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Writer's pictureSandra Ball

Maintaining Your Costume: Tips for Longevity and Care - Skating Competition Costumes

Embellished Custom Skating Costume
Embellished Custom Skating Costume

Introduction

Now that you’ve invested time, money, and effort into acquiring a new skating costume for your competition or performance, you need to know how best to take care of it so it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible. Many costumes are made from delicate materials like spandex, chiffon, stretch mesh, rhinestones, sequins, and appliqués. These costumes require careful handling to maintain their appearance and longevity.


Gentle Cleaning

  • Hand Wash Only: Always hand wash costumes 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.


Washing Technique

  • Soak Briefly: Soak the costume in cold water with detergent for a short time (5-10 minutes).

  • Gentle Agitation: Gently agitate the water with your hands, focusing on areas with sweat or makeup stains.

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cold water until all soap is removed.


Handling Rhinestones and Sequins

  • 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.


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 fabric damage and fading.

  • Avoid Hangers: Hanging wet costumes can stretch out fabrics and cause embellishments to sag or fall off.


Storing the Costume

  • Flat Storage: Store the costume flat in a cool, dry place to maintain its shape and avoid wrinkles.

  • Protective Cover: Use a garment bag to protect the costume from dust and potential damage.

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the costume is not crowded by other garments to prevent snagging or crushing of delicate fabrics and embellishments.


Repair and Maintenance

  • Check for Loose Embellishments: Regularly inspect rhinestones, sequins, and appliqués for looseness and secure them as needed.

  • Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency repair kit with fabric glue, extra rhinestones, sequins, and threads that match the costume.


Wearing and Removing the Costume

  • Be Gentle: When putting on or taking off the costume, be gentle to avoid stretching or tearing delicate fabrics.

  • Avoid Jewelry: Remove jewelry and accessories that could snag the fabric or embellishments.

  • Avoid Skates: Put your costume on before your skates, and remove your skates before taking off your costume.


Transporting the Costume

  • Use a Garment Bag: When traveling, use a garment bag to protect the costume from dirt and damage.

  • Pack Carefully: If packing in a suitcase, place the costume on top and avoid heavy items on top of it.


Avoid Excessive Moisture

  • Stay Dry: Try to keep the costume dry as much as possible during performances to avoid damage from sweat and moisture.

  • Use Absorbent Pads: Consider using absorbent pads in areas prone to sweating to protect the fabric.


Professional Cleaning

  • Consult a Professional: For stubborn stains or delicate embellishments, consider consulting a professional cleaner experienced with performance costumes.


By following these tips, you can ensure that your competition costumes remain in excellent condition, helping you look your best during performances.


If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for a free consultation here.


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