Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping on stage for the first time, understanding how to respect and practice proper theatre costume care is essential to keeping each piece of clothing performance-ready.
This article will highlight ways to keep carefully crafted pieces looking their best, preserving their beauty and longevity.
How to Prevent Damage to Costumes:
Maintain Proper Handling
Careful handling is one of the most effective ways to keep costumes in good condition. Always use clean, dry hands when dressing or adjusting garments and avoid pulling on fragile seams, trims or fastenings.
When moving costumes backstage, carry them using sturdy hangers or designated loops, rather than grabbing fabric directly. Even during a quick costume change, be sure to remain calm and take time to care when unfastening buttons, snaps or zippers, rather than forcing garments on and off to avoid ripping delicate components.
Wear Protective Undergarments & Barriers
Wearing undergarments and protective layers under the costume can help safeguard them from sweat, oils, deodorant stains and friction. These layers help create a hygienic barrier that reduces the need to clean costumes more often, preserving fibres and preventing odour build up.
Additionally, consider applying makeup, hair products, and body paint before dressing, and use cover-ups or robes during prep to avoid accidental staining. After performances, allow items to air-dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Store Costumes Correctly Between Uses
Proper storage is vital for theatre costume care, for it prevents wrinkles, stretching and long-term degradation. Always hang costumes on the correct hanger type, either wooden or padded, to maintain structure. You may find that heavy garments require two hangers or a dedicated rack to avoid stress on their seams.
To prevent them from slipping off the hanger and to preserve their shape, ensure all costumes are fastened. To protect from dust, moisture and accidental contact, keep them in breathable garment bags.
Avoid Eating or Drinking in Costume
To prevent stains, avoid eating or drinking while dressed, except for water in spill-proof containers. If quick breaks occur during long performances, wearing a protective robe or smock is crucial, for even seemingly harmless items, like clear liquids, crumbs or greasy fingers, can leave marks that are difficult or impossible to remove.
Try to only eat and drink in designated backstage snack areas to reduce the risk of accidental contact with costumes. Maintaining strict boundaries around food and beverages will not only protect costumes but also show professionalism and respect for shared resources.
Top Tips For Caring for Theatre Costumes:
Always Follow Fabric-Specific Cleaning Instructions
Whether the garment is silk, wool, synthetic, brocade or speciality material, it’s crucial to follow the cleaning instructions set by the wardrobe department. Some pieces may require dry cleaning, while others must be hand-washed or laundered on gentle cycles.
Using incorrect methods can shrink, fade or distort fabrics, leading to costly repairs or replacements. When uncertain, always ask rather than guess.
Spot-Clean Before Full Wash
Use mild, fabric-appropriate cleaners, gently treat areas such as necklines, cuffs or makeup smudges as soon as possible after discovery. This quick intervention will prevent stains from setting and reduce wear caused by repeated laundering.
To avoid discolouration, always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first. For delicate fabrics, blot rather than rub and allow garments to air-dry fully before storage.
Report and Repair Issues Immediately
After each show, it’s essential to inspect theatrical costumes before and after and notify wardrobe staff of any damage. Early repairs are often simple, quick and inexpensive. Waiting too long may require more extensive repairs or a complete replacement.
Providing accurate information about when and how the damages occurred also helps costume designers determine the best repair approach.
Liz Johnson is the owner and lead designer of Promotional Props and Costumes, a Nottingham-based company specialising in creating bespoke props and costumes for marketing, advertising, and promotions. With a particular flair for puppetry and walkabout costumes, Liz has been bringing her designs to life since 2000.
Liz studied Theatre Design, Puppetry and Prop Costuming at Nottingham Trent University. After honing her craft at a puppetry company post-graduation, she embarked on her entrepreneurial venture, bringing her unique vision to life.
Today, Promotional Props and Costumes are at the forefront of creating mascot costumes, puppets, and one-off props for stage, television, and the advertising industry. Liz’s expertise extends beyond her business; she shares her knowledge as a sessional lecturer in Costume Design and Making at Nottingham Trent University, inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.
