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Glitter & Sequin Care Guide

Glitter and sequin costumes are high-impact on stage — but they shed, snag, and fade without proper care. Learn how to wash, dry, store, and prevent shedding so your sparkle lasts performance after performance.

Quick Reference

Washing

Hand wash in cool water — machine washing destroys sequins

Drying

Air dry flat — heat melts sequins and loosens glitter adhesive

Storage

Store flat or hanging — never fold at sequin lines

Shedding fix

Hairspray or fabric sealant on glitter areas before wearing

How to Wash Glitter & Sequin Costumes

Machine washing is the fastest way to destroy a sequin costume — the drum snags and tears sequins off in bulk. Always hand wash and handle gently.

1

Turn the garment inside-out

Washing inside-out protects the sequin surface from friction and reduces shedding. This is the single most important step.

2

Fill a basin with cool water and gentle detergent

Use a small amount of delicate or wool wash detergent. Hot water loosens the adhesive backing on sequins and causes mass shedding.

3

Gently submerge and swish — do not scrub

Move the garment gently through the water. Never scrub, twist, or wring. Soak for 5 minutes maximum.

4

Rinse with cool water

Gently submerge in clean cool water to rinse. Repeat until all detergent is removed. Do not hold under running water — the pressure dislodges sequins.

5

Press dry in a towel and air dry flat

Lay the garment on a clean dry towel, roll gently to absorb water, then lay flat to air dry. Never hang — the weight of wet sequins stretches the fabric.

Preventing Glitter Shedding

Glitter shedding is the #1 complaint with glitter costumes. These steps dramatically reduce fallout before and during performance.

Before First Wear

  • Lightly spray glitter areas with hairspray and allow to dry completely
  • Alternatively, use a clear fabric sealant spray
  • Test on a hidden area first to check for color change
  • Repeat after every 3–4 wears

During Storage

  • Store in a breathable garment bag to contain shed glitter
  • Store separately from other costumes — glitter transfers to everything
  • Store flat or hanging — never folded at glitter lines
  • Place a sheet of tissue paper over glitter areas when folding is unavoidable

Know Your Sequin Type

Sewn Sequins

Individually stitched through the center or edge. Most durable — can be hand washed carefully. If a sequin falls off, it can be re-sewn.

Glued Sequins

Adhered with heat or glue. More fragile — avoid soaking and heat. Spot clean only where possible. Water loosens the adhesive over time.

Sequin Fabric (Woven)

Sequins woven into a mesh or fabric base. Hand wash inside-out in cool water. Most durable of the three types for washing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Machine washing — the drum snags and tears sequins off in bulk. Always hand wash.

✗ Tumble drying — heat melts plastic sequins and loosens glitter adhesive. Always air dry flat.

✗ Ironing directly — melts sequins instantly. If pressing is needed, use a cool iron on the reverse side with a pressing cloth.

✗ Folding at sequin lines — sequins pop off at fold points. Store flat or hanging, or use tissue paper at fold lines.

✗ Storing with other costumes — glitter transfers to everything it touches. Always store in a dedicated garment bag.