Learning how to wash dance costumes properly will help maintain their vibrant appearance and extend their lifespan. Follow these simple care instructions to keep your garments pristine.
General Tips for Costume Care
To preserve the elegance and durability of dance costumes—especially those with intricate embellishments, fringe, or delicate details—hand washing is always recommended. Remember, some fabrics may bleed color during initial washes, so wash separately at first.
Fringe
Fringe should always be gently hand-washed. To prevent unraveling, treat fringe edges with clear fabric glue or nail polish before washing, particularly for new items.
Biflex (Spandex)
Hand wash or machine wash biflex costumes on a gentle cycle with cool water. Air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources. Iron gently on a low setting if necessary.
Velvet (Velour)
Velvet costumes can be gently washed at 30°C. Avoid detergents with bleach. Velour usually doesn't require ironing; if necessary, iron lightly on the reverse side.
Gabardine
Wash gabardine costumes inside out at 30°C without spinning. Air dry in shade, reshaping while damp. Iron from the reverse side using a damp cloth.
Lace and Guipure
Hand wash gently at temperatures of 30-40°C, without spinning. Iron at low temperatures (up to 110°C), preferably with steam or through a damp cloth.
Mesh and Tulle
Regular mesh can be gently machine-washed, while velvet-coated or printed mesh should be hand washed carefully. Air dry and, if needed, iron at low heat through a protective fabric layer.
Stretch Knitwear
Wash gently by hand or machine at temperatures below 30°C. Avoid wringing when wet and allow garments to dry naturally. Iron lightly from the reverse side if needed.
Tulle
Wash tulle gently, air dry without wringing, and iron at low temperatures through a protective cloth if necessary.
Chiffon and Crepe Chiffon
Hand wash chiffon gently at temperatures below 30°C. Dry naturally away from direct sunlight, and lightly iron at low heat if needed.
Soft Fabrics and Ribbed Knit
Hand wash using mild detergents at temperatures up to 30°C. Soft fabric costumes can be dried on hangers, while ribbed knits should dry flat. Iron lightly from the reverse side if needed.
By following these guidelines on how to wash dance costumes, you'll ensure your garments remain beautiful, durable, and performance-ready.