Competition Essentials – Costuming

Packing for competition day can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for newer dance moms.  While it might seem like a simple task at first (“Aside from the costumes and shoes, what else could you possibly need?!” an inexperienced dance parent might ask), being prepared for all possibilities could pay off big time in the event of an emergency.  When you start to grasp just how serious a responsibility this is, you might start feeling a bit on edge.

But never fear!  Below, I’ve compiled a list of competition day essentials to bring with you to take care of all of your dancer’s costuming needs!  Depending on your studio’s requirements (and your own tendencies), you may not need all of these.  However, they can all certainly come in handy in a pinch, and you (and your dancer) might just feel that much better when you’re this prepared.

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Hangers

To transport and store the costumes, you need a sturdy hanger that you can count on (that won’t come apart when your dancer is tearing at it during a frantic quick change). If the costumes come with bottoms (briefs, skirts, pants, etc.) pant hangers with clips work well. These wooden ones are the ONLY hangers I trust for my girls’ costumes – they’re durable and strong, and feature soft rubber-padded clips that protect the delicate fabric of your dancers’ briefs, skirts, pants, and more. The anti-rust hook can swivel 360 degrees (making it easy to hang them anywhere), and the precision-cut notches give hanging straps a place to rest. Decorate with a dancer’s name for a unique gift!

Garment Bags

Without a doubt, you will absolutely need garment bags for your dancers’ costumes to protect them from dust, stains, the elements, and more. Since most costumes include accessories (hair pieces, gloves, tights, and more), the garment bags that feature pockets are helpful. You can choose from plastic-like shells to protect offer a solid layer of protection, or more breathable fabric to allow the costumes to air a bit. A transparent window (or an entirely clear bag) lets you identify the costumes quickly, and gusseting along the sides gives you a little more room inside. When choosing the size of the bag you want, consider the length of the costume. We love the bags from Level Up Dance Supplies (we have the Minis, because most of our costumes are two pieces); you can also get some great finds from Amazon as well.

Sewing Kit

Buttons pop off, seams rip, and clasps become undone (just ask Lauren in To Top It All Off) on even the best competition days. Even if you’re not a sewer by nature (guilty as charged), you should have a sewing kit handy so that you can at least attempt to fix the mishap (or hand it to another obliging dance mom to help out with).  Whatever kit you choose, it should have a variety of needles and thread, scissors, and safety pins.  I love my travel sewing kit (pictured); this one comes in two sizes (I have the large) and has everything I’ve ever needed.  

Portable Clothes Steamer

Even if you’re fairly certain the judges won’t see the wrinkles in that costume, your dancers will know they are there.  Why put them on the stage feeling “less than” when you can just give the costumes a quick steam?  So many different varieties of travel clothes steamers can be found just about anywhere; this Hilife steamer is economical, has great ratings, and is an Amazon’s Choice product.

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are surprisingly versatile, and are especially helpful on competition day.  Besides cleaning up sticky hands, they are really great stain removers!  Dance moms everywhere swear by them, and they’ve become a staple in our bag.  Of course, you should always do a quick spot test on fabric you haven’t wiped before.  Countless brands are available; just make sure they don’t have extra lotion or Vitamin E in them, because they may leave some of that behind on the fabric.

Stain Remover

Despite our best efforts, our dancers will sometimes suffer a spot or stain on their otherwise pristine costume. So many manufacturers make travel stain removers, but we rely on these Tide To Go pens – they’re precise and reliable (like my accountant). Just be sure to spot-test an obscure area of the costume first!

Lint Roller

To remove those stray hairs and fuzzes from costumes, grab a lint roller and roll away!  We’ve got a much-loved dog, but we don’t love finding her hair on the girls’ costumes.  But with a quick stroke, those little pine-needle-like hairs disappear (like my youth).

Clear Nail Polish

No, you’re not giving yourself a manicure in between numbers (ain’t nobody got time for that).  When tights snag and tear, you want to stop that run in its tracks before it travels all the way up or down your dancer’s leg. A simple, inexpensive solution is clear nail polish; simply brush the perimeter of the snag to keep it from spreading.

Double Sided Tape

Sometimes, tape is the only thing that will fix a costume snafu in a pinch.  Easy to use and apply, double-sided tape is available in rolls (like Scotch tape) or strips.  Make sure that, whatever brand you choose, the product is specifically made for fabric.  

Extra Rhinestones, Glue, and Glue Remover

When a rhinestone or two falls off of a costume, it’s usually not a big deal.  If the missing stones are obvious (or your dancer is upset about it), it might be worth the time and effort to simply replace them.  Having a small container with backup stones (and a tube of E6000 or Gem-Tac) is a convenient, inexpensive insurance policy. For those times when you “misfire” with the glue, you should keep some adhesive remover (like un-du) on hand.

Nipple Covers (Pasties)

I miss the days when I didn’t have to worry about this!  Some costumes are rather…unforgiving.  You don’t want the twins (I’m not talking about my daughters here) poking through the fabric while onstage (those lights are HARSH).  You can buy adhesive, disposable nipple covers, or those silicone-like inserts they can wear instead.  The choice really depends on your dancer’s preference, and what looks better with each costume.

Boob Tape

Because of the unique and often revealing cuts of dance costumes, traditional bras are usually too visible to use. Instead, consider an adhesive sticky “bra” or a roll of skin-friendly tape that lifts and diminishes the appearance of protrusions. Boob tape (aka, “breast tape”) can be a viable alternative; this kit comes with the tape and some pasties, and is a #1 new release on Amazon.

Butt Glue (Body Adhesive)

As dancers know, snug-fitting leotards have a tendency to “ride high.”  To keep the cheekies covered, try a roll-on body adhesive (lovingly referred to in dance mom circles as “butt glue”).  

Pop- Up Laundry Hamper

Over the years, veteran dance moms have offered helpful hints on what to bring on competition day.  A pop-up laundry hamper was one of the more surprising items I had heard about!  But now, we always have one with us on competition day, and it is especially helpful for events with block scheduling.  After a number performs, my girls simply throw all the costume pieces, headpieces, shoes, tights, etc. into the hamper, rather than tossing them into the bottomless pit known as the Dream Duffel.  Later, when I get a chance to draw breath, I organize the pieces back into the garment bags.  

Anti-Chafe Balm

To add a vitamin-rich layer of protection between the costume and your dancer’s skin, apply an anti-chafe and moisturizing balm to delicate areas. It protects virtually any area of the body that is sensitive to rubbing, including places where an embellishment (sequins, rhinestones, etc.) could come into repeated contact with the body. We’ve used Body Glide products, and have always been happy with the results! Also available in the original unisex formula here.

Extra Credit

Shoe Wipes

Shoes are the often-neglected part of a costume that deserves a little attention now and again.  While it might be tempting to just assume they look fine, shoes that are torn, dirty, or otherwise raggedy take away from the overall appearance of the dancer and may negatively impact the overall presentation.  Baby wipes can often do the trick; if you want something more specific to shoes, there are shoe cleaner wipes for the chore.  Just remember to hold your nose as you’re doing it.

Metallic Sharpies

In the chaos of competition day, the dancers’ items can get all mixed up with each other’s things.  To make sure everyone’s costume items find their way back to their owners, label them with Sharpies!  I love these metallic Sharpies – they work perfectly on darker fabrics and materials.

For more must-haves, check out Competition Essentials – Hair Supplies and Competition Essentials – Makeup Supplies!

Want more DANCE MOM TRICKS? Try 7 Practical Tips!

What other items do you pack for competition? Share in the comments below!