In the performing arts industry, how a costume looks on stage is one of the most important things to consider in the design process. Whether it’s for a play, musical, pantomime, dance competition, ice skating routine or entertainment show, you need to be wearing a showstopping costume that gets the audience talking. Adding flatback rhinestones to your costume will enhance the overall look. Here at Crystal Parade we pride ourselves on our huge range of crystals, including the three top brands Zodiac, Swarovski and Preciosa. Our crystals have been featured in many West End and nationwide productions over the recent years such as Wicked, Mamma Mia, Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls, Hairspray and even the Spice Girls tour! Most recently, our Zodiac Hotfix crystals hit the stage outside Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee concert and oh boy did they sparkle on Sam Ryder’s iconic outfit!

Hotfix vs Non Hotfix: Which should I use?

While you can choose to use Zodiac sew on stones or flatback pearls to decorate your costume, most people will choose either hotfix crystals or non hotfix crystals. If you have never used either before, then you may not know what the difference is. We are here to help!

Hot-fix crystals are flat-backed crystals that have a glue on the back which is activated by heat using a tool such as the Kandi Kane Applicator Wand or even the household iron. They can be applied to a variety of materials such as denim, silk, satin and even cotton, making them very versatile. So, no matter what your dress is made of, you can be sure that it will sparkle. Hotfix rhinestones are very durable, so are the number 1 choice for sportswear or costumes that require lots of movement. See how the team at ‘Sparkle By Jo’ have used Zodiac crystals to decorate these fabulous ice skating costumes:On the other hand, non-hotfix crystals can only be applied with an adhesive such as E6000 or Gem Tac. The crystals themselves are flat backed and are either foiled or un-foiled. Foiled crystals allow the light to travel through the crystal and reflect back, making them shimmer in the light. Unfoiled crystals are perfect to use on materials that are translucent or transparent such as mesh or sheer fabrics, where you wouldn’t want to see the foiled backing.

Choosing the correct rhinestones for your performance outfit

Zodiac hotfix and non-hotfix crystals are sold in wholesale quantities if you’re making costumes in bulk, or small packs depending on what size and colour you want. The size of the flatback gems can be as small as 3mm and reach up to 11mm. When it comes to dance costumes, a mixture of sizes will add variety to the fabrics and make you stand out even more. It is also much easier to embellish detailed or intricate parts of the costume with smaller crystals such as the cuffs and collar, then use the larger sized crystals for full coverage on the front and back. For more information on available colours and sizes, see our handy colour charts.