Why go custom?

The end of summer  marks the beginning of the new dance season. It is a time when many dancers are beginning their processes of learning a new solo and coming up with ideas for their costumes. I have no doubt that most dancers have been thinking about their costumes for a very long time, even before choreography is finished. Naturally it is an important decision. The look and feel of the costume should match the look and feel of the choreography, the song, and the dancer. There are so many factors involved in choosing the right one.

So why does a dancer elect to have a costume custom made? I am not one that says all dancers must have a custom costume. It is a choice. A choice that involves more cost. Why? Costumes you may find in a catalog are definitely lower in price. That is because these companies mass produce them. It becomes more affordable and cost effective to the buyer. Though the sizing may not be quite right, or the designs are not changeable. That is not to say that they are not beautiful, because they can be gorgeous and just what you are looking for.

If nothing suits your vision, then maybe go the custom route. I recently came across a blog that detailed what is involved in making custom costumes concisely. Here is an excerpt from Satin Stitches Ltd.: (Full Blog Post)

What is involved in the custom creation of costumes? You need a company or various individuals that have the following talents:
•       Styling & Design – the ability to put together pleasing color combinations, fabric and trim combinations and have the esthetics of what styling features are suitable for your performance.
•       Draping & Patternmaking – the ability to create the patterns for the styling designs that you want for your costumes.
•       Fabric & Trim Sourcing – the ability to find suitable sources for all the material needed for producing your costumes.
•       Sizing & Cutting – the ability to choose & create the proper sizes that you need, and be able to cut the differently proportioned costumes to fit all your dancers.
•       Sewing – the ability and the proper sewing machines to be able to properly sew all the different types of performance fabrics and trims for your costumes.
•       Trimming – the ability to choose and create attractive trim options that are suitable for your costumes’ needs.
•       Fitting – the ability to make adjustments to costumes, once they are made, to get them to fit your dancers properly.

That is "why" in a nutshell.  All of these talents, I strive to provide. ​I could not have explained it better.