Figure 1.--These children are performing in black footless tights. The footed tights are more common for performances..

At this time HBC know two basis types of ballet tights, fotted and unfooted. The footed type appear to the the most common, especially for performances. Footed tights are also more common for practice, but many boys also wear the unfooted type. There appears to be no gender destinctions as to whether footed or unfooted tights are worn. The unfooted style are commonly black. There may well be other types of tights, but the two major types that HBC is aware of at this time are the footed and unfooted type.

Types

Feet

Tights come in both footed and footless styles.
Footed: The footed type appear to the the most common, especially for performances. Most ballets and ballet images observed by HBC have the dancers wearing footed tights. HBC is unsure as to the reason for this. Footed tights are also more common for practice, but there is more diversity in practice.
Footless: While most boys wear the footed style of types, many boys also wear the unfooted type. There appears to be no gender destinctions as to whether footed or unfooted tights are worn. The unfooted style are commonly black.

Seems

Children's tights come in both seemed and seemless styles. HBC is not sure at this time what the conventions are for these different styles and whether boys have any preferences.

Conventions

Some ballet schools allow the children to select the type of tights to be worn, although colors are often perscribed. Other schools insist on the children wearing the type of tights selected, either footed or unfooted.

Gender Differences

There appears to be no gender destinctions as to whether footed or unfooted tights are worn. HBC has no information indicating whether boys or girls prefere any specific type of tughts.