General Care Tips

• Handle with care: Costumes are often made with delicate materials such as sequins, rhinestones, mesh, or specialty fabrics. Always treat them gently to avoid damage.

• Avoid harsh environments: Keep your costume away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, or humid storage conditions, as these can cause fading or damage.

• After wear: Allow your costume to air out after each use to prevent odors and moisture buildup. Avoid storing it while damp.

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Washing Instructions

Handwashing (Recommended)

1. Prepare a gentle wash: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or fabric wash specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.

2. Pre-test colors: Test the detergent on an inconspicuous area to ensure colors won’t bleed.

3. Soak gently: Submerge the costume in the water and gently swirl it for 5-10 minutes. Do not scrub, wring, or twist the fabric.

4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the costume until all soap residue is gone.

5. Dry carefully: Lay the costume flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel up with the costume inside to remove excess water. Reshape the garment and lay it flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight.

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Spot Cleaning

1. Identify the stain: Gently dab the stained area with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing as this can spread the stain or damage embellishments.

2. Use a gentle cleaner: Apply a small amount of mild detergent or fabric cleaner to a soft cloth and dab the stain lightly.

3. Rinse: Use another damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then pat dry with a towel.

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Caring for Embellishments

Sequins and Rhinestones

• Avoid submersion: Do not soak heavily sequinned or rhinestoned areas in water, as adhesives may weaken.

• Spot clean only: Gently wipe down embellished sections with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Take care not to snag sequins or loosen rhinestones.

• Inspect regularly: Check for loose or missing embellishments after each use. Reattach using fabric glue or sewing techniques if necessary.

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Feathers, Fringe, and Delicate Trims

• Handle with care: Avoid bending or crushing these areas. If they become misshapen, use steam at a safe distance to help restore their appearance.

• Spot clean only: Do not wet feathers or trims excessively. Use a soft brush to remove dust or debris.

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Caring for Specific Fabrics and Fibers

Lycra and Spandex

• Avoid heat: Wash in cool water and air dry. Heat can break down the elastic fibers.

• No fabric softeners: These can coat the fibers and reduce elasticity.

Velvet

• Do not press or iron: Use steam to remove wrinkles without crushing the pile.

• Spot clean when possible: Avoid soaking, as velvet is highly absorbent.

Silk

• Gentle care: Use a silk-specific detergent and hand wash only. Avoid prolonged soaking.

• Dry flat: Lay silk costumes flat to dry to prevent stretching or distortion.

Tulle and Netting

• Avoid tangling: Hand wash gently to prevent snagging or tearing. Avoid wringing.

• Steam lightly: Use a garment steamer to restore shape if it becomes crumpled.

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Corset Care

• Do not wash: Corsets are not designed to be submerged in water. Spot clean the outer fabric with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

• Air out: After each wear, air the corset out completely to prevent odors and moisture buildup.

• Store properly: Hang or lay flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding the corset to prevent damage to boning and structure.

• Inspect regularly: Check for loose laces, damaged grommets, or bent boning, and make repairs as needed.

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Storing Your Costume

1. Hang with care: Use a padded or wide hanger to support the costume and prevent stretching. Avoid wire hangers.

2. Protect from dust: Store in a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

3. Avoid crowded closets: Allow space for the costume to hang freely without crushing or pressing it against other garments.

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Deodorising Your Costume

• Air it out: After wearing, hang the costume in a well-ventilated area (inside out if possible) to air dry and eliminate odors.

• Use fabric-safe sprays: Lightly mist with a fabric freshener (such as Sphagnum Moss) designed for delicate materials. Avoid spraying directly on embellishments.

• DIY odor remover: Place a small sachet of baking soda in the garment bag to absorb odors.

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Travel Tips

• Pack carefully: Lay the costume flat in a suitcase with tissue paper between layers. Avoid overpacking to prevent crushing.

• Carry-on preferred: Whenever possible, carry your costume as hand luggage to avoid damage during travel.

• Steam out wrinkles: Use a garment steamer to remove wrinkles upon arrival. Always steam from the inside or through a protective cloth to avoid direct heat on delicate fabrics.