If you dance a lot, you already know how quickly your favorite leotard, tights, leggings, or warm-up pieces can become part of your everyday routine. And when you find a piece that fits perfectly and makes you feel good in the studio, you want it to last!
The good news? A little extra care can make all the difference. From how you wash your clothes to how you pack your dance bag, here are some easy ways to keep your dancewear looking and feeling its best.
Don’t Leave It in Your Dance Bag
We’ve all done it. Class ends, you’re tired, you throw everything into your bag, and suddenly it’s the next morning. But leaving sweaty dancewear sitting in a closed dance bag isn’t great for your clothes (or you). Take your leotard, tights, socks, and other worn pieces out of your bag when you get home so they can dry and get washed instead of staying damp and bunched up.
Check the Care Label
Before you throw something into the washing machine, check the tag! Different fabrics and garments can have different instructions, so the care label should always be your first source of information. Some pieces may be okay on a gentle machine cycle, while delicate items may be better hand washed.
Use Cold Water
Cold water is generally a great choice for dancewear. It can help protect colors and delicate stretch fabrics from unnecessary wear. For example, Capezio recommends cold water and gentle washing for many of its dancewear pieces. This is especially important for the stretchy fabrics dancers wear all the time, as it will help keep them in the best condition possible.
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Turning your leotards and other dancewear inside out before washing can help reduce friction on the outside of the garment. It’s a tiny extra step, but it can help protect colors and the surface of your favorite pieces over time.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
A mesh laundry bag can be really helpful for delicate dancewear, especially tights or pieces with mesh, lace, snaps, or other details. It creates a little barrier between your dancewear and things like zippers or rough fasteners that could cause snags.