Important questions to keep in mind when searching the racks for the perfect used solo dress

The above pictures are of dresses from www.dancinginceltic.com

Searching for a used solo dress instead of investing in a brand new one, can be rewarding and give you a break on your wallet. Some great bargins are out there, but be aware that things which might seem unimportant, such as a slightly bent front panel or faint oder, can cause you grief later.


As well, take good care of your dress to increase it's resale value and maintain it's beauty.

Look at the front panels

• Are they very stiff?
• Are they hanging straight?
• Are they wide?
• Are any of them bending?
• ***Is there any damage to the dress where the number used to be pinned?***

Look at the lining and material

• Is it stained? (think sweat stains on the raw silk under the arms, and tanner stains on the skirt lining)
• If it's made out of a delicate material like lame, is it interfaced properly and not pulling apart or stretching?
• Does the color compliment the dress?(this might sound werid, but some dresses have really ugly colored lining...lol)
• Are there matching bloomers that come with the dress? (it can be difficult to find them on your own, especially if the color is hard to match)
• Is the dress fully lined on the top, too? - with cotton....(this isn't absolutely necessary, but it makes the dress more comfortable and protects it)
• Are there sweat gaurds installed? (you can always add you own)
• Does the zippper work efficiently?

Look at the overall design and appearance

• Is the design pleasing to look at and stand out from a distance?
• Are the colors bright enough to look good on stage?
• Is the dress's style modern enough so that you will be happy with it in 6-12 months?
• Does it fit properly with room to take it in or out a bit as needed?
• Does the dress smell at all? (sounds disgusting, but sometimes it can retain a smell of sweat, cigarette smoke, or other oders)
• Has a smell been attempted to be covered up my a deoderizing spray? (These wear off fairly quickly, soon revealing what they were covering)