Custom Dance Costumes Prototypes
A prototype is a sample garment of your custom order that's created to ensure you love everything about your new look! Check out the FAQ's on prototypes, and what to do once you get your proto, below.
What is a prototype
Once you confirm your custom design, a sample garment (prototype) is created to ensure you love everything about your new look. It is your tool for checking fit, design and overall performance of the garment before your entire order is created.
For group orders of 5 or more, a prototype is necessary if you:
Why do i need a prototype?
- To see the Look and fit - It's the best way to ensure that your garment will look and fit the way you want.
- To use as a sew sample - We use this sample garment as a tool for our in-house production team. They use it as a guide to ensure all your costumes are created the same way.
What's the difference between an online style sample and a proto?
- Online style sample - We have samples of all of our web styles. For group orders of 5 or more, we can loan you a sample so you can see how the style looks and feels in person.
- Prototype - This is a sample garment of a custom design, and needs to be created for your team's specific design
Can i do a prototype for a custom solo costume?
We do not offer custom design services for orders of 4 or less, which means prototypes are not available on solo costumes.
How much does it cost?
- A prototype is the full price of your garment plus fees for making patterns (by an experienced pattern maker), the cost of which will vary depending on the complexity of your final design.
- The group discount doesn't apply to your proto because it's made as a solo costume.
how long will it take to create my proto?
2-4 WEEKS once a design is confirmed and/or payment is received. Time frames vary depending on the complexity of your garment - more complex costumes will take longer.
why do i need to send my proto back?
We use this sample garment to ensure the rest of your order is made to your specifications! We must have the sample by the specified date in order to start production on your order.
what to do once you get your proto
Complete your prototype kit
You'll receive a Prototype Kit with your sample garment. This will walk you through all of the steps of what you need to do:
- Try the garment on - move, dance or skate, and try it on as many team members as possible!
- Give us your feedback and note desired changes, if any.
- Confirm your sizes by recording your team's measurements and using the sample garment as a sizing guide.
- Ship the sample back! We'll need it as a sew sample for our in-house production team.
What if i make changes to my proto?
It is possible to make changes to your proto, but please consider the following:
- A second sample will require extra fees and time
- Changes to a proto will affect the final price of your order
- We'll need to collaborate with you about what changes are possible to ensure they are feasible
- Custom sizing is possible, but will require extra fees
For more information, contact your Account Manager!