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Hadatai Basics

Intro to Hadatai - Hadatai vs Zentai​

Hadatai (ハダタイ) is a type of zentai-like bodysuit worn by kigs. Its not a zentai, but a hadatai.

Compared to a zentai, hadatai tend to be:

  • Made to measure and tailored to the customer
  • Matte flesh-toned finish
  • Increased attention towards clean, smooth seams, particularly around the joints and fingers
  • Typically but not always, better quality materials and more durable construction techniques

Zentai additionally tend to use a warmer, more beige flesh-toned color:

Compared to the more pink-flesh standard kig masks and hadatai use: MWF hadatai for instance uses Pantone® 7513 U:

For comparison kig.land claims to use Pantone® 7514 U:

Do note that these are just examples, colors may vary between makers, production batches, and the viewed color depends on your monitor being correctly calibrated. What is consistent is the difficulty in finding a zentai that properly matches the typical kigurumi pinkish flesh tones. Know a zentai maker that does? Please let us know over on our github

warning

Velcro is a hadatai's worst enemy, and will pull at the material. There are some makers that offer fabrics less prone to this however the average hadatai is not one of them.

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 dont 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.

As previously mentioned, some opt to use a zentai suit instead of a hadatai. Due to the generic sizing of a zentai, the mismatch of color compared to masks, and the general low quality of most zentai, this 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. They often have 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 seperate 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​

For information on how to care for your hadatai, see our cleaning a hadatai page.