Dancing is always more fun when wearing your favourite piece of dancewear. That is not until these garments become too loose or worn out. Any dancer would love it if the dance outfits they invested in could last for a long time. That depends on many factors, though. Choosing a quality material is one, and knowing how to care for it is another.
If you want to know how to wash and care for delicate dancewear properly, here are some tips you might find helpful.
Tip 1: Know What Kind of Cycle to Use
You need to be mindful when washing dancewear. Choose the suitable method according to its material. Aside from some of these materials being delicate, some also have hooks or strings that could damage other pieces of clothing. Because of that, you need to know which items to set aside and which to launder on a regular cycle.
Anything that has lace or uses light materials like tights and leotards should either be set on a delicate cycle or better if washed by hand. Sports bras, activewear, and the like can be washed as is.
Tip 2: Use Cold Water When Washing
A dancewear is mainly made up of stretchable fabrics, making it fragile and easy to damage. Washing it in hot water would only make the material weaker. For one, hot water can shrink certain fabrics. The heat can also break down its fibres, resulting in a ruined fabric. Moreover, hot water can damage the elasticity and colour of the textile, especially those with bright or deep colours.
Washing them in warm water is good, but cold water is always your best option. Cold water can help your clothes last longer because it can slow down the fading of colours and shrinking.
Tip 3: Determine When to Dry
Usually, dancers do not need to dry their clothes in the dryer as some materials are thin enough to dry fast. Most of the time, especially when it comes to costumes, dancers do not repeat their outfits right away.
There are mixed opinions about using the dryer for dancewear. Some people recommend it because the heat can help bring back the elasticity of stretched-out or saggy clothes, while others believe not putting the garments in the dryer could extend their life further.
One thing is for sure, though. Any item with more than five to seven per cent of cotton should not be placed inside the dryer. Garments made from cotton usually fade faster and develop a fuzzy white layer, shortening the life of your dancewear.
The Proper Way of Handwashing
The safest way to care for your delicate garments is to wash them with your hands. Here is how to do it:
- Fill the sink with cold water.
- Add a small amount of your preferred detergent. Mix it well with the water.
- Get your garments and soak them for around 30 minutes—no need to rub them.
- Afterwards, rinse it in clean, cold water.
- Instead of wrinkling it to dry, wrap it in a towel to absorb excess water.
- Hang to dry.
Conclusion
Knowing the material the garment is made of, plus the dos and don’ts of washing it, can help you prolong its life and keep it in good condition for a long time. This article gave you three tips that you can apply. Keep them in mind so that your young lady can enjoy their favourite dancewear piece in many more performances.
Investing in quality materials is the first step to ensuring your young one can keep the garments for a long time. Pink Lemon Dancewear is one of the reputable dancewear stores in Australia where you can get stylish, durable and proudly Australian-made leotards and sets for girls. Sign up to get the latest news on new collections, exclusive promotions and other surprises.
