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Fabric Care Guide

Stage wear is made from some of the most demanding fabrics in fashion — spandex, mesh, velvet, satin, and more. Each requires a different approach to washing, drying, and care. Get it right and your costumes last for years.

Quick Reference by Fabric

Fabric Wash Dry Iron/Steam
Spandex / Lycra Hand wash, cool water Air dry flat No heat — steam only
Mesh / Fishnet Hand wash, cool water Air dry flat Low steam only
Velvet Spot clean or dry clean Air dry hanging Steam only — never iron
Satin Hand wash or dry clean Air dry hanging Low iron, inside-out
Sequin Fabric Hand wash, cool water Air dry flat No heat — melts sequins
Lace Hand wash in mesh bag Air dry flat Low steam only
Chiffon / Organza Hand wash, cool water Air dry hanging Low iron or steam

Care by Fabric Type

Spandex & Lycra

The backbone of most performance wear. Spandex loses elasticity when exposed to heat — always wash cool and air dry flat.

  • Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent
  • Never wring — press gently in a towel to remove water
  • Air dry flat away from direct sunlight
  • Never tumble dry or iron — heat destroys elasticity permanently
  • Avoid fabric softener — coats fibers and reduces stretch recovery

Velvet

Velvet's pile (the raised fibers) crushes easily and is difficult to restore. Handle with care and always steam — never iron.

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth for minor marks
  • Dry clean for full cleaning — most velvet is not washable
  • Steam to restore crushed pile — hold steamer 2–3 inches away
  • Never iron directly — always use a pressing cloth or steam only
  • Store hanging to prevent pile compression

Satin

Satin shows water spots and snags easily. The glossy surface scratches under pressure — always handle gently.

  • Hand wash in cool water or dry clean
  • Use a mesh laundry bag if machine washing on delicate cycle
  • Air dry hanging — never tumble dry
  • Iron inside-out on low heat with a pressing cloth
  • Avoid water spots — blot immediately if wet

Mesh & Fishnet

Mesh snags on everything. Always wash in a mesh laundry bag and keep away from velcro and rough surfaces.

  • Hand wash in cool water in a mesh laundry bag
  • Gentle detergent only — no bleach
  • Air dry flat — hanging causes stretching
  • Store folded away from velcro and rough textures

Universal Washing Rules for Stage Wear

Always test first

Test any new cleaning method on a hidden seam allowance before applying to the main fabric.

Cold water is safer

Hot water shrinks, fades, and damages most performance fabrics. When in doubt, use cold.

Gentle detergent only

Use a detergent formulated for delicates. Harsh detergents strip color and degrade elastic fibers.

Never wring

Wringing distorts shape and stresses seams. Press gently in a clean towel to remove excess water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Tumble drying spandex or sequins — heat destroys elasticity and melts sequins. Always air dry.

✗ Ironing velvet directly — crushes the pile permanently. Always steam from a distance.

✗ Using bleach on colored fabrics — causes irreversible color stripping and fabric degradation.

✗ Washing embellished pieces in a machine without a bag — rhinestones, sequins, and beads snag and tear in a machine drum.