How to Keep Dance Costumes Looking Amazing All Season: Simple Tips for Busy Dance Families

Dance Costume Care Tips 
​Costume week is always so exciting- sparkles all over the place, dancers twirling everywhere, and parents trying to keep everything organized (we see you!).
Once those beautiful costumes head home, a little bit of care will help keep them looking picture-perfect for photos, rehearsals, and our big June recital.
Here’s an easy, no-stress guide to keeping costumes in their very best shape.
1. Hang It Up Right Away One of the simplest things you can do? Put the costume straight onto a hanger as soon as you get home.
Why it matters:
Costumes wrinkle quickly when folded or stuffed into a bag. Hanging them helps the fabric settle and keeps the costume’s shape.
Tip:
Have a tutu-style costume? Peel apart each layer of tulle to steam and hang it upside down and give the tulle a little fluff. This helps it fall correctly and look fuller on stage.

2. Use Steam  Not an Iron If your costume has a few travel wrinkles (totally normal!), a handheld steamer is your best friend.
Why steaming works:
It loosens wrinkles without crushing delicate fabrics, sequins, or appliqués.
Tip:
Hold the steamer a few inches away and move gently.
Please avoid using an iron!!! Even low heat can melt or distort costume material, and we definitely don’t want that.

3. Skip the Washing Machine Dance costumes are not made for everyday laundering, and most will not survive a spin in the washer or dryer.
If something gets dirty:

• Spot clean only
• Use mild detergent and cool water
• Blot- don’t scrub

Tip:
Let the costume fully air dry before putting it back in a garment bag to avoid moisture and odors.

4. Save Costumes for Show Time Only We know dancers want to wear their costumes everywhere. Grocery store? Sure. Backyard? Why not.
But until our June recital is finished, costumes should only be worn for:

• Picture day
• Dress rehearsals
• Performances

Tip:
If your dancer wants to “play dress-up,” have a fun at-home costume they can use guilt-free.

5. Keep All Accessories Together Nothing strikes fear into a dance parent’s heart quite like realizing a hairpiece has disappeared.
Tip:
Use a small bag, pencil pouch, or even a labeled sandwich baggie to store:

• Hairpieces
• Gloves
• Extra straps
• Small accessories

Replacement pieces aren’t usually available without buying an entirely new costume - so keeping them together saves a lot of stress.

6. What Your Dancer Should Not Wear Under Their Costume This is the question everyone wonders about, so let’s make it super easy:

• No underwear under tights.
  Dance tights act as both hosiery and undergarments. Regular underwear can show lines, shift around, or peek through on stage.
• No visible bras or straps.
  If your dancer needs extra support, choose a nude-tone, clear-strap, or dance-specific undergarment designed to stay invisible.

Tip:
Have your dancer try their costume on at home once (gently!) just to make sure everything fits smoothly.

7. After the final Spring Recital? Wear It Anywhere! Once our Spring recital day is over and we’ve celebrated all their hard work, dancers can enjoy their costumes however they want - tea parties, playground adventures, next years' Halloween costume, and sparkling Target runs included.

Need Recital or Rehearsal Info? All of the detailed hair, makeup, and rehearsal information is in the recital packets sent to your email and shared in BAND.
You can also scan the QR code on your costume name tag for quick access anytime.

We’re Here to Help! Thank you for taking such good care of your dancers’ costumes. It truly keeps our performances looking polished and magical.
If you ever have questions or need help, please reach out.