Dance costumes and dancewear are a real investment. Knowing how to care for them properly means they last longer, look better and save you money across the whole dance year.
How to Care for Dance Costumes
Performance costumes are often made from delicate fabrics like chiffon, organza, sequin mesh and stretch velvet. These materials need gentle handling every single time.
Check the care label first. If there is no label, treat the garment as hand-wash only. Use cool water and a mild detergent formulated for delicates. Never wring or twist the fabric. Gently press water out, then lay the costume flat on a clean dry towel to air dry.
For costumes covered in sequins or beading, turn them inside out before washing. This protects the embellishments and reduces snagging. If hand washing feels too risky, a mesh laundry bag on a gentle machine cycle at 30 degrees can work for sturdier pieces.
Storage matters just as much as washing. Hang costumes on padded hangers inside a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture and can cause fabric to yellow over time. Keep costumes away from direct sunlight to protect colours.
How to Care for Everyday Dancewear
Everyday dancewear, including leotards, bike shorts, crop tops and tights, gets worn and washed far more often than costumes. A good routine keeps everything in shape.
Leotards and Fitted Tops
Rinse leotards in cool water as soon as possible after class. Sweat and body oils break down elastane fibres over time, so the sooner you rinse, the better. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag, or hand wash with a gentle detergent. Always air dry flat. Never put lycra or elastane in a hot dryer as the heat destroys the stretch and fit.
Dance Tights
Tights need extra care because the fabric is so fine. Hand washing is always the safest option. If you machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag and the gentlest cycle available. Lay them flat or hang to dry. Avoid pegs on the fabric itself as they can leave marks. If you are unsure which tights suit your dance style, our guide to different types of dance tights covers all the key options and what each style is best suited for.
Dance Shoes
Ballet shoes can often be hand washed in cool soapy water and left to air dry naturally. Check whether yours are canvas or leather first as leather needs a damp cloth wipe only. Jazz shoes and character shoes should be wiped down after each use and stored in a breathable shoe bag. Never leave damp shoes in a closed bag as this encourages odour and mould.
Practical Tips to Make Dancewear Last Longer
- Wash dancewear after every single wear. Sweat left in fabric shortens the life of the garment.
- Use a detergent designed for activewear or delicates. Standard detergents can be too harsh for stretch fabrics.
- Skip fabric softener on leotards and tights. It coats the fibres and reduces the fabric's ability to stretch and recover.
- Always check for loose threads, missing snaps or small tears before washing. Catching these early stops them getting worse in the wash.
- Label every single item with your child's name before the season starts. Lost dancewear at competitions is extremely common.
- Store clean dancewear in a dedicated dance bag or drawer so nothing gets mixed with regular school clothing.
Getting Little Ones Ready for Class
If your daughter is just starting out in dance, dressing her correctly from the beginning makes a big difference to her comfort and confidence in class. Our article on dressing your toddler for dance lessons walks through exactly what to look for in those early years.
For older girls and teens exploring different dance styles, outfit requirements change depending on the genre. Our class-by-class outfit guide breaks down what works for ballet, jazz, contemporary and more.
Quality dancewear that is cared for properly will see your dancer through an entire season and often well beyond that. Browse our dance class essentials for girls, all designed and made right here in Melbourne with Australian dancers in mind.
