Apart from blending in, there are also practical aspects to consider before getting dressed for that first Zumba class, the Latin-inspired dance and fitness program. Because Zumba dancers move constantly, their clothing should be sweat-absorbent, practical and comfortable.
The good news is that just like the dance form itself, Zumba clothing is fun, simple and comfortable. There are many different styles and types of clothes to choose from, from baggy to tight and hip to casual. Before investing in any new clothes, especially first-time Zumba dancers should remember that as your second skin, only clothes that make you feel comfortable will also make you dance in a comfortable space.
Zumba Clothing for Men
Cargo pants and t-shirts are a good starting point for men because the clothes allow for room to move and look good on any body type. Men wanting to show off their muscles and six-packs can do so in shorts and muscle shirts. Here's more about Zumba for men and how to make the most of the experience.
When it comes to colors, Zumba wear for men is all about greys, blues and black and white being the dominant colors. But stripes, dots, lines and other splashes of color brighten up men’s Zumba clothing. And for those men who like it even more colorful with neon colors and the like – there are always accessories like sweat bands and bracelets to choose from.
Zumba Clothing for Women
For those new to Zumba, cargo pants and t-shirts are probably a good basic to start with when building their dance wardrobe. Women who like it tighter or shorter can opt for leggings, shorts, skorts, tank tops or sports bras. The choice of color is up to each dancer of course but fans of the ‘80s will be happy to hear that thanks to Zumba, neon colors are back in style.
Zumba Shoes for Men and Women
To avoid major and minor injuries, the right shoes are a must for any sport. Men and women just starting out with Zumba can go for sports shoes with a thin sole so that the foot gets a good grip; even canvas shoes may be okay in the beginning.
Regulars and those taking up Zumba professionally should invest in good dance shoes or sneakers with a split sole. Just like most sneakers, shoes for men and women don’t vary greatly visually. They come in basic colors with neon decorations and are perfectly geared to brighten up any dance outfit.
Keep It Cool when Picking Fabrics
Use care when selecting clothes that you will primarily wear for dancing. What one likes best visually may not be the best in terms of fabric and material. Sports outfits often contain synthetics to make them flexible but the more synthetics, the less likely the clothes are to absorb sweat properly. Therefore, for any vigorous exercise like Zumba, dancers should pick clothing with at least some amount of cotton or other natural material.
This is especially true for tight clothing and undergarments. New clothes should also always be washed before first wear as otherwise, harmful materials like dyes could be directly absorbed into the body via sweat. Those who feel cold easily should layer their clothing, for example wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt on top of a tank top or muscle shirt.
Thus prepared, the first Zumba lesson should be a breeze clothes-wise so that dancers can fully concentrate on the steps and their groove.
Simone Preuss - Simone is a freelance writer, editor and translator who decided to go solo after a successful career in publishing. That was more than ...
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