more contemporary garb, tango fashion has gone through changes but is by no means less memorable and striking than the first time these clothes brought color to the dance floor.
Simolina is one of our favorite stops during Buenos Aires trip. But I was not a record taker - I will not disclose WHO got The Most Dresses…
History and Origins of Tango
We must look back to the history of the dance itself to understand the evolution of tango fashion. Many sources attribute tango’s origins to the working classes of Buenos Aires, Argentina, though others point to Spain or Morocco as the real point of origin.
An article Tango Fashion and a bit of Tango History suggests that Spanish settlers had introduced tango to the New World, and Black and Creole influences were eventually thrown into the mix when the dance came back to Spain. The article also highlights the distinction between Andalusian tango and ballroom tango, the latter being that which originated from the lower classes of Buenos Aires. The ports of Buenos Aires — the La Boca port area in particular - hide the origin of tango as early as the 1880s. The immigrants at the port brought various cultural elements from France, Italy, Africa, Germany, and other countries, which gave birth to the tango.
But while the popularity of tango swept through the lower classes of Argentine society, many of the upper and middle classes viewed the dance as indecent or vulgar. They considered the dresses women wore to tango dances to be very revealing or risqué for their rather conservative outlook.
Maria Jazmin is my personal favorite! The trick is to shop early as she will adjust the clothes for you - but that needs few days and so if you are shopping on the last day of your Buenos Aires Adventure - you are out of luck and what can be a free fix there will cost you the price of the dress when you need to adjust it here.
However, by the early 1900s, tango fashion, along with the dance itself, had spread throughout Europe and garnered a positive reception as a worldwide phenomenon. According to Dance Facts, tango dresses called “Tango Visite” were being made and promoted as the first proper tango dresses. “Satin tango,” according to Tango Underpants, was the most popular dress-making material, which consisted of orange and yellow satin. As described by both sources, the Tango Visite featured a loose, transparent bodice with a skirt that ran down to the mid-calf, shorter than the typical skirt length at that time.
Tango fashion in the 1900s gave way to a shift toward less restrictive clothing for women.
Many female tango dancers wore slimmed-down versions of the traditional corset to give them freedom of movement, and this change fueled both positive and negative reactions from the current social order at the time.
On the one hand, some did not favor both tango dance music and fashion, saying that these were too loud or too vulgar for comfort. On the other hand, many Parisian women, as noted by historians, had willingly shorn their corsets if only to dance the tango.
Although more on performance side, one must own at least one dress by Mimi Pinzon. For some - that’s the only choice! We are definitely going to sho there while in Buenos Aires!
Changes in Tango Fashion
Compared to the heavier Victorian-style dresses, Tango Underpants describes the tango dress for females as made from lighter material with a loose fit to accommodate the leg extensions and close embraces that defined tango dance moves.
This became the foundation of tango dresses over the years, wherein both movement and style are taken into account, resulting in designs that accommodate both better.
As tango rose in popularity, Europeans, particularly the youth, began to break away from the typical Victorian fashion and embraced new clothing paradigms. By 1913, tango had become “one of the largest fashion events of the season.” It was performed in several places worldwide, including the Waldorf Hotel in London and the Selfridges department store in the United States, where a grand tango ball was held.
And of course our one and only Jennifer from La Maleva. Not exactly local, yet she manages fairly consistent presence in local Milongas. I think I own like 15 dresses of her design including that amazing baby-blue one that you are all asking about! Dancer herself Jennifer knows what she is designing :-) Plus I like her fashion photography with her kids.
The long skirts that women customarily wore eventually became shorter to allow for even more freedom of movement. Skirts and dresses had more openings like slits, and hemlines became more asymmetrical. What was once fashioned out of satin tango could now be made with modern materials like lycra and other stretch fabrics. To promote a more sensual look befitting the passionate style of tango, tops often show cleavage.
Tango Fashion for Men and Women
Nowadays, tango fashion for both men and women can feature various colors and styles but still largely follow the fundamental principles that tango clothes held back in the day.
Originally orange and yellow were the official colors of tango for many years, but these days, the most common color for women is red, while men dress in either black or white.
For some reason men do not like shopping so much (with the exception of Hernan :-), and Miguel Mancera Boutique is perfect for those who love one-stop solutions. Simply get there, pick your color and preferred fabric, get measured, and in few days your tango wardrobe is ready! Again - to allow for fittings make this your first stop after arrival to Buenos Aires. We will help with translations!
Tango Fashion for Men
Since tango originated from the lower classes, men’s tango clothing consisted of spurs and chaps hardened from the foam and sweat coming from the horses’ bodies, according to Jake Fuller in Tango History. Not much has changed from the shirt and pants combo, although silk is the most popular material for shirts now. A straight-cut design is also often preferred for tango pants.
Tango Forge, that has a very own point of view on pretty much everything, including clothes (she even wears platform shoes and mastered boleos and ocho and everything in them!), suggests wearing lightweight jackets as typical jackets tend to be hot and sometimes even restrictive when it comes to movement. Flaps, pleats, and jacket tails also merit some consideration in terms of how they behave when men move. Wide-legged tango pants that hang straight down to the floor and don’t come in at the ankle are another popular choice.
Accessories like hats, vests, and suspenders can also complement the men’s tango outfits, provided that their overall look doesn’t clash with their partner’s.
Chique Tango Boutique offers amazing dresses from Turkey based designer - you can red her story HERE.
Tango Fashion for Women
Women have more varied clothing as tango skirts can either be long or short depending on what fits their physique best and what is more comfortable for them to wear.
However, extra care must be taken when choosing short tango skirts so as not to be too revealing when dancing.
You can really be wearing any of the following dresses, both to emphasize your figure while also providing comfort and freedom:
● Full skirt dress
● A-line skirt dress
● Wrap dress
● Halter
Conversely, you may choose to avoid the following dresses that might restrict movement or look unflattering while in a tango posture:
● Empire waist dress
● Baby doll dress
● Shift dress
● Sheath dress
● BodyCon dress
London Tango Boutique needs no recommendations.
Followers can also adorn themselves with accessories such as flowers, feathers, stockings, crocheted trinkets, and jewelry. be careful however with heavy chains, large hats, and objects that are heavy, have rough edges, or can potentially move and hit someone. Those accessories should be avoided to prevent tripping accidents or being entangled with your partner. Of course, if it’s a theme party like Halloween - feel free to wear whatever you are able to make work. Just be extra careful.
Tango Shoes
A good pair of tango shoes is not just a crucial part of tango fashion. The right shoes are also essential for performing the dance itself.
Good pair of men’s tango shoes shall have the following characteristics:
● Rounded toes
● Flexible leather or upper material
● Soles that are either leather or suede
● Low heels or French heel
BTW - for leaders we truly recommend the Libertango shoes we carry at our studio. We do not ship, but if you’re lucky to live close to Medford, MA - we carry quite a variety. Email for an appointment and come to get yours. They are $180/pair.
Those just arrived - so if you see something you like - we have sizes 8-11 (including half sizes. We also have ladies shoes - sizes 7-10, no halves. Email to get an appointment.
For the women, it is possible to have custom tango shoes made, but similar to men’s shoes, a good pair of women’s tango shoes should allow them to easily move and pivot without sticking to the floor. For this, leather and suede soles are good options. Additionally, tango shoes for women should have straps to ensure that they won’t come off while dancing. Shoes can also be open or closed, and stiletto heels can make movement easier.
Fashion Etiquette for Tango
While tango fashion may be a form of self-expression, there are still some guidelines to abide by depending on the event you’re attending. Tango lessons or practicas are more casual when it comes to acceptable attire. Informal, everyday clothes can be worn to classes, such as t-shirts, jeans, regular or dress slacks, or dresses and skirts. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen or other materials are also acceptable just as long as they allow your body to move and breathe freely. Men, however, are always expected to wear long pants. And please remember - whatever you are wearing - don’t forget to shower before putting it on.
On the other hand, Milongas — which refer to both the dance style and the social gathering itself — are more formal. This is where most people dress their best, in their fancy garb complete with striking accessories. Semi-formal clothing may work, but it is possible to look underdressed if you look too plain.
Because of the close proximity of tango dancers we suggest refraining from using perfumes or colognes with a strong scent, as well as makeup that may leave marks on your clothes or that of your partner’s. This is the standard when attending both Milongas and practicas.
DNI have a not-so-pretty-though-useful-and-comfortable type of shoes. Here, carried locally by Simonida at Tango Affair. You can most likely get them at Vida Mia Milonga on Fridays.
Important Things To Remember When Dressing Up for a Tango Performance
There’s no official costume for tango dances, but both style and comfort have always been paramount when choosing the right attire. Whether these are clothes for men or women, or for the leader’s shoes or follower’s shoes, it is important to remember the following:
● Avoid clothing made from hot or tight materials. Not only does this prevent embarrassing sweat stains, but this also prevents chafing.
● For the women, try to avoid strapless dresses or bras that may come loose while dancing.
● Always test whether your clothes are a good fit. Pay particular attention to certain body parts such as how your clothes fit your armpits, inner thighs, knees, and bottom. When testing out clothes, make sure you can also breathe in them and do twists and torsions.
● Both men and women must pay attention to how the back of their clothes look. This is what the observers and spectators would see most of the time while you’re performing. Make sure that the backs of your clothes are just as flattering as the front.
● Avoid shoes that are too tight, as this could result in blisters.
● Pick heels that aren’t too high and would cause you to trip.
● If you are a leader, always bring two pairs of clothes as tango is a vigorous, energetic dance that could make you sweat despite having comfortable clothes.
● Avoid accessories that simply hang from your pockets or any accessories that may fly off while dancing. Make sure that your accessories are fastened properly and curtail neither movement nor your immediate vision.
Tango Imagen has everything in one place - shoes and clothes for both ladies and guys. And - it is on the other side of the street from the hotel where we are staying during our Buenos Aires Adventure PLUS the store is owned by our friend Sergio. He usually has a fantastic collection of tango pants for guys! Quite amazing.
Tango Fashion’s Influence on the Modern World
The tango craze of the early 20th century gave way to a lot of changes in how people dress, especially women. Just as corsets have slowly faded from what was once considered women’s regular attire, large, decorative hats with wide brims also followed suit. Skirts, of course, became more open and, over time, gave way to shorter and shorter skirts.
Cocktail dresses with a backless design, a deep V-neck front, or high slits are offshoots of tango fashion. Bright colored dresses with pleated or layered skirts, as well as intricate accessories, also derive inspiration from tango fashion.
Even famous movies such as Scent of a Woman, Moulin Rouge, and Chicago carry with them influences from tango, which has kept both the dance and its fashion alive and well in the modern-day.
We also had a very good luck shopping at Carla Tango. So we are definitely going there again. This is just for ladies, but you can find a nice selection of tops, skirts and dresses in variety of sizes.
Passion in Fashion
As a highly sensual dance, Tango doesn’t only exude passion in its gracefully expansive yet intimate movements. The clothes worn by tangeros and tangeras themselves manifest this passion through their elegant, brightly colored, and even somewhat revealing attire.
Tango fashion requires no less than the passion needed to perform wonderfully on the dance floor, as dancers must place special care and attention on what they’re wearing and what their partner is wearing.
Choosing what to wear for a tango gathering, in many respects, is nothing short of a ritual that attempts to strike a balance between what looks good and what feels good.
But after all is said and done, what’s important to remember about tango is freedom — you have the freedom to choose what to wear, to move as you wish, and to have as much fun as you please.