What’s the best way to extend the life of your favorite leotard, ballet skirt, and tights? Aside from fabric quality, it largely comes down to what you do on laundry day.
1. Keep it Cool
Cold water is always the best option for stretch fabrics. Warm is usually okay, but hot water should always be avoided. Why? Heat can damage the fabric’s stretchy elastic fibers and fades bright/deep colors. Stay with cold-water and mild detergent for your dancewear to maintain beautiful colors and keep the stretch in your dancewear.
2. Regular vs. Delicate Cycle
Most leggings, shorts and activewear can be laundered on a regular cycle. Tights, leotards and anything that’s delicate - especially lace or lightweight mesh - should be set aside for a delicate cycle or handwashing. Also, be mindful of hooks, sequins, or zippers which can easily get caught and damage other items. Turn those pieces inside-out and keep them separated in a lingerie bag.
3. The Dryer Debate
Using the dryer for plain activewear usually isn’t a problem, but if there are embellishments, lace, or mesh on your dancewear, air-drying is best. The heat of a dryer can loosen or melt rhinestones and vinyl designs on your attire. For Bloom dance dresses, we always recommend air-drying so the rhinestone logo stays in place on the leotard. Tights should always be hung to dry as the knit is very delicate - drying can cause pulls, snags and runs.
One way a dryer can HELP with (non-embellished) dancewear: If your leotard is looking saggy, the dryer’s heat can help the elastic in stretch wear “spring back.” And if it’s a synthetic fabric, shrinking usually isn’t an issue.
4. Tights: Handle Separately
Don’t ever wash your tights with anything that has color. Most dance tights are made with nylon—a magnet for dye. If there’s anything else in the washer that has color, and even a tiny bit of that color escapes, the tights will grab that color and never let it go. Always wash tights in a mesh lingerie bag (or handwash) to avoid snags - and again, hang to dry.
More Helpful Tips for Dancewear:
Handling the Stink and Sweat
Odor in clothing is usually due to bacteria, and bacteria will only grow if you give it time to get started. After class, don’t throw your damp clothes in your hamper, or let them sit in your dance bag for more than a few hours. Salt from sweat can wear down stretch materials, so wash promptly if you can.
If you’re not washing your dancewear right away, let them air-dry before you add them to the laundry basket. And if you’re worried about the lingering stench, soak it in cool water with a little baking soda for 30 minutes before washing it.
Tights: Size up!
If you find that your tights get frequent snags, tears, and runs, try going up a size or two. Reducing strain on the material can often extend the life of tights and avoid accidental mishaps.
Undergarments
Dance is a sport, and supportive garments are a must. Choosing undergarments that offer good fit and support is essential to being comfortable in class and on stage.
• Some leotards and dance dresses include an extra inner lining - for example, a built-in shelf bra or a skin-toned fabric layer. You may still prefer to wear something underneath for added support and coverage, such as a sports bra or nude leotard. Remember, sports bras don’t have to stay hidden under your leotard! Show some style with a floral, patterned, or contrasting print under your dance leotard.
• Dancers do not need to wear underwear under their dance leotards and costumes, just like they do not wear any under a bathing suit. If they are wearing tights, these perform the same function as panties and socks. This is a personal preference that we always leave up to the discretion of our dancers.
• Underwear with patterns (polka dots, stripes, characters) sometimes shine through leotards, so take an extra look in bright lighting when getting ready for class.
We know that managing dancewear–from purchasing to washing–can be a challenge. With a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your dancer’s attire and keep it studio ready. And stay tuned–we have some exciting ways to make dancewear shopping even EASIER in 2023!
We are always here to help with your dancewear questions - do not hesitate to ask!