Jazz dance requires dancers to be flexible and have freedom of movement to execute the dance moves fluidly. Jazz costumes should be made from flexible material that gives the dancer full freedom of movement without worrying about the fit of her clothing. Many of the jazz costumes used in performances are form-fitting, which offers the dancer comfort and freedom to move in any way she requires to complete the performance.
The jazz dance genre often requires a lot of flash and dazzle from the dancers. Therefore, jazz dance costumes often come in bright colors with sequins attached. To help set off the top the dancer wears, jazz dancers may sometimes wear form-fitting black dance pants. The costumes themselves often reflect the music to which the dancer or dance group has chosen to perform. The main purpose of the costumes is to accentuate the movements the dancer makes.
Some dancers in specific genres have certain types of shoes they must wear to enhance their performance. For instance, ballet dancers wear ballet slippers or toe shoes. Jazz dancers are no different. Because hard-soled shoes would not offer the flexibility the dancer needs to perform some movements, jazz shoes have softer soles and sides and often feature a split sole, which affords the dancer flexibility at the ball of his foot. Jazz shoes are most often black and appear to be dress shoes at first glance. Some jazz shoes lace up, while others slip on. Some of them even look like regular sneakers if that is your desired effect.
The costumes men wear to perform in jazz performances are not quite as form-fitting as the female costumes; however, they do feature the same black pants and brightly colored shirts and the same freedom of movement. Men may also use other accessories to brighten up their outfit and fit the style they are trying to portray. For instance, they may accent the costume with suspenders and a hat.