skintight

Skintight refers to clothing designed to closely hug the body’s contours with little to no looseness. The fit is achieved through stretch fabrics such as elastane/spandex (often marketed as Lycra), nylon, and polyester blends, as well as latex, neoprene, or other materials that pull taut across the skin. Skintight garments range from everyday items like leggings and bodysuits to performance and fashion pieces such as catsuits, wetsuits, dancers’ leotards, and sports compression wear.

In fashion and media, skintight silhouettes emphasize shape and line and are used to create sleek, streamlined looks. In sports and performance contexts they can offer freedom of movement, reduced drag, and, in some cases, compression to support muscles or joints. However, the close fit can increase heat and moisture buildup, require careful sizing, and may be less comfortable in hot or humid environments.

Materials and care vary: elastane-based fabrics should be washed per manufacturer instructions and kept away from high heat; latex requires conditioning and avoidance of oils that degrade the material; neoprene and other synthetics have their own care needs. Fit and comfort depend on proper sizing, the wearer’s activity, and climate.

Culturally, skintight garments appear in fashion, dance, film, and subcultures, often as statement pieces or functional gear. Common examples include bodysuits, tights and leggings, catsuits, wetsuits, and stage costumes. See also: bodysuit, catsuit, wetsuit, compression garment.