Caring for a Rented Dance Costume
You do not need to clean a rented costume — we do that. What you do need to do is stop small problems becoming permanent ones during the two or three days it is with you.
Do Not Wash It
Stitched classical costumes lose their pleat set in water and the gold work does not survive home washing. Cleaning is our job and it is priced into the rental. If something spills, blot it, tell us when you return, and leave it alone.
Sweat and Make-Up
Sweat is expected and we deal with it. Foundation on a collar is the harder problem, which is why make-up goes on before the costume. If it happens anyway, do not rub — rubbing spreads it into the weave and turns a mark into a stain.
Kochi Damp
In monsoon a costume left in a closed plastic bag for two days will come back smelling of mildew, and heavy gold work can mark. Hang it, or keep it in the cloth bag it came in. Plastic is the enemy for anything longer than the drive home.
Folding and Storage
Fold along the existing creases rather than inventing new ones, especially with pleated fans. Keep jewellery in its box rather than loose in a bag — most losses and bent pieces happen in transit, not on stage.
If Something Tears
Tell us. A small tear reported honestly is a normal repair; the same tear discovered by us after a silent return is a different conversation. Do not attempt a home repair — a bad stitch usually costs more to undo than the original damage.
While the Costume Is With You
- Never wash it — cleaning is included in the rental
- Make-up on before the costume goes on
- Blot spills, never rub
- Hang it or use the cloth bag — not plastic, especially in monsoon
- Fold along existing creases only
- Jewellery back in its box after the performance
- Report any damage when you return it
Not sure what you need?
Call the studio and describe the item, the date and the dancer's age — we will tell you what it takes.
Costume Care FAQs
- No. Washing damages stitched costumes and gold work. Cleaning is our job and is priced into the rental.
- Blot, don't rub, and tell us when you return it. Rubbing pushes it into the weave.
- Hang it or keep it in the cloth bag. Avoid plastic, particularly during monsoon.
- Tell us. A reported tear is a normal repair. Don't attempt a home stitch — it usually makes the repair harder.