How to Care for Competition Costumes: Expert Maintenance and Storage Tips

To maintain competition costumes, experts recommend stress-testing seams, spot-cleaning delicate fabrics, and storing heavy or stretchy garments flat to prevent warping. According to industry professionals including Donna Wiesenhart and Melanie Durham, reinforcing stress points and using specific deodorizing mists are essential for preserving garment integrity across a performance season.

How do you prepare a costume for the first performance?

Proper preparation prevents onstage wardrobe failures. Donna Wiesenhart, co-owner of Pandora’s Boxe Designs, advises performers to conduct a “stress test” before the first event. This involves jumping, stretching, and moving in the costume to identify where fabric or closures might fail.

Once weak spots are identified, experts recommend several reinforcement techniques:

• Double-stitch stress points: Add a second row of stitching to high-strain areas such as underarms, crotches, and side seams.
• Reinforce fasteners: Because manufacturers often use a single thread for buttons, Wiesenhart suggests hand-sewing extra loops through buttons and snaps to prevent them from popping off during quick changes.
• Lubricate zippers: Use a bar of soap, lip balm, or a graphite pencil along zipper teeth to ensure they slide smoothly without snagging.
• Secure plastic buckles: Melanie Durham, a dance educator and studio consultant, recommends adding a nude velcro strap over clear plastic buckles, as these components frequently break.

What is the best way to clean and refresh performance wear?

Many competition costumes feature sequins, ruffles, or jewels that cannot withstand standard laundry cycles. Durham states that while basic pieces may be machine-washable, costumes with embellishments must be spot-cleaned only.

For odor management and stain removal, experts suggest these methods:

• Bacteria removal: Tammy Gagianas, a custom costume seamstress, recommends a homemade deodorizer consisting of one cup of water mixed with a quarter-cup of rubbing alcohol. This should be applied as a fine mist to avoid staining the fabric.
• Stain treatment: Blot stains on both sides of the fabric with a damp cloth before rinsing with cold water. Durham suggests using micellar water or a small amount of OxiClean for difficult stains like makeup or blood, noting that users should avoid soaps with fragrances or dyes.

How should competition costumes be stored to prevent damage?

Incorrect storage can lead to permanent fabric deformation. Wiesenhart warns that hanging heavily rhinestoned or very stretchy costumes for long periods can cause the material to “grow” or stretch permanently. These items should be stored flat in ventilated bins.

For other garments, the following storage rules apply:

• Air-drying: Gagianas advises letting costumes dry completely after each use before placing them in garment bags to prevent odor buildup.
• Hanger selection: Use velvet or felt hangers to prevent straps from slipping. When using clips, place tissue or fabric between the clip and the garment to avoid leaving marks.
• Organization: Wiesenhart suggests attaching clear Ziploc bags to hangers with safety pins or using garment bags with built-in pockets to keep gloves and hairpieces with their corresponding costumes.
• Fastening: Ensure all hooks and closures are fastened during long-term storage to maintain the original shape and prevent snagging.

What should be in a costume emergency kit?

Quick fixes are often necessary during competitions. Gagianas identifies safety pins as the most critical tool, as they can reinforce a failing button or keep a zipper from sliding down.

A comprehensive emergency kit should include:

• Needles and thread
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• Clear nail polish
• Portable steamer
• Lint roller
• Baby wipes and travel-size hand soap

Cleaning Method Comparison