There’s a movement in the apparel industry towards changing the way garments are made and packaged. These positive changes make the earth happier, and at KIZZI, we love doing our part. In this article, you’ll find out what G.R.E.E.N. means to us and, hopefully, feel inspired to consider what it means to you.

We created this G.R.E.E.N. initiative to more clearly understand what steps we’re taking towards a healthier planet and why we’re doing it.

G – GOALS

By proactively seeking out new and creative recycling efforts and setting realistic recycling and repurposing goals, we believe that KIZZI will make a meaningful difference.

R – RESULTS

We measure the results of our efforts and share them with our customers and the KIZZI community because we want them to feel good about supporting our brand.

E – LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk. Companies like Prana and Patagonia inspire us as the ultimate role models for sustainability in the apparel industry. We appreciate them for lighting the way, and we hope other costume companies will join us in the crusade.

E – ENVIRONMENT

Hey, we care about the environment, and its health demands our immediate attention. We plan to utilize what we have created as a force for good and a stepping stone to drive our mission forward.

N – NOW

If not now, then when? We choose NOW. Just look at the ever-expanding landfills to get a sense of urgency. KIZZI wants to be part of the solution, not the problem.

At KIZZI, we’re calling these first efforts our Big 5 Wins. But, this isn’t where we stop or where we get comfortable. It’s something to build upon, and we’d love your participation. Like prAna does here, we’re asking for your help, collaboration, and ideas. A project this important takes all of us! So, let us hear from you. We’ll post your efforts on our social platforms and give you lots of love.  For now, read on to learn more about our Big 5 and how we’re getting started.

We’re reducing our carbon footprint by sourcing fabrics from within the US whenever possible

And will continue assembling all of our goods in Austin, Texas. We’re proud of that but not entirely satisfied. Our dream would be to mill our own fabrics from locally sourced fibers, but we’ve got some growing to do before that’s reality! We’re simply not big or rich enough to do so. Someday!

We’re saving trees by not printing paper catalogs this season!

We know our customers desperately want to get their hands on catalogs to earmark pages, write notes all over the pictures, and pass them around their studios.  And, we know it’s frustrating and can feel clunky to go digital. But look. We’re just not willing to use HUNDREDS of pounds of paper for convenience. We’ve decided it goes against our values and probably YOURS. So, we appreciate your understanding and support as we try to do the right thing.

We’re reducing trash by eliminating plastic in our packaging and switching to natural, compostable, or recyclable materials

Costumes arrive rolled like sushi and tied with raffia, packed in biodegradable bags and cardboard boxes. We imagine some folks might believe they don’t look as “professional” as they did last season, but they’re actually pretty darn cute! And, aren’t we all sleeping a little better at night because we’re saving trees?

We’re wasting less by giving new life to gently used costumes, sample pieces, and retired styles by donating to local charities

The Settlement Home, The Ronald McDonald House, and American Textile Recycling Services (ATRS) all take donations of this type. KIZZI costumes are made durable enough to find new homes and bring joy to the recipient. It’s a win-win! In fact, it’s Big Win #4.

To offset the trash we produce, the KIZZI team participates in Austin’s “clean-up” efforts of its lakes, parks, and rivers

We’re starting in our very own neighborhood! Look for updates on our social platforms regarding how many bags and pounds we collect.

Dance Costumes for a positive change. Are we in this together? Because that’s what it will take. Russ Hopus, the president of prAna, knows this from a lifetime of passionate dedication to the cause. That’s why he asks for his customers’ help, and that’s why we’re asking for yours. Can’t we do without printed LOOKBOOKS? And, please pass those KIZZI costumes down to little brothers and sisters, or donate them to a local charity in your area. Then share all of your ideas and efforts with us so that we can spread the word. It’s time to think more about what we’re wearing.

Clothing for a Positive Change:  prAna’s movement

One of the first questions people ask when calling KIZZI is: How much do costumes cost? Of course, everyone wants and needs to know prices before they buy. You can spend much more on some costumes than others, but are they “worth it?” And what is sacrificed if you pay less? Dance costumes range from $20 to upwards of $1000. Why? It’s essential to understand what you get for the money and compare it to what you expect out of your costumes. Once this is clear, you can make the best decision for your dancers.

When choosing dance costumes, you’ll want to consider these four things:

1) How do you intend to use them? Is durability important?

2) Does the costume’s design and style give your choreography life, and how much does this matter to you?

3) How well do you expect them to fit, function, and support your dancers? What sizes are your dancers, and do they require more or less support?

4) Where are they made? Under what factory and manufacturing conditions?

Let’s go through them to make your decision easier.

1) What’s the intended purpose?

Are you buying costumes for your competition team or recreation recital? Recital costumes don’t demand the durability that competition costumes do. A competitive dancer could perform 10-20 times by the end of a long season compared to once or twice for a recital. There are many reasons why some costumes are more durable than others. If your dancers require durable costumes, consider these things closely.

• Sewing Expertise

  Experience with sewing stretch fabrics will ensure the stitch is strong enough to bear the forces dancer’s bodies exert on seams. Expert “stitchers” can recognize if there aren’t enough stitches per inch for adequate strength. Yes, they actually count stitches! If left unnoticed, the seams of the costume will break. Oops!

• Quality of Materials 

  Material and labor (which I’ll discuss later) costs are two factors that drive the price of dance costumes the most. Cheap fabrics and elastics sag, bag, stretch out, and don’t hold their shape. High-quality costumes demand materials that can withstand movement, sweat, and rolling around on the floor. It’s no surprise; these fabrics cost more. How about snaps and other costume fasteners? Are they metal, plastic, or velcro? Skimping on fasteners could result in embarrassing costume malfunctions.

2) Does the design and style of the costume give your choreography life?  

Have you ever unenthusiastically watched a dance performance but couldn’t quite put your finger on why you weren’t “moved” by the piece? The costume just didn’t “fit” the choreography. It’s akin to hanging a piece of art too high on a wall or wearing the wrong earrings with your favorite dress. They don’t “set it off.” After spending countless hours perfecting your choreography, don’t ever let a poor costume choice let you down. There are a few things to consider when on the hunt for costumes that give your choreography life.

• Innovative design 

  You probably don’t want your dancers to look like everyone else. (especially your competitive dancers) Dance costumes have a “look.” It’s been the same over generations. You know the one; fringe, glitz, and glam. How does this relate to the conversation about why some costumes cost more? Well, it’s more complicated to create fresh styles. Innovative design costs more; think Apple Computers. But, if you want your dancers to stand out from the crowd, it could be worth the extra money.

• Match the music

  Choreographers have a vision for every piece they set. Part of this vision is the costume; how it enhances the story and goes with the theme. Will the dancers wear pants, shorts, or a dress? Does the music evoke feelings of red, blue, black, or yellow? Again, how does this affect the price of costumes? If you’re looking to spend less, expect to buy costumes sold in “sets,” with fewer color and fabric options. It’s more expensive to hold rolls of different fabrics in a large variety of colors and a bit pricier to sell costumes as separate pieces you can mix and match. However, there’s a benefit to the versatility that you might find important and something to consider. For more information on “customizable” costumes, read this post.

3) How well do you expect the costumes to fit, function, and support your dancers? 

You’ve certainly costumed your dancers and sat in the audience holding your breath, hoping and praying their booties stay covered, and their boobies don’t flop around while dancing 10 feet from the judges. It’s a nightmare for them, for you and their parents! Why do costumes that cost more tend to support and fit better?

• Design and R&D

  The faster a new style gets to market and generates revenue, the less money it costs to produce, and the less expensive it is to BUY. However, cutting corners results in booties hanging out and boobies flopping around. Well designed costumes go through many phases of prototypes and testing on dancers to ensure their bodies are adequately supported.

• More fabric

  As mentioned earlier, the cost of fabric drives the prices of costumes. Linings add critical support and coverage to all the right places. The extra material and steps of cutting and sewing do cost more but certainly, add value. Lining often allows dancers to wear fewer undergarments. If you don’t want to see bra straps and panty lines, the liner could be worth the money.

4) Where are they made? Under what factory and manufacturing conditions? 

Made in the USA, matters. Costumes made overseas are sometimes less expensive, but humanity and the environment often pay the price. The BEST practices are not necessarily the cheapest. However, budgets don’t always support apparel made in the USA. It costs more.

• Impact on humanity

  It costs more to pay workers what they deserve. Apparel manufacturing has long been an industry of abuse and discontent. There’s a strong movement for factories to treat workers fairly. When you pay a little more for a costume, rest assured, the hands that made it are thankful.

• Impact on the environment

  It costs more to be conscientious. It’s easy to turn the other cheek on our only planet as we fly goods all over the world, polluting and wasting its resources. It’s also super convenient to throw scraps, paper patterns, and old costumes in the landfill. But to what end? Let’s be more conscientious, even though it costs a little more. It’ll make the earth healthier and happier!

Some costumes cost more than others. But, I hope this article helps you understand why and makes it easier for you to make the best choices. There’s a place for the $20 costumes and also the $1000 ones. Consider the questions and answers laid out here, and best of luck finding the perfect costumes for YOUR dancers!