There’s nothing else quite like a dance costume—it carries the excitement of the performance yet to come, and of course, there are all those sparkles! For many children, wearing a costume brings out the confidence and poise they’ve been working so hard on in class, and it is one of their most favorite parts about dancing on stage.
Because dance costumes are made from specialty fabrics, they can’t be treated like regular clothes. From stretchy lycra-blended leotards to the embellishments of sequins and beading, costumes are made from finicky materials. For this reason, we do not recommend washing them, but a little extra TLC can go a long way!
Taking care of your child’s costume can be simple if you keep these Dos and Don’ts in mind:
Do encourage your dancer to find a safe place at home to keep their costume. Help them understand that this will keep it in tip-top shape for photos and performance time.
Don’t allow playtime in the costume. If something spills on it or it rips, it is too late to purchase a new one! Save the dress-up time for after the recital.
Don’t allow your child to eat messy foods or drink anything but water when wearing the costume for photos or the performance. This helps prevent irreversible damage that can be caused by the dyes and enzymes in food and drink.
Do keep tutus upside down on the hanger, unless otherwise specified by your child’s teacher. This helps keep the tutu fluffy!
Do purchase a nude leotard undergarment for your child if they complain that the costume is itchy. These undergarments can be worn at all times for comfort and modesty; ask us for recommendations.
If the costume is wrinkled, Do allow it to “rest” outside of the garment bag. Using a steamer is OK too if you are experienced with one.
Don’t forget that costumes are made-to-order but not custom-made, so small alterations (such as tacking straps or hemming pants) may be needed to ensure the fit is just right.
Do make sure the costume is ready to go when needed! Make sure it is not crumpled or missing anything, and bring it with you in its garment bag.
If you ever have a question about the best way to store or care for a specific dance costume, please ask! We understand that costume care can feel like completely new territory, so we’re happy to help anytime.
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