Q: What’s the difference between catalog, semi-custom, and custom costumes?

Great question! Here's a quick breakdown of the three: Catalog Costumes: You select your style and size from a preset design. Options are minimal—what you see is what you get. Semi-Custom Costumes: You’re given a base design but have some creative input—such as choosing colours, add-ons, or accessories. Custom Costumes: These are designed from scratch to reflect your exact vision and are made to measure for your dancer. At Limelight Costumes, we’ve created a unique hybrid—costumes with a custom feel, delivered through the ease of a catalogue-style purchase.Our Elements Collection offers mix-and-match bodysuits, skirts, add-ons, and accessories in 32 saturated, carefully curated colours and 4 original patterns. This allows you to build personalized, performance-ready looks with endless versatility. The Prima Collection features more complete, couture-inspired costumes—many embellished with rhinestones. Prima costumes come in curated colorways and include skin tone options to ensure an inclusive, polished look.Want something even more impactful? Combine pieces from both collections to create a stage-worthy, one-of-a-kind costume that looks and feels custom without the stress or timeline of true custom design.

Question 1

How far in advance should I plan my costume orders? What’s the average production time for custom dance costumes?

Accepted Answer

We recommend placing your costume orders as early as possible to ensure availability, design time, and delivery before your required date. Our standard production and shipping timeline is 8–10 weeks from the date of order to receiving your finished garments. Timelines may vary depending on the time of year and order volume, so ordering well in advance of competition season is key. If you have a tight deadline, please contact us directly at info@limelightcostumes.com—we’re happy to help you explore expedited solutions when possible.

Question 2

What’s the difference between catalog, semi-custom, and custom costumes?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Here's a quick breakdown of the three:

Catalog Costumes: You select your style and size from a preset design. Options are minimal—what you see is what you get.

Semi-Custom Costumes: You’re given a base design but have some creative input—such as choosing colours, add-ons, or accessories.

Custom Costumes: These are designed from scratch to reflect your exact vision and are made to measure for your dancer. At Limelight Costumes, we’ve created a unique hybrid—costumes with a custom feel, delivered through the ease of a catalogue-style purchase.Our Elements Collection offers mix-and-match bodysuits, skirts, add-ons, and accessories in 32 saturated, carefully curated colours and 4 original patterns. This allows you to build personalized, performance-ready looks with endless versatility. The Prima Collection features more complete, couture-inspired costumes—many embellished with rhinestones. Prima costumes come in curated colorways and include skin tone options to ensure an inclusive, polished look.Want something even more impactful? Combine pieces from both collections to create a stage-worthy, one-of-a-kind costume that looks and feels custom without the stress or timeline of true custom design.

Question 3

Can I mix and match pieces to create a custom look?

Accepted Answer

Yes—and we encourage it! Creativity is at the heart of what we do.Use the Elements Collection to build a look that’s unique to your studio or routine by combining bodysuits, skirts, tops, and accessories. Or elevate a Prima Collection costume by pairing it with an Elements skirt or top for an elevated, editorial feel.Whether you’re looking for refined minimalism or bold, rhinestoned drama, Limelight Costumes gives you the freedom to design it your way.

Question 4

How do I know if your costume company is reputable?

Accepted Answer

Limelight has been a trusted name in the dancewear industry for over 17 years, known for our award-winning custom teamwear and exceptional service. Our costumes are: Designed and produced in-house, by a team that understands the needs of competitive dancers. Built on the same foundation that earned us a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot, with over 320 glowing reviews. Created with quality craftsmanship and athlete-informed design at the forefront. We’re also proud to be a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company, with a 100% Canadian-owned factory in Colombia. This allows us to maintain full oversight on quality, delivery, and ethics—so you can trust every stitch. Even though costumes are a new category for us, we’re applying our knowledge, values, and expertise to create a premium experience you can rely on.

Question 5

How do I measure dancers accurately for costumes?

Accepted Answer

Measuring accurately is key to achieving a great fit, and our costumes are designed with 4-way stretch fabrics that offer generous give, making sizing flexible and forgiving. On the product pages or the Footer menu, you can access our detailed measuring guide and size charts.

Tips for best results: Measure dancers in form-fitting dancewear. Use a soft measuring tape and record bust, waist, hips, girth, and inseam (if applicable). If a dancer falls between sizes, we recommend sizing up slightly and making small alterations if needed. Our thoughtful fabric selection and construction help ensure your dancers feel confident and comfortable on stage.

Question 6

Can costumes be altered easily after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes—our costumes are designed with alteration-friendly features in mind. We avoid placing rhinestones along seams and sew lines to allow for easy adjustments when needed. If sizing up, small alterations can help ensure a perfect stage-ready fit. Always refer to your costume’s specific construction to determine the best approach.

Question 7

What are your return and exchange policies?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept exchanges, but we do accept returns that meet our policy criteria. To start a return, email us at info@limelightcostumes.com within 15 days of receiving your costume.

Garments must be received within 30 days of purchase in clean, unworn condition with all tags and the hygiene sticker intact. Once approved, we’ll issue a refund for the product and applicable taxes (original shipping not included). Return shipping is at the customer’s expense. Garments that do not meet return criteria can be sent back to you at your request (shipping cost applies) or forfeited. Please see the Retun Policy for full details.

Question 8

Will I be charged duties or customs fees on costume orders?

Accepted Answer

We are a 100% Canadian-owned company with a Canadian-owned factory in Colombia, which means there are no duties or tariffs for Canadian or U.S. customers. You’ll only pay the product cost, applicable taxes, and the shipping rate calculated at checkout based on your location and order value. No hidden duties, brokerage or tariff charges will be applied.

Question 9

What happens if a costume arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind our quality. If you believe your costume has a manufacturing defect, contact us at info@limelightcostumes.com within 15 days of receiving your order and include photos of the issue. Once reviewed, we will determine whether a replacement is applicable. Please note: general wear and tear or issues related to improper sizing are not considered defects.

Question 10

Can I cancel or edit my costume order after placing it?

Accepted Answer

Because all Limelight Costumes are made to order, we cannot allow edits or cancellations once an order has been placed. Please double-check sizing, selections, and order details before submitting. If you need a replacement, you can request a return if it meets eligibility, and place a new order with any necessary changes.

Question 11

What payment options do you accept? Can I pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

All orders must be paid in full at the time of checkout. We accept major credit cards and other standard payment methods securely through our website. At this time, we do not offer deposits or payment plans for costume orders.

Cart

Duke of Lace

Duke of Lace

Frequently asked questions

Let's find your perfect costume