How to Design a Custom Dance Costume in 8 Steps

You've got your choreography, your team is practicing hard, and now it's time to design your dance costume! This may seem like a daunting task, but designing a custom dance costume can really be broken down into 8 simple steps.

If you've been following along our How to Design a Custom Dance Costume series, we've covered everything from prototypes to fabrics. We've compiled all the posts in this series to give you a brief overview of the custom dance costume design process. Check it out below!

How to Design a Custom Dance Costume in 8 Steps!

Step 1: Determine Budget, Timeframe, and Quantity

When working with a custom dance costume company, these are the first things they will ask you about. It's important to know these before getting started with your custom design!

More details here: 4 Things You Need to Know Before Designing a Dance Costume >>>

Wondering about timeframe? We recommend you plan 12-18 weeks in advance for a custom costume. Find out more here:

How Long Does it Take to Design a Custom Dance Costume?>>>

Step 2: Finding Inspiration

Gather your inspiration in order to provide the most clear direction in your design consultation with your costume company. That way, your designers can fully bring your vision to life. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so keep your eyes open!

Step 3: Design Consultation, Illustration and Feedback

Collaborate with your account manager and designer to get started on planning your new dance costumes! You'll chat with your costume company about your vision, they'll get to work on sketches, and you'll give your feedback before moving on to the next steps: payment and prototype.

This is also when you'll be deciding on the fabrics that will be used in your costume. Feeling overwhelmed with all of the fabric options? No worries! Check out our explanation of the most common fabrics that custom dance costume companies will have in stock!

Looking for some design tips for costumes that'll look great on the entire team? Check out this post:

Learn about 5 Tips for Designing Flattering Costumes here! >>>

Step 4: Payment

Making your down payment on your dance costumes will lock you into your company's production schedule! Make sure you make your payment on time so that you'll get your costumes on time.

Step 5: Prototype Creation

A prototype helps ensure that you love everything about your new look, including the design and fit! It also helps your costume company create the rest of your order - they use it as a sew sample to make sure the entire order is consistent. The proto phase is your chance to give any final feedback before your order goes into production.

Step 6: Sizing and Measuring

The last step before your order goes into production is sizing and measuring! Measure your team and compare to your costume company's sizing chart in order to determine their size. We also recommend trying your prototype or sample garment on as many performers as possible to help determine sizing and check the fit.

Step 7: Production

Once your prototype has been approved and your sizes are confirmed, your garments will go into production! Since your design is unique to you, it will be made-to-order from scratch.

Step 8: Final Payment, Order Ships!

Final payment is due with most companies before your group's order ships. Once that is received, your order will be on it's way! Get ready to shine in your new custom dance costumes!

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How to Design a Custom Dance Costume in 8 Steps