Art of Television Costume Design

But it’s not just about the clothing—they need to understand the proper social class and deportment of each character and ensure ensembles match the show’s historic scenic design.

A mix of custom-made clothing and accessories, deadstock (unsold vintage merchandise), and rented costumes are combined for historic shows. Sometimes, vintage patterns are used with contemporary fabrics to create clothing that is more durable than fragile originals.

Generally, stars are clad in specially-designed ensembles, often featuring antique elements of lace and embroidery. Background characters and extras make do with items from rental warehouses.

Stars’ costumes are usually added to rental stock after filming, so look for your favorite actresses’ costumes in the background scenes of next year’s shows!

But it’s not that simple. Costume designers still need to establish a unique style for each role, including a specific color palette and silhouette.

Extreme fads quickly look dated in shows that have long production times. And then there’s the fitting process: complex alterations are often necessary on pre-purchased, ready-to-wear clothing to better fit actors.

Buying clothing and accessories in multiple sizes can make it easier to quickly dress extras for crowd scenes, but designers and their crews must stay organized, as even small productions can require thousands of garments. Some contemporary costumes are created from scratch to ensure absolute uniqueness of design.

If an expensive designer outfit is perfect for a character, but way out of budget, designers can utilize their patterning skills to re-create the look with less expensive fabrics and trimmings.

Because these ensembles are worn by characters inhabiting supernatural or futuristic settings, the designs need to be new and innovative. Budget and imagination are the only constraints to Fantasy costuming.

Body prosthetics, wigs, and makeup aid in creating imaginary appearances. Costume designers work with 3D printing, custom-molded PVC garments, and CGI (computer generated imagery) to create technologically advanced ensembles that transport us out of everyday life.

And these shows often feature thrilling, action-packed scenes. Duplicate costumes must be made to accommodate the harnesses, braces, and wires used in complex stunts.

These ensembles often feature oversized silhouettes, bright colors, and bold patterning or trim. Unexpected, over-the-top details become unspoken jokes.

Sometimes costumes have built-in trick components—they might fall apart, squirt water, or even expand on cue. Wacky accessories and overdone hair and makeup add whimsy.

Costumes can be wildly inappropriate as to time, occasion, or social group.They might fit in a comical way—too tight or too big. In short, they always help a character stand out, and “make a scene.”

Yet designers must be aware that these ensembles don’t overwhelm their actors—they still need to be able to act!