Zentai is a Japanese word defined as full-body or whole. However, the term is now also applied to a type of full body skin tight suit, the zenshin taitsu (full-body tights). Zentai suits are somewhat similar to catsuits as it covers the entire body. However, zentai is more encompassing as it covers the entire body leaving no part exposed. It is usually made of lycra, spandex, cotton, wool, metallic fiber and metallic lycra. Traditionally, the bodysuit comes in solid colors such as black, green, red etc. However, as the zentai suit’s popularity increase, the zentai now comes in various prints and colors.

Most puppet shows use black bodysuits in order to diminish the presence of puppeteers at the background. This way the puppets can be accentuated and the audience will be less distracted by the puppeteers in the background. Modern dancers also use skin tight suits in their performances. The suits allow the graceful movements to be enhanced and accentuated.

Zentai also has practical application in film and television special effects. The solid colored zentai suits are used to digitally remove actors from a scene. Other organizations including NASA are also developing special types of bodysuit which have biological applications. There are bodysuits which can read biofeeds from its wearer’s body. A space activity suit, an enhanced skin-tight bodysuit for space exploration is also being developed by NASA.

Some people consider wearing a zentai as an expression of art. The physical anonymity the full body bodysuit provides allow for the zentai pattern and color to stand out. Hence, zentai suits with flamboyant colors and designs have been produced. Among the favorites are metallic solid-colored zentai suits which allow the wearer to stand out amidst a crowd. Another favorite is the animal print and abstract print zentai. These zentai suits bear leopard print or a colorful swirl of colors. They are usually made of metallic lycra or spandex. The most popular ones with women are the sexy black catsuits. There are some groups of people who believe in wearing zentai suits in public both as a clothing preference and as an expression of creativity. However, the most popular use of zentai both as an art and as expression of individual creativity is at costume plays.