Wardrobe Basics: Costumes Without Chaos

Wardrobe Basics: Costumes Without Chaos

Wardrobe management keeps the costume side of a production running smoothly. It's about organisation, practical skills, and supporting performers to look their best.

The Wardrobe Role

Responsibilities:

• Managing all costumes during the run
• Handling quick changes
• Maintenance and repairs
• Pre-show preparation
• Post-show handling
• Supporting costume designer's vision

Before the Run

Receiving Costumes

When costumes arrive (hired, made, or sourced):

• Check everything against the list
• Note any existing damage
• Confirm each performer's items
• Identify any issues

Fitting Sessions

Work with performers to ensure:

• Everything fits correctly
• Movement is possible
• Quick changes are achievable
• Performers are comfortable

The Costume Plot

Documentation showing:

• Every costume item per character
• Scene-by-scene changes
• Quick change requirements
• Who helps with what

Quick Change Planning

For fast changes:

• Identify what needs to happen
• Time it realistically
• Set up the change space
• Prepare items for speed
• Practise with performers

Setting Up

Costume Storage

Each performer needs:

• Designated space
• Clear labelling
• Logical order (for changes)
• Protection from damage

Quick Change Stations

• Right location (accessible but hidden)
• Good lighting
• Mirror if possible
• Everything pre-set
• Change team briefed

During the Show

Pre-Show Checks

Before every performance:

• Every costume in place
• Nothing missing
• Any damage fixed
• Quick change stations ready
• Team in position

Quick Changes

The art of getting someone changed fast:

• Know the order
• Have items ready
• Clear communication
• Practised routine
• Backup plan for problems

Monitoring

Watch for:

• Damage during show
• Items falling off
• Wardrobe malfunctions
• Anything that needs attention

Post-Show

After every performance:

• Collect and check all items
• Hang properly to air
• Note any damage
• Prepare for next show
• Secure valuable items

Common Problems and Solutions

Zipper won't zip: Check for obstructions. Use lubricant if stiff. Replace if broken.

Button comes off: Quick repair with needle and thread. Keep spares.

Hem falling: Quick hand stitch. Hem tape for emergency.

Sweat damage: Air costumes properly. Use undergarments. Dry-cleaning between shows if needed.

Item goes missing: Check everywhere. Track who saw it last. Have backup plan.

Basic Wardrobe Skills

Sewing

• Hand stitching for repairs
• Basic machine skills (hems, seams)
• Button attachment
• Simple alterations

Quick Fixes

• Safety pins (friend and enemy—use correctly)
• Hem tape
• Fashion tape
• Velcro additions
• Quick repairs

Fabric Care

• Know what you're dealing with
• Washing vs. dry cleaning
• Pressing and steaming
• Stain removal basics

Working with Performers

Build relationships:

• Learn names and requirements
• Be calm and supportive
• Maintain privacy and modesty
• Handle concerns sensitively

Communication:

• Clear instructions for changes
• Patient explanation
• Feedback welcome
• Problems addressed quickly

Health and Safety

Costume considerations:

• Trip hazards (long hems, trailing items)
• Visibility restrictions (masks, headpieces)
• Overheating (heavy costumes, hot lights)
• Allergies (fabrics, fastenings)

Change spaces:

• Appropriate modesty protection
• Safe environment
• Fire escape routes clear

After the Run

Returns

For hired costumes:

• Clean to required standard
• Check for damage
• Repair where possible
• Document any issues
• Return on time

Storage

For owned costumes:

• Clean before storing
• Store appropriately (hanging vs. folding)
• Protect from moths, dust, light
• Label clearly for future use

Documentation

Record:

• What worked
• What problems arose
• Solutions found
• Suggestions for future

Wardrobe is invisible when it works—performers simply look right, changes happen seamlessly, everything stays together. That's success.