How to Keep Glitter from Falling Off Clothes

Purchase a bottle of hairspray. You can use hairspray from any brand to quickly address the glitter issue. Keep in mind that hairspray can help keep glitter in place on clothing temporarily, but it won’t hold it forever. For a more permanent solution, consider using fabric glue or clear heat-transfer adhesive.

Remove loose glitter pieces and prepare for spraying. Shake the garment vigorously to dislodge any loose glitter, then lay a towel on a dry, flat surface and spread the clothing evenly on top.

• If the clothing is wrinkled, hairspray may also set those wrinkles. Consider ironing the garment beforehand if it has significant creases.

Spray hairspray onto the glitter. Work meticulously: apply a thick layer of hairspray, ensuring no spots are missed. Pay extra attention to areas where the glitter has already started to loosen.

Allow the hairspray to dry on the clothing. Follow the instructions on the hairspray bottle, but let it dry slightly longer than recommended, as fabric drying times may differ from hair. Once the hairspray on the glitter is dry, pick up the garment and give it a gentle shake. If any glitter falls off, reapply the spray. If not, the clothing is ready to wear—just handle it with care!

Use fabric glue to secure glitter in place. You can sprinkle glitter onto fabric glue to adhere it to the clothing, then cover the glitter with a diluted fabric glue solution to create a protective outer layer. Glitter often falls off due to friction with other objects, so applying a layer of glue on top can help secure each particle individually.

Mix fabric glue with water. Start by adding a small amount of water to dilute the fabric glue. There’s no specific ratio—aim for a consistency that allows easy application with a brush, avoiding mixtures that are too thick or too runny.

Apply the mixture to the glitter. Place a sheet of newspaper behind the glittered area of the clothing, then use a brush to dab, drip, or spread the glue onto the glittered section. Work carefully to prevent the glitter from dislodging during application. Ensure the entire glittered area is coated.

Let the glue dry for 24 hours. Lay the garment flat in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated area. Make sure the clothing isn’t wrinkled, as the glue could permanently set any creases. The garment is ready to wear once the glue layer has fully dried.

Wash gently. If possible, hand-wash the garment for better control. Fabric glue is synthetic and won’t wash off, but hairspray might. Generally, hand-washing helps protect the glue, glitter, and fabric more effectively. Be cautious—avoid vigorous scrubbing and machine washing.

• Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water may melt the adhesive.

Dry the clothing properly. You can hang the garment on a clothesline or lay it flat to dry. Using a dryer may cause the glitter to come off as the clothing tumbles and rubs against other items. Additionally, rapid drying methods (like tumble drying or blow drying) often involve high heat, which can melt the fabric glue and loosen the glitter.

Handle glittered clothing with care while wearing. Avoid friction that could dislodge the glitter, and refrain from scratching or rubbing the glittered areas. It’s also advisable not to wear glittered clothing too frequently—reserve them for special occasions. The more you wear glittered garments, the more you’ll need to wash them, increasing the risk of wear and tear!

• Consider purchasing a jar of glitter for repairs if needed. Keep fabric glue on hand as well, which is widely available at craft stores.