Costume Care Guide

A Note Before You Begin
Every costume created at My Mini and the Moon is handcrafted by hand using carefully selected fabrics, trims, embellishments, and materials chosen for both beauty and durability. Because many of our costumes feature delicate elements such as feathers, sequins, beading, lace, brocade, and hand-sewn embellishments, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving their beauty and extending their life for many wonderful wearings to come.
Please read these care guidelines before wearing and storing your costume for the first time.

Before Wearing
• Inspect your costume upon arrival and before each wearing for any loose embellishments, threads, or fastenings. Address any minor issues before putting the costume on your mini to prevent further wear during use.
• Fit your mini gently. Take your time when dressing your mini horse to avoid placing unnecessary stress on seams, fastenings, and decorative elements. Never force a costume onto a resistant or unsettled animal.
• Avoid applying insect repellents, sprays, or coat products directly to areas that will be in contact with the costume, as these can stain or degrade delicate fabrics and embellishments.
• If your mini has been recently groomed with oil-based products, allow adequate time for these to absorb fully before dressing.

During Wearing
• Costumes are designed for supervised wear during shows, photoshoots, parades, and special occasions. They are not intended for extended daily wear, turnout, or unsupervised use.
• Never leave a costumed mini unattended. Embellishments, feathers, and decorative elements pose a risk if chewed or ingested, and fastenings can become tangled or loosened during movement.
• Keep costumed minis away from muddy, wet, or heavily soiled areas wherever possible.
• Limit exposure to direct intense sunlight for extended periods, as prolonged UV exposure can fade rich fabrics and colors over time.
• Be mindful around fencing, rough surfaces, and other animals to protect delicate trim, embellishments, and featherwork from snagging or tearing.

Cleaning & Washing
Because our costumes are handcrafted and often feature mixed materials and delicate embellishments, we strongly recommend spot cleaning as the primary method of care rather than full immersion washing wherever possible.
Spot Cleaning — Recommended for Most Costumes
• Use a clean, soft damp cloth and a small amount of gentle fabric cleaner or mild soap.
• Dab gently at soiled areas — do not rub, scrub, or wring, as this can damage fabric fibers, loosen embellishments, and distort the shape of structured elements.
• Allow the area to air dry fully in a well-ventilated space away from direct heat and sunlight before storing.
Hand Washing — For Appropriate Fabric Components Only
• Some fabric components such as capes and body pieces in sturdy cotton or calico may be carefully hand washed in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent.
• Do not wring. Gently press excess water out and lay flat to dry on a clean towel away from heat.
• Never machine wash any costume or costume component. The agitation of a washing machine will damage embellishments, distort structured elements, and degrade delicate materials irreparably.
• Never tumble dry any costume component under any circumstances.
Feathers
• Featherwork is among the most delicate of all costume elements and should never be submerged in water.
• To refresh feathers that have become flattened or misshapen, hold them briefly over gentle steam — a clothes steamer held at a safe distance works beautifully — and allow them to resettle naturally as they dry.
• Never apply direct heat from an iron or hairdryer to featherwork.
• Use a soft clean brush to gently separate and fluff feathers as needed.
Sequins, Beading & Embellishments
• Spot clean only using a barely damp cloth. Do not soak.
• Avoid rubbing sequined or beaded surfaces as this can loosen adhesive and pull threads.
• If an embellishment becomes detached, set it aside safely and contact us — we are happy to advise on reattachment.
Brocade, Damask & Structured Fabrics
• Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and allow to air dry fully.
• If pressing is necessary, use a cool iron on the reverse side only with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never iron directly onto embellishments, trim, or decorative elements.
Lace & Delicate Trims
• Spot clean only with the gentlest possible touch.
• Allow to air dry flat and away from direct light to prevent yellowing and distortion.

Drying
• Always air dry all costume components flat or gently shaped on a clean dry surface.
• Ensure costumes are completely and thoroughly dry before storing. Even slight residual moisture can cause mildew, odor, and fabric degradation over time.
• Dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, and heat sources.
• Never use a tumble dryer, hairdryer, or direct heat source to speed drying.

Storage
Proper storage is one of the most important things you can do to preserve the beauty and longevity of your costume between wearings.
• Store costumes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Never store a costume in a sealed plastic bag for extended periods, as this traps moisture and can cause fabric and featherwork to deteriorate. A breathable fabric storage bag or acid-free tissue wrapping is ideal.
• Store costumes flat or loosely folded wherever possible to avoid permanent creasing of structured elements. If hanging, use a padded hanger and ensure the weight of the costume is evenly supported.
• Feathered headpieces and structured hats should be stored upright or in a dedicated hat box to preserve their shape. Stuff gently with acid-free tissue if needed to maintain form.
• Keep costumes away from pets, rodents, and insects. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets placed nearby can deter moths and other fabric pests without directly contacting the costume.
• Store embellished and sequined pieces separately or with tissue between layers to prevent snagging and scratching between costume elements.

Minor Repairs
• Check fastenings, buttons, and trim regularly and address any loosening promptly before it becomes a larger issue.
• A small amount of clear fabric glue can be used to resecure loose embellishments in a pinch.
• For anything beyond minor repairs, or if you are unsure how to proceed, please contact us directly. We are always happy to advise and in many cases can assist with repairs to costumes purchased from our shop.

Questions & Care Support
Every costume we make is designed to be loved and worn and celebrated — and we want yours to stay beautiful for every occasion that calls for it. If you ever have a question about caring for a specific costume, a particular fabric or embellishment, or anything else related to your purchase, please do not hesitate to reach out.
• Email: [your email address]
• Response time: 1–2 business days, Monday through Friday

With the right care, your My Mini and the Moon costume will bring joy, wonder, and no small amount of stopped traffic for many wonderful wearings to come.
Thank you for loving your mini the way you do. It shows in everything.

Care guide last updated: 06/2026