The Surprising Fashion Must-Have

Fashion tape is a peel-and-stick product that has an adhesive coating on both sides. The tape can be used to hold two areas of fabric together or can be applied directly to the skin to hold fabric strategically in place. Application is as simple as placing the tape in the appropriate spot and pressing the fabric gently over the tape. Products such as Hollywood Fashion Tape and Maidenform Stay Put tape will last for hours, and they offer a much neater and more practical solution than safety pins. These products are available at websites such as Hollywoodfashiontape.com.

Fashion tape comes in pre-cut pieces and on tape dispensers and rolls. There are also fashion tape products that are designed to be slipped over clothing tags to keep them tucked in. This product is also sold in small containers that can be carried in a purse for emergency use.

Double-stick fashion tape is transparent for easy concealment. Unlike ordinary cellophane tape, fashion tape is geared specifically to be used with fabric. The tape is hypoallergenic and will not irritate the skin. It also has a breathable, elastic quality, and the adhesive will not leave a sticky residue behind.

Fashion tape is used for more than just dealing with daring fashion choices. To keep unruly lapels in place, apply a little fashion tape on the underside of each lapel to adhere them to the shirt or jacket. Wearing wrap skirts on windy days can be a real challenge. A little fashion tape applied along the skirt opening will remedy this dilemma. Blouse gaps between buttons can be embarrassing. Fashion tape hidden inside the spaces between buttons can keep things looking smooth and neat.

Not every potential wardrobe malfunction can be solved by small rectangles of tape. For this reason, fashion tape is available in different pre-cut shapes, including trapezoids, wide strips, curves and skinny strips. Trapezoid-shaped fashion tape is used to help keep the sides of a strapless gowns from drooping or slipping. Curved shapes are designed to work in the front of a strapless gown. Extra-wide strips are suitable for use with heavier garments. Skinny strips hold wandering bra straps in place.

Once the double-stick tape is in place and doing its job, try to avoid tugging at the garment around the taped area. Fussing with the fashion tape can cause it to become dislodged or slip out of place.

Most fashion tape products sell for $10 or less for around three dozen pre-cut pieces.