Milonga Etiquette - Getting Ready & What to Wear

Getting Ready

First and most important of all - personal hygiene.

As you will be in close proximity to your dance partner, you may wish to exclude strong smelling foods from your diet on the day of the milonga, eg. garlic and onion.

A nice shower and freshly washed clothes, and remember less is more when it comes to fragrances & perfumes.  Its not ideal to leave your scent on all your partners or have your partners sneeze or hold their breathes while dancing with you.

What to Wear

The dress code differs from milonga to milonga.  On weekends, the style may be more formal than on weekdays.  An afternoon milonga is certainly more casual than an evening milonga.  Every city and every community will exhibit their own characteristics.  Different age groups will also have a different style character.

The key is to dress comfortably and elegantly in accordance to your own style.

For ladies, practical consideration include not wearing clothes that are too tight or loose.  Tight skirts and dresses can be tricky since some steps require a larger movement and you don't want your skirt riding up your thighs.  Clothing that are too loose may have too much material moving about you interfering with yours and your partner's steps.

Good suggestions include a knee length skirt or pants and an elegant top that accentuates but not reveal too much unnecessarily.  A dress with a fitting bodice and a flared skirt (not too flared) look absolutely amazing.

For gentlemen, smart trousers and a well-pressed shirt works always.  Jackets and suits are optional.

For more casual milongas, jeans are ok, as are t-shirts for both ladies and gentlemen.

You may arrive at the milonga in flat shoes that are more comfortable and change to your Tango shoes there since you do not want to ruin the soles of your Tango shoes.

Some people bring an extra change of shirt / top especially in festivals and marathons in order to stay fresh.