FAQ
Find some Frequently Asked Questions here and get some answers.
Before you rent
I've never rented a ballet costume before. How does it work?
Renting with En Pointe Costumes is easy!
- Browse our collection of ballet costumes, tutus, and accessories and choose the costume that best fits your dancer's needs.
- Select your rental dates.
- Place your order online. We'll ship/deliver the costume by the start of your rental period.
- Enjoy your performance!
- Return the costume. Use the included return shipping label if shipping.
- The costume is inspected and your security deposit is refunded if no issues are found.
All rentals are professionally cleaned and inspected between each use, so your costume arrives performance-ready.
Need help choosing the right costume or rental dates? We're happy to help—just contact us before placing your order.
What is included with my rental?
Each rental includes all the items included in the listing description; sometimes this might include a headpiece and/or accessories. Also included in the rental is professional cleaning, a tutu or garment bag for safe transportation, and a prepaid return label if shipping.
When will my costume arrive?
Costumes are scheduled to arrive before your rental period begins, giving you time to try it on and prepare before your performance. Shipping timelines vary based on location and shipping method, so we recommend reserving early whenever possible.
Should I buy or rent a ballet costume?
If you are using a costume for a short period of time, for one performance, competition or photoshoot, or if your dancer is still rapidly growing, renting can make more sense. Buying or commissioning a custom costume may make sense if you will use it for repeated performances or if you are looking for a unique design.
Is renting a ballet costume common?
Yes! Renting ballet costumes is very common for competitions, recitals, performances, and photoshoots. Many dancers and studios choose to rent because it provides access to professional-quality costumes without the cost and storage requirements of ownership.
Are rented costumes clean?
Yes! Every costume is professionally cleaned, inspected, and repaired as needed between rentals. While some costumes may have been previously worn, we take great care to ensure every piece arrives clean, beautiful, and ready for your performance.
Can I reserve a costume months in advance?
Absolutely! We encourage dancers, parents, and studios to reserve as early as possible—especially for ballet competitions, recitals, and Nutcracker performances. Reserving early ensures your costume will be available for your performance dates, while we'll ship it closer to your event.
Can I try on a costume before renting?
If you are local to the Carlsbad area, feel free to reach out and we can schedule a time slot to try on costumes. If you are not local, because many of our costumes are reserved for specific rental dates, we're unable to offer try-on rentals by mail; but we are happy to help you with measurements, photos, and fit questions before booking.
What if my plans change?
We understand that plans can change. In summary, these are our policies, and you can read all policies here:
- Cancellations made 30 or more days before the rental start date are eligible for a refund, less any non-refundable payment processing fees.
- Cancellations made 14–29 days before the rental start date are eligible for a 50% refund or store credit.
- Cancellations made less than 14 days before the rental start date are generally non-refundable due to the limited availability of rental costumes and the preparation required for each reservation.
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If a reservation is canceled before the rental period begins, the security deposit will be refunded provided there are no outstanding charges.
If you have already reserved a costume for specific dates and things change, let us know as soon as possible, and we will do our best to help you figure out what options there are.
Rental Process
How much will the rental cost me?
Most rental prices fall within one of these categories:
Catalog costume - $5-7/day
Handmade tutu - $25/day
Men's costume or tunic - $20-25/day
Headpiece or tiara - $10/day
The price depends on the time period selected; the minimum rental period is 3 days. If you are renting a handmade tutu that costs $25 a day, your price for 3 days will be around $77. In addition, there is a security deposit, typically around 30-50% of the replacement fee (which will be refunded in full after the costume has been returned and inspected, minus any damage fees if damage was found). Customer is also responsible for shipping costs, both to and back.
The longer the rental period, the smaller the per day charge. The most that will be charged for any rental period is equal to the replacement fee.
For our tutu example, this might mean $77 + $150 (security deposit) + shipping.
Will I get my deposit back?
If, upon finalizing the return, no irreparable or excess damage is found (other than expected wear and tear), your deposit will be returned. If damage is present, the renter is responsible for paying to fix it (it will be taken out of the deposit), or if it is unfixable, paying to replace the costume. The replacement fee of each costume or item is stated in the description of each product.
How does shipping work for a rental?
Shipping will vary depending on where it is being sent. If you are nearby, we can deliver it to you for a small fee. If you require shipping, there are several options available for you to choose from at checkout, included Priority Mail and UPS 3 day and 2-day options. Expedited options are also available.
Boxes shipping tutus can be large, so the shipping might seem like a lot. Two things to note about the shipping costs:
- The return shipping cost is included in your initial shipping cost. There will be a prepaid label included in your box for your return. No need to pay return shipping after the fact!
- There may be a possibility that your costume is available for shipping earlier than a week before your rental dates. If that is the case and we use a cheaper shipping option to send the costume to you, we will communicate with you that fact and refund the difference in shipping cost. We are always looking for ways to make the shipping efficient and affordable.
How does local delivery work?
Once the order is placed and local delivery was selected, we will get in contact with you on the best way to reach each other for delivery. There is a small fee for local delivery, which also includes the pickup after the rental period is over.
How far in advance should I reserve a ballet costume?
We recommend reserving your costume as soon as you know your performance or competition dates. Popular variations and sizes can book months in advance, especially during YAGP, recital, and Nutcracker season.
Can I rent costumes for only one day?
Our minimum rental period is three days. If you have a unique situation or last-minute need, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your request whenever possible.
What if my competition date changes?
We understand that competition and performance schedules can sometimes change. Please contact us as soon as possible if your dates change, and we will do our best to accommodate your new schedule. Changes are subject to costume availability and cannot be guaranteed if the costume has already been reserved for another dancer.
Can I extend my rental?
Possibly! If you need your costume for additional time, please contact us as soon as possible. Rental extensions may be available depending on the costume's availability and whether it has already been reserved for another dancer.
Additional rental fees may apply for extended rental periods.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping time varies and depends on the service selected. Options as short as two days may be available for expedited services. Our goal is to get the costume to you before the your rental start date, and we ship accordingly.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes!
Do you offer local pickup in Carlsbad?
We currently offer local delivery in Carlsbad and surrounding areas. Local pickup may become available in the future, so please contact us if you have a special request.
Can someone else return the costume for me?
As long as everything that needs to be returned is returned, we don't mind who returns it. However, the person who reserved the rental (you) is the one responsible for the costume until we receive it back.
Sizing
How do I know what size to order?
We try to be as accurate as possible with measurements. We also put a general "street size" for every piece, but it's always good to check against actual measurements. With costumes or other items we make in studio, it is a little easier to be accurate about measurements; with pieces that we purchased from other tutu makers, this is a little harder, but we do our best to estimate actual measurements.
What if the costume doesn't fit?
We recommend trying on your costume as soon as it arrives. If you have any concerns about the fit, please contact us right away.
We are happy to help troubleshoot fit issues and, when available, may be able to offer an alternative size or costume. Because many of our costumes are one-of-a-kind or available in limited quantities, exchanges cannot be guaranteed.
To help ensure the best fit, please provide accurate measurements when requested and contact us before booking if you have any sizing questions.
Do professional tutus have adjustable sizing?
Not all do, but many may have some flexibility with sizing, either in the form of multiple rows of hooks and eyes, bars/eyes that can be moved, or extra space in the crotch or side seams that can be let out or taken in. However, most of these changes may require a professional to implement them, so please contact us if you have any questions about sizing.
Can you help me choose the right size?
Absolutely. Feel free to contact us. We'll do our best to answer your questions.
Ballet - specific
What's the difference between a bell tutu and a pancake tutu?
A pancake tutu has a flat, horizontal skirt that extends straight out from the waist, while a bell tutu gently slopes downward around the hips, creating a softer, bell-shaped silhouette.
What is a professional ballet tutu?
A professional ballet tutu is a high-quality, performance-grade costume designed for serious stage use, competitions, and professional productions. It is typically handcrafted with multiple layers of tulle, structured construction, and premium materials to create a beautiful silhouette under stage lighting.
What is a rehearsal tutu?
A rehearsal tutu is a practice tutu used to help dancers prepare for performances. It is typically lighter and less structured than a professional performance tutu.
What costumes work best for YAGP?
The best YAGP costumes are those that complement the variation, highlight the dancer’s technique, and allow freedom of movement. Classical variations are typically paired with elegant, well-fitted tutus or romantic-style costumes that enhance the character without distracting from the dancing.
For competitions, dancers often choose professional-quality tutus and costumes with strong structure, beautiful stage presence, and thoughtful details that photograph well under competition lighting.
Should I choose a pancake tutu, bell tutu, or romantic tutu for YAGP?
The best tutu style depends on the variation you are performing. Classical variations are typically paired with a pancake or bell tutu, while romantic variations are usually performed in a romantic tutu with a longer, softer skirt.
A pancake tutu creates a strong, traditional classical silhouette with a wide, flat shape and is often chosen for variations that require a bold stage presence. A bell tutu has a slightly softer, more rounded shape that can complement variations with a more lyrical or elegant quality. A romantic tutu is designed for longer-skirted repertoire and allows for more movement and flow.
When choosing a costume for YAGP, the goal is to match the style, era, and character of the variation while making sure the costume allows you to move comfortably and showcases your technique. If you are unsure which style is best for your variation, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help you choose a costume that fits your performance.
Can I rent a costume for a ballet competition solo?
Yes! Many dancers rent costumes for competitions because it allows them to perform in a professional-quality costume without the expense of purchasing a new one. We recommend reserving competition costumes early, especially for popular variations.
Can I rent a ballet tiara separately?
We have a section for headpieces and accessories; everything in that section is available for rent by itself! If you have a request for a rental you don't see, let us know! We may be able to make it for you to rent.
Cleaning and care
Do I need to clean the costume before returning it?
No. We will clean it once it has been returned.
What happens if I accidentally stain the costume?
Accidents happen, and we understand that costumes are worn during active performances. If a stain or damage occurs, please do not attempt to clean or repair the costume yourself. Contact us as soon as possible and let us know what happened so we can determine the best way to handle it.
Normal wear and tear from performance use is expected and included with your rental. However, renters may be responsible for repair costs, special cleaning fees, or replacement costs if the costume is returned with damage beyond normal wear and tear.
The best thing you can do is let us know right away—we are always happy to help and work with you to find the best solution.
Can I steam the tutu?
Yes, careful steaming is fine.
How should I transport the costume?
Costumes should be transported with care to help keep them looking their best for your performance. We recommend carrying costumes in a garment bag or clean protective bag and keeping them away from food, drinks, makeup, and sharp objects. A garment or tutu bag will be included in your rental package.
Tutus should be transported flat whenever possible and should not be folded, rolled, or placed under heavy items. If a tutu becomes slightly compressed during travel, gently reshape the layers by hand before your performance.
For longer trips, keep costumes in a clean, dry place away from extreme heat or moisture. Please avoid leaving costumes in a hot car, as heat can damage fabrics, glue, embellishments, and specialty materials.
If you have questions about transporting a specific costume, please contact us—we are happy to provide guidance.
Studios
Do you offer discounts for ballet studios?
Yes! We love working with ballet studios. Discounts may be available for multiple rentals, group productions, repeat customers, and studio partnerships. Contact us to discuss your studio's needs, and we'll be happy to provide a customized quote.
Can studios reserve multiple costumes?
Absolutely! We welcome studio rentals of multiple costumes for recitals, competitions, performances, and special events. Contact us with your costume needs, and we'll help coordinate sizes, availability, and rental dates to make the process as easy as possible.
Can you source catalog costumes for productions?
Yes, we are open to sourcing catalog costumes both for rent and purchase.
Can you help my studio choose costumes for a recital or production?
Absolutely! We can help studios select costumes based on theme, number of dancers, sizes needed, and budget. We can also help source additional catalog costumes when needed.
Custom Orders and Inventory Requests
How do I go about a custom order?
You can write your request through the Contact Us form, or you can send an email to contact@enpointecostumes.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible, and within 48 hours.
Can I request for something to be added to the shop so I can rent it?
Absolutely! We can talk through the details, and if we deem it a good addition, we can definitely add it to the shop. Just send us a message through the Contact Us form or send an email to contact@enpointecostumes.com.