Introduction
Now that you have a new ballet costume for your performance, you need to know how best to take care of it so it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible. Ballet costumes are made from delicate materials. The leotard or bodice may be made from spandex, nylon, or a blend of cotton, polyester, or spandex. The skirt or tutu may be made from tulle, nylon net, chiffon, or even silk. The costume may be decorated with appliqués, embroidery, beads, pearls, rhinestones, lace, feathers, bows, ribbons, paint, and more.
In addition to the delicate fabrics used to make the costume, the structure of the tutu will vary depending on the style, thereby affecting how the costume is cared for. Different styles include the romantic tutu, bell tutu, and several versions of the modern tutu including the classical tutu, pancake, platter, and American tutu. These costumes require careful handling to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Gentle Cleaning
Hand Wash Only: Always hand wash your costume to prevent damage from the washing machine.
Use Cold Water: Cold water helps preserve fabric elasticity and color.
Mild Detergent: Use a mild, gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
Clean Immediately: Clean the costume immediately after performances to prevent odors and bacteria build-up.
Washing Technique
Soak Briefly: Soak the costume in cold water with a small amount of detergent for a short period (5-10 minutes).
Avoid Agitation: Gently swish the fabric in the water, avoiding any harsh scrubbing or wringing.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse in cold water until all soap is removed.
Handling Delicate Decorations
Avoid Scrubbing: Do not scrub areas with rhinestones, sequins, or appliqués to prevent them from loosening.
Use a Soft Cloth: If necessary, use a soft cloth to gently clean these areas.
Check for Snags: Inspect for any snags or tears before and after washing, and repair them gently if necessary.
Drying the Costume
Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the costume flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel gently to remove excess water.
Air Dry: Place the costume on a flat surface or drying rack away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent yellowing and fabric damage.
Avoid Hanging: Hanging wet costumes can cause them to stretch and lose shape.
Storing Different Styles of Tutus
Romantic Tutu
Flat Storage: Store the romantic tutu flat to prevent the soft tulle from creasing. Lightly fold the skirt if necessary, but avoid tight folds.
Protective Cover: Place the tutu in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Store the romantic tutu in a spacious area where it won’t be crushed by other garments.
Bell Tutu
Flat Storage: Store bell tutus flat to maintain the shape of the fuller, bell-shaped skirt. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the tutu to prevent flattening.
Separate Layers: If the tutu has multiple layers, separate them with tissue paper to avoid tangling and creasing.
Garment Bag: Use a large garment bag that can accommodate the full shape of the tutu without compressing it.
Classical Tutu (Pancake, Platter, American)
Flat Storage: Lay the classical tutu flat, ideally on a large, clean surface. The rigid structure of these tutus means they must not be folded.
Supportive Storage: Consider using a tutu bag specifically designed for classical tutus, which provides structured support to maintain the tutu’s flat shape.
Layering Protection: Place tissue paper or soft cloth between the layers to prevent the stiff tulle from rubbing against itself, which can cause wear and tear.
Avoid Compression: Store the tutu in an area where it won’t be compressed by other items. If space is an issue, you can store it on a flat shelf or in a dedicated tutu box.
Repair and Maintenance
Handle Gently: When repairing snags or tears, use fine needles and threads to minimize further damage.
Check Regularly: Inspect the costume for any damage before and after use, making timely repairs as needed.
Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency repair kit with fabric glue, extra rhinestones, sequins, and threads that match the costume.
Reinforce Seams: Consider reinforcing seams with additional stitching to prevent tearing from intense movements.
Wearing and Removing the Costume
Be Gentle: Put on and take off costumes carefully to avoid tearing.
Avoid Sharp Objects: Remove jewelry and accessories that could snag or tear the costume.
Use Body Adhesive Appropriately: Apply body adhesive sparingly and ensure it is suitable for delicate fabrics.
Transporting the Costume
Use a Garment Bag: Protect costumes with a garment bag during transport.
Pack Lightly: Place the costume on top of other items in a suitcase, and avoid placing heavy objects on it.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Stay Dry: Try to keep the costume dry during performances. Moisture can cause tulle to lose shape and become limp.
Use Absorbent Pads: Consider using absorbent pads in areas prone to sweating.
Professional Cleaning
Consult a Professional: For tough stains or extensive damage, seek help from a professional cleaner experienced with delicate fabrics like tulle.
General Tips for All Tutu Styles
Breathable Covers: Always use breathable garment covers to allow air circulation, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Cool, Dry Place: Store tutus in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fabrics.
Avoid Hanging: Hanging tutus, especially those with delicate tulle, can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape. Flat storage is generally the best method.
Dust Protection: Ensure the storage area is free from dust and dirt. Regularly check on stored tutus to ensure they remain clean and undamaged.
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure tutus have enough space to retain their shape and avoid damage from being pressed against other items.
Rotate Costumes: If you have multiple costumes, rotate their use to reduce wear and tear on any single costume.
By following these specific guidelines, you can help ensure that your ballet costumes remain in excellent condition and retain their delicate appearance.
If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for a free consultation here.
Your feedback is valuable! If you found this article helpful, show your support by liking and sharing.
Comments