What is a Hadatai?
Hadatai (ハダタイ) is a type of bodysuit worn by kigs, layered above any shapewear or padding used but underneath the mask and any clothes. The name comes from hada (skin) + tai (abbreviation of taitsu, tights). Literally "skin tights", figuratively "skin suit".
A hadatai is the other half of the look next to the kigurumi mask. Padding and shapewear sit underneath; see Padding Theory.
Hadatai vs zentai
Zentai (ゼンタイ) is a shortening of zenshin tights (full-body tights). It is a generic bodysuit category, not a kigurumi-specific product. People sometimes use the words interchangeably, this wiki does not.
Both are stretch bodysuits, often a blend of spandex and nylon. Beyond that they diverge quickly:
| Hadatai | Zentai | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Built for kigurumi: matching mask and smoothing padding/shapewear | Generic full-body suit: often a disguise or costume itself, or as a base layer for a cosplay to be built on top of. |
| Finish | Matte like an anime figure's skin. Avoids shine under lighting or in photos | Often shiny or semi-shiny. |
| Color | Pinkish kig flesh by default; many makers also do custom colors for masks that aren't the default | Many vivid hues, flesh tones often warmer yellow/orange undertones, rarely matches kig masks. |
| Coverage | Almost always head-to-toe with a face opening under the mask; some makers offer enclosed, full-mask style options | Often either fully enclosed head, or ends at the neck |
| Hands & feet | Well defined fingers and toes fitting like a second skin, finer flattened seams for up close photos | Often sock-like feet without toes. Hand and foot design often a simpler, universal fabric pattern with basic stitching rather than per your own measurements |
| Fit | Usually made to measure (with padding on), some makers do offer generic sizes. Should fit like a second skin | Almost always generic sizing, with a more neutral one-size-fits-all design rather than for exaggerated (padded) anime physique |
| Build | Fine seams, cleavage shaping, optional vest for breast forms, or crotch zippers for easier emergency bathroom breaks. Typically more durable stitching and construction | Basic construction engineered for mass production, with many being "fast fashion" levels of quality |
| Accessibility | More expensive, with varying wait times for production | "Spirit Halloween" levels of availability, cost, and quality |
Zentai do have some use with kigurumi for someone just new and wanting to experiment before committing to a kigurumi mask and hadatai. They are however probably not what you want your kigurumi to be seen in, no one wants to look like a cheap halloween costume purely because the skin tone mismatches poorly from the mask.
Color undertones
"Flesh tone" on a product page does not mean it will match a kigurumi mask. Zentai "skin" colors tend to run warmer and more beige:
Typical kig masks and hadatai use pinker flesh. Examples:
MWF hadatai uses Pantone® 7513 U:
Kig.land claims Pantone® 7520 U:
Or alternatively a popular Ayame color, Pantone® 2015U and Pantone® 698U for instance:
These are examples only as we cannot quite display exact Pantone colors on the web, and these colors can look different depending on your display's calibration. Default kigurumi mask flesh tones usually fall somewhere in-between those four above shades.
Colors also fade with washing and wear. See our hadatai care guide to keep yours looking its best.
Why Wear a Hadatai?
Some of the common reasons for wearing a hadatai are:
- To smooth out any shapewear or padding
- Covering skin imperfections to get a very anime-like perfect skin tone
- Matching skin tone to the mask
- For those who have body hair or tattoos, to avoid their kig being defined by those features
- As part of the "full body costumed experience" or similar mascot-esque ideas
Generally a hadatai should fit like a second skin and feel like nothing at all is there.
At risk of sounding pretentious there are often perceived notions in kig communities that those who see a hadatai as something completely optional are just trying to do the bare minimum. Its somewhat like having just a fursuit head without any other parts to go with, poodling as the furry community would say. To a similar notion to achieve the unrealistic anime aesthetic, many feel it is impossible without a hadatai, and often times padding/shapewear in addition.
While a hadatai is not absolutely required, many see it as something thats hard to go without. That said do not buy one simply because someone told you to, do your own research and make a decision that is right for you. Additionally, a bad zentai can be far worse than no hadatai at all, so please don't feel pressured to just buy "something" because its the norm.
Hadatai Alternatives
Some kigurumi alternatively opt to use latex bodysuits instead of a hadatai, often in flesh colored variations still matching the mask. This adds difficulty due to the nature of donning latex, however some find the skin-like sensation appealing in it's own right.
A cheap zentai instead of a hadatai is talked about above. Wrong color tones, shiny finish, generic sizing, and sock-like feet usually make the whole kig look worse than going without. It is not recommended.
Ordering a hadatai
For a list of hadatai makers and general information on how to order a hadatai, see our buying hadatai page.
Hadatai are generally made to measure, when ordering the maker will provide you with a measurements guide and a form to fill out. Do consider various options as well for features such as:
- Male and Female located crotch zippers (for easier access in emergency bathroom breaks)
- Options for a "3D chest" (for a more accurate chest shape)
- Sewn in vest for breast forms
- Different face openings
- Various zipper types (discrete or "hidden" zippers, ring pull being the most common)
Especially for beginners its highly recommended to get the ring pull type zippers, as they are much easier to do up and down.
For face openings its highly recommended to get a standard "open face" opening. Some makers will offer more limited "eye holes" or "eye window" openings, sometimes with a separate mouth opening. These are generally less common, less comfortable, and just generally less practical with no real advantage while also costing more.
Sometimes makers will offer no face opening option, this is generally an advanced option and should only be considered if you really do want to have no visibility at all.
Measurements
Makers will generally provide a measurements guide and a form to fill out for all the various measurements they will need to make your hadatai. It's greatly advised to have someone help you measure to ensure everything is accurate. Some measures like shoulder width can be tricky to get solo. As to the saying "measure twice, cut once...", double check your measurements are all good before submitting, its better to be safe than sorry.
Hadatai Care
Velcro is a hadatai's sole worst enemy, and can damage the material if not handled with care.
For information on how to care for your hadatai, see our cleaning a hadatai page.