Most dancewear is supposed to have a tight fit. This is so your teachers can see the lines of your body, and also so extra clothing doesn't get in your way when you're moving. Sometimes brand new dancewear can feel a little too snug when you first put it on. This is because it will stretch when it is worn and broken in. I'll go through some steps you can take to quicken the stretching and breaking in process. These methods work best for stretchy items like tights, leotards, shorts, leggings, and jazz pants. If you are dealing with a skirt or other non-stretchy item, you will probably be better off exchanging the item for a larger size. You should also just exchange the item if you are young and growing a lot, or it the item is way to small (you feel like you need a whole size larger or more). If a dancewear item is too large, always exchange it for the proper size. You shouldn't dance in something that could slide off.
Here are my tips for breaking in and stretching your dancewear:
1. Give the item a good stretch both lengthwise and widthwise. This usually does the trick for tights that seem a little short.
2. Put on the item and move around. Make sure you are putting stress on the item where you want it to stretch. If you need the thighs wider in jazz pants, do some squats. If you need the shoulders looser in a leotard, make large arm circles. If you want the butt to stretch in a pair of shorts, do some hip circles and really stick your butt out. You may feel silly in the moment, but this will really help stretch the item out.
3. If step 2 was not enough, wet the item and do the same thing. It can be hard to put on a wet leotard, so just leave the item on and jump in the shower. Use lukewarm water, and don't wash your hair or anything while you're in the shower. Products like shampoo can stain dancewear. Once you are wet, do the same moving around routine from step 2. If you can, keep wearing the item as it dries.
4. Usually step 3 will be all you need, but if you still need a little more stretch, sleep in the item. Your body heat and slight sweat will continue to help form the item to your body shape.
5. For leotards only--If all else fails, you can try this method. This only works if your leotard has a lining (full front or shelf bra). If the leo is a dark color or made of a thick fabric where you don't need the lining for modesty, try making a slit up each side of the lining, right next to where the lining is sewed to the sides of the leotard. If this still isn't enough, completely cut the lining out. Depending on how the leotard is constructed, this can make it feel up to about half a size larger. Only use this as a last resort; always try the stretching method first.
6. After you have stretched an item, never ever put it in the dryer. You can wash your dancewear in the washing machine, just leave it drying flat.
I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about stretching a specific item, or if you have a go-to method, leave a comment.
Here are my tips for breaking in and stretching your dancewear:
1. Give the item a good stretch both lengthwise and widthwise. This usually does the trick for tights that seem a little short.
2. Put on the item and move around. Make sure you are putting stress on the item where you want it to stretch. If you need the thighs wider in jazz pants, do some squats. If you need the shoulders looser in a leotard, make large arm circles. If you want the butt to stretch in a pair of shorts, do some hip circles and really stick your butt out. You may feel silly in the moment, but this will really help stretch the item out.
3. If step 2 was not enough, wet the item and do the same thing. It can be hard to put on a wet leotard, so just leave the item on and jump in the shower. Use lukewarm water, and don't wash your hair or anything while you're in the shower. Products like shampoo can stain dancewear. Once you are wet, do the same moving around routine from step 2. If you can, keep wearing the item as it dries.
4. Usually step 3 will be all you need, but if you still need a little more stretch, sleep in the item. Your body heat and slight sweat will continue to help form the item to your body shape.
5. For leotards only--If all else fails, you can try this method. This only works if your leotard has a lining (full front or shelf bra). If the leo is a dark color or made of a thick fabric where you don't need the lining for modesty, try making a slit up each side of the lining, right next to where the lining is sewed to the sides of the leotard. If this still isn't enough, completely cut the lining out. Depending on how the leotard is constructed, this can make it feel up to about half a size larger. Only use this as a last resort; always try the stretching method first.
6. After you have stretched an item, never ever put it in the dryer. You can wash your dancewear in the washing machine, just leave it drying flat.
I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about stretching a specific item, or if you have a go-to method, leave a comment.
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ReplyDeleteI cant find any other info on how to break in my leotard for gymnastics so this works! :)
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