Costume Care

One of the main questions i get asked is how do i best take care of my costume to ensure stay looking great! Whilst the standard practices of hanging them up and not leaving them crumpled in bags apply, there are a few additional points to consider.

1. Spot Clean Only. Most costumes cannot be washed in the washing machine, and many cannot be hand washed either. This is probably the most important care tip we can give. if you get a stain on your costume or it needs a bit of a freshen up only spot clean unless the care label specifically tells you otherwise, Do not put your costume in with the rest of the washing. This will impact its longevity for use. You need to take particular care with costumes that have feathers, tassels and sequins. Feathers completely loose their shape and texture when they get wet - there is also significant risk of colour run. As they aren’t designed to get wet - they usually are not as colourfast as fabric.

   Tassels tend to fray when washed, and often end up very fluffy and unpresentable. There is also risk of the colour running.

   Sequins often loose their colour and come loose. There is some risk of colour run, however you are more likely to end up with a very dull costume, and sequins that don’t sparkle like they used to.

   Some plain costumes will be suitable for hand washing (or machine washing) always check the tag and follow manufacturers instructions.

   if there is no tag or garment care instructions, play it safe and spot clean only.

   Before you spot clean your costume - test on an inconspicuous area first.

   
   

2. It is also extremely important not to wash professionally made ballet tutus. The way these are constructed, there is a high risk of them loosing their shape when washed.

   
   

3. Do Not Dry Clean - Dance costumes should not be dry cleaned unless it is specifically stated on the care instructions. Whilst dry cleaners seem to be the go to for some delicates suck as silk, it’s usually not recommended for spandex and lycra products, and generally not safe for the decorations.

   
   

4. Do Not Tumble Dry. Nothing on a dance costume belongs in a dryer. If your costume does get wet - through washing or by accident, remove as much water as possible with an old towel, then hang to dry.

5. General cleaning and deodorising of costumes. Dance is a physical activity, and it’s common for costumes to get sweaty and smelly.

   A spray bottle of cheap unflavoured vodka (either undiluted or 50/50 diluted with water) can be used to spray on the inside of the costume, particularly under the armpits and crotch area. Hang the costume to dry in a well ventilated place, the vodka will evaporate.

   This is effective because the alcohol causes the body odour to break down, deodorizing and sanitizing the costume.

   This method is commonly used in professional ballets for costumes that cannot be washed.

   There are a few things to remember if you choose to use this method.

   Always spot test a small section of fabric in an inconspicuous area before spraying the whole costume.

   Spray the inside of the costume only, and don’t spray too much on.

   Kids - this is a job for the grownups.

   If the costume contains silk (rare in modern costumes) use undiluted vodka only, as silk will water mark.

   If it isn’t practical to use vodka, wipe the inside of armpits and crotch with a damp cloth, and hang to dry in a well ventilated area.

6. If you have a serious mishap with a dance costume such as a sugary drink spilling on it, I strongly recommend contacting the costumes manufacturer asap for advice.

So here are a few tips to follow if you want to keep your costume in top condition, and p increase its life span. for any further questions regarding care please do not hesitate to reach out to Shyne Designs.