How to Care for Rhinestone & Fringe Dance Costumes

How to Care for Rhinestone & Fringe Dance Costumes

How to Care for Rhinestone & Fringe Dance Costumes

A quality Latin dance costume is a significant investment — and with the right care, it can last for years of performances and competitions. Rhinestone embellishments, delicate fringe, and stretch performance fabrics require specific care that is very different from your everyday laundry routine.

Table of Contents

  1. Washing Your Dance Costume
  2. Drying & Finishing
  3. Caring for Rhinestone Embellishments
  4. Caring for Fringe & Tassels
  5. Caring for Sequin Costumes
  6. Storing Your Dance Costume
  7. Caring for Latin Dance Shoes
  8. Emergency Repairs Before a Performance
  9. Shop Latin Dance Costumes

Washing Your Dance Costume

Never machine wash rhinestone or fringe dance costumes. The agitation will loosen rhinestones, tangle fringe, and stretch or distort the fabric.

Hand Washing (Recommended)

  1. Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water.
  2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent — a delicate fabric wash or baby shampoo works well.
  3. Submerge the costume and gently agitate the water with your hands. Do not scrub, wring, or twist.
  4. Focus on soiled areas by gently pressing the fabric together rather than rubbing.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all detergent is removed.

Spot Cleaning (For Light Soil)

  1. Dampen a clean white cloth with cool water and a tiny amount of gentle detergent.
  2. Gently dab (never rub) the soiled area.
  3. Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove any detergent residue.
  4. Allow to air dry completely before storing.

How Often to Wash

Wash only when necessary. Between washes, air your costume out thoroughly after each use.

Drying & Finishing

  • Never tumble dry: Heat will melt rhinestone adhesive and damage sequins.
  • Remove excess water gently: Press (never wring) excess water out. Roll in a clean dry towel to absorb more moisture.
  • Dry flat: Never hang a wet embellished costume — the weight will stretch the fabric.
  • Dry away from direct sunlight: UV light can fade colors and degrade rhinestone adhesive.
  • Allow to dry completely before storing.

Ironing & Steaming

  • Use a handheld garment steamer held at least 6" from the fabric.
  • Never steam directly over rhinestones or sequins.
  • If ironing is necessary for non-embellished sections, use the lowest heat setting and iron on the reverse side through a pressing cloth.

Caring for Rhinestone Embellishments

Preventing Rhinestone Loss

  • Avoid snagging on rough surfaces, zippers, and Velcro.
  • Handle with care when putting on and taking off your costume.
  • Cool water only — hot water loosens rhinestone adhesive.
  • No harsh chemicals — bleach, fabric softener, and enzyme-based detergents degrade adhesive.

Cleaning Rhinestones

  1. Mix a small amount of gentle dish soap with cool water.
  2. Dip a soft toothbrush or cotton swab in the solution.
  3. Gently brush each rhinestone in a circular motion.
  4. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and allow to dry completely.

Replacing Lost Rhinestones

  1. Clean the area with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Allow to dry completely.
  2. Apply a small dot of E6000 craft adhesive or rhinestone-specific fabric glue to the back of the replacement stone.
  3. Press firmly into place and hold for 30 seconds.
  4. Allow to cure for at least 24 hours before wearing or washing.

Caring for Fringe & Tassels

Preventing Fringe Damage

  • Never fold fringe — always hang or lay flat.
  • Store separately from other garments in a garment bag.
  • Detangle gently after each use by running your fingers through the fringe.

Washing Fringe

Hand wash with the rest of the costume. After washing, gently separate each strand while still damp and lay flat to dry. Never wring or bunch fringe.

Restoring Fringe Shape

Hold a garment steamer 6–8" away and steam gently while running your fingers through the strands to straighten them. Allow to dry completely in a hanging position.

Caring for Sequin Costumes

  • Hand wash only in cool water with gentle detergent.
  • Wash inside out to protect the sequin surface.
  • Never iron sequins directly — steam only, from a distance.
  • Store flat or hanging in a garment bag. Avoid folding.
  • Brush gently with a soft cloth in the direction of the sequins after washing.

Storing Your Dance Costume

  • Use a breathable garment bag: Protects from dust and light while allowing air circulation. Avoid plastic bags.
  • Hang or lay flat: Use padded hangers. For heavily embellished costumes, laying flat prevents stretching.
  • Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid attics, basements, and anywhere with temperature extremes or humidity.
  • Keep away from direct light: UV light fades colors and degrades adhesive.
  • Don't compress: Avoid stacking heavy items on top of stored costumes.

Caring for Latin Dance Shoes

  • Brush suede soles after every use with a suede brush to restore the nap.
  • Air dry after use — never store damp shoes. Stuff with tissue paper to maintain shape.
  • Store in a dust bag away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid outdoor use — outdoor surfaces destroy suede soles rapidly.
  • Rotate pairs if you dance frequently to allow each pair to dry fully between uses.

Emergency Repairs Before a Performance

Keep these in your dance bag:

  • Spare rhinestones and fabric glue for replacing lost stones quickly.
  • Clear nail polish for stopping runs in mesh or sheer fabric sections.
  • Safety pins for emergency strap or closure repairs.
  • Double-sided fashion tape for securing necklines and straps.
  • Suede brush for refreshing shoe soles before you compete.
  • Small scissors for trimming loose threads or fringe strands.

Shop Latin Dance Costumes at Stage Wear Shop

Back to: The Ultimate Guide to Latin Dance Clothing & Shoes