Dance is the pinnacle of self-expression. And a companion piece that helps you express yourself better in your dance is the clothes you choose to wear. Many people, including top-tier designers, make customized dance costumes, making them a common phenomenon. However, the average custom dance costume costs an extravagant amount and is what turns most people off. There is no doubt that custom dance costumes cost a lot, given their personalized nature.
Anything customized involves a lot of money, and the prices differ among various designers and tailors. The price can also fluctuate depending on other things like the number of costumes, designs, and other features. One of the main things that get in the way of a customized costume is a budget. To figure out how to get through that and how much custom dance costumes cost, read further below!
Why Are They So Expensive?
Designers have been responsible for some of the most beautiful and expressive customized dance costumes. Each of these costumes adds something to a dancer’s routine and helps make them look more marvelous. As mentioned earlier, custom dance costumes cost a ton of money, depending on a few factors. You’re probably wondering why is the cost of these costumes so high. Well, there are a few things that determine the high costs attached to customized costumes. These include:
The Number of Costumes Ordered
Many customized costume makers offer customers certain discounts on big orders. The bigger the bulk of your order, the bigger the discount you will receive. If you’re getting one costume made, it is more likely that you will pay higher. This is usually the case when one costume includes a lot of extravagant detailing and features.
The Costume Detailing in the Costume
Usually, costumes with complicated designs cost more—unique adjustments and detail result in a higher cost. The price will also depend on the pieces of clothing. For example, if the costume consists of a full-body suit, the designer will have to put in more work. Hence, more work also means a higher cost. You can reduce the cost by opting for minimal designs that don’t need much detailing and material.
The Design of the Costume
Creating a design of the costume itself comes with a lot of costs. If you have a complicated pattern in mind, the company usually has to frame it and make your idea tangible. The designing process will cost more if the costume again has a lot of lavish features, which the designer has to individually design. For this, you will also have to pay in advance, and the pre costs differ for various costume designing shops. If you’re opting for a pattern that they already designed, then that will definitely be a bit cheaper.
The Types of Fabric
There are certain fabrics that you have to specifically order as they are usually not in stock. So if you’re opting for a fabric that isn’t available, your custom dance costume will cost more. Some fabrics are also prettier than the rest as they give out different fittings and looks. They also allow certain types of colors and designs to appear on them. To avoid this, you can always go for materials that are in stock. However, you will limit your customization requirements by choosing these materials.
Additions on the Costume
There are many dance costumes that require logos, rhinestones, and other add-ons. These unique additions are especially prominent if you’re taking part in a dance competition. Hence, these additions affect the overall costs of the costume, including the artwork, materials, labor, and other things. So the more embellishments present on the costume, the more expensive it will tend to get.
Is it Possible to Make Your Own?
Yes, you can make a dance costume on your own, but you shouldn’t have very high hopes. Customized costumes require a lot of machinery and tactics that help them get the costume you pictured in mind. If your dance costume is simple and doesn’t require too much detail, then you could probably do it on your own. If you have an interest in stitching and know how to, then this may become easier for you.
There are a few things you will need before you start to make your dance costume. These consist of a sewing machine/hand sewing needle, measuring tape, scissors, and the fabric that will make up your costume. If it’s your first time making a costume, you might want a little help, especially for fancier designs. There is obviously no harm in trying, especially if you are performing in a casual setting. But for professional purposes, you might want to get your customized costume made from a professional costume shop or designer.
Do You Only Get To Use Them Once? Can You Sell Them After The Performance?
There is a difference between paying for a customized costume and renting one for a few shows. Every costume has its own rules that customers must follow. However, if you’re ordering customized costumes from a professional designer or shop and pay in full, you now own them. You have the right to keep the costume and wear it as many times as you want. The number of times you wear it depends on your dance routine or the show you’re taking part in. Some shows require you to wear different costumes, while some are alright with the same thing. You must check with the people responsible.
In some cases, you can rent different costumes from shops and designers. You will have to pay depending on the number of hours or days that you rent the costume. After you’re done using it, you have to return it to the shop. Therefore, you can’t keep it with you.
When it comes to selling the costume, you can sell it to a potential buyer if your costume is customized, and you don’t have to return it back to someone. You can charge a rent for the costume if you want the garment back. This is not the case if you’ve rented a costume, and you cannot sell it to a third party unless you brought it.
Cost of Customized Costumes Depending on Your Budget
You can find a customized costume for every budget. The higher your budget, the more details, and requirements can go into your costume. The lowest price for a customized costume would be around $159-$250. In this budget, you will have to go for one color and won’t have the choice to add many embellishments like rhinestones. The highest price range goes up to $359-$600, but it can go even higher if you can afford it.
With such a hefty budget, you can achieve a dye-sublimated dance costume, which is significantly prettier and more stylish. These costumes can also have different layers of clothing, instead of just one. Make sure to keep your budget according to the requirements you will want in your customized costume.
The Bottom-Line
As you can see, making your dedicated costume is a lot of fun. But a lot of thinking and planning goes into it, especially when you’re the one ordering it. Custom dance costumes cost quite a lot, but there is always a way to handle the cost. Make sure to have a good read through this article for guidance before you go in to place an order for a customized costume.