Maintaining Your Dancewear: 

Belly dance attire are breathtaking works of art, yet make up, shimmer, and energetic performances can wear them down. To preserve your dancewear, adhere to the specific care instructions on the label and consider this general guide for extra tips

Cleaning Tailored to the Fabric:

Material Matters

• The cleaning method hinges on the fabric. Sturdy fabrics like cotton or velvet might tolerate a gentle machine wash, while delicate materials or those adorned with beads and sequins require handwashing. Always check the care label for specific instructions

Pre-Treat Stains

• Address stubborn stains with a gentle spot treatment before washing. Test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first

Handwashing Expertise

• For handwashing, fill a tub with cool water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Gently swish the items without scrubbing or wringing. Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Air Drying is Essential

• Avoid the dryer's heat, which can damage delicate fabrics. Instead, lay your dancewear flat on a clean towel to air dry out of direct sunlight

Sparkle Ready

• Keep some extra rhinestones or beads handy to repair any that may come loose after washing or wear

Professional Help

• Consider professional cleaning for heavily embellished dancewear or those made from delicate fabrics. Find a reputable cleaner with experience handling dance attire or beaded garments

Storage:

Never store damp dancewear! Moisture can lead to mold growth. Once they are completely clean and dry, follow these tips for lasting brilliance:

Fight Fading

• Keep your clothes away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade over time

Cool and Controlled

• Store your outfits in a cool, temperature-controlled space. This will help prevent damage from extreme temperatures

Making Space

• Consider using plastic storage bins. These containers offer protection from dust and moisture. If closet space is limited, a clean suitcase can be an alternative for storage

Separate and Conquer

• Organize your dancewear separately by style or color. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for and prevent delicate fabrics from rubbing against each other

Silica Gel Magic

• Place a silica gel packet inside each garment bag to absorb any lingering moisture and prevent musty odors

Folding for Freshness

• To reduce wrinkles, carefully fold your dancewear and store each item in separate garment bags, stacking them neatly on top of one another

Important

• Clothing sizes can differ, so it's important to consult the product's size chart prior to making a purchase

Use the Correct Tape Measure

• Choose a soft cloth or rubber tape measure, like those used in sewing. Avoid metal measuring tapes from construction, as they can provide inaccurate results

Measure Correctly

• Ensure the tape is straight and aligned with the body part you’re measuring
• For circumference measurements, keep the tape parallel to the floor
• For length measurements, align the tape either parallel or perpendicular, depending on the body part
• Leave a space for one finger between your body and the tape for comfort
• When measuring the waist, breathe in and out to relax your stomach, ensuring you’re not sucking it in

Wear Appropriate Clothing

• For accurate measurements, wear clothing that fits closely to your body
• Avoid baggy or thick clothing, as it can distort the results
• Wear a well-fitted, unpadded bra for the most accurate bust measurement

Maintaining Your Dance Shoes

Dance shoes are essential for self-expression on stage and for protection. However, constant movement can render them dusty and lackluster. To maintain your shoes, ensuring they remain comfortable and durable for numerous performances, adhere to the specific care instructions provided on their label. Below are some general guidelines

Quick Post-Dance Clean (All Shoe Types):

Wipe Away Surface Dirt

• After each use, gently remove dust and floor wax with a slightly damp paper towel. Avoid soaking or scrubbing, as this can damage the material. Follow up with a clean, dry towel to absorb moisture. Let your shoes air dry completely before storing them

Weekly Deep Clean (Based on Material):

Satin or sequined shoes

• Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture

Mesh shoes

• Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the breathable mesh. For tougher spots, try a mild detergent solution on a damp cloth. Remember to air dry thoroughly

Canvas or other fabrics

• Some materials may tolerate a gentle hand wash with a mild detergent. Always air dry completely

Leather Upper Shoes

•  Invest in a leather cleaner designed for footwear. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently wipe the leather. Important: Never submerge leather shoes in water

Hand-Washable Shoes

• If your shoes have a hand-washable label, use a mild detergent solution and lukewarm water. Gently clean by hand, avoiding excessive scrubbing or soaking. Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat. Remember: Spot cleaning is often sufficient for minor dirt, minimizing the need for full washes

Protecting Your Investment (All Shoe Types):

Invest in a Shoe Bag

• Keep your shoes separate from other dance bag contents to prevent scuffing. A small shoe bag will protect them from damage and help contain dust

Proper Storage

• After drying completely, store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will prevent fading and moisture build-up

Measure Your Feet for the Perfect Fit

Here's a quick and easy guide to measure your feet to find the perfect fit

Important

• Shoe sizing can vary. Always check the product's size chart before buying them to ensure a perfect fit
• Measure your feet in centimeters

What You'll Need

• Hard metal or plastic ruler marked in centimeters
• Optional: Socks you plan to wear with your shoes

Instructions:

Find a flat surface

• Find a level surface to stand on

Put on socks (optional) 

• If you are planning to wear socks, put them on for a more accurate measurement

Stand on the ruler

• Place your foot flat on the ruler, with your heel flush against the end of the ruler

Measure to your longest toe

• Record the measurement from the tip of your longest toe

Other foot

• Do the same measurement for your other foot

Larger foot size for shoe sizing

• Since most people have one foot slightly larger than the other, use the larger measurement for shoe sizing 

Note

• Measure your feet later in the afternoon, as they can swell throughout the day