Kostüme

Kostüme are outfits designed to transform a wearer into a character, era, or concept. They are used in theater, film, masquerade balls, carnivals, festivals, Halloween, and cosplay. A costume may aim for historical accuracy, theatrical exaggeration, or personal expression, and it often includes clothing, accessories, makeup, and props.

The term Kostüm comes from French costume and in German usage covers clothing worn for role-playing or performance beyond everyday attire. The concept also encompasses period dress, fantasy outfits, and cultural or ceremonial garments adapted for performance or celebration.

Costume practice has roots in ancient theater and ritual disguises, with elaborate pageants in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In the modern era, costume production expanded with opera, ballet, cinema, and television, followed by mass-market retail and rental shops. Since the late 20th century, cosplay communities have popularized DIY and fan-made costumes, often competing in conventions.

Costumes can be purchased off the shelf, rented for events, or handmade. Materials range from modern fabrics to foam, thermoplastics, leather, and paints, with accessories such as wigs, jewelry, and armor components. Designers balance fit, mobility, heat management, and safety, including fire resistance and visibility for performers. Care involves cleaning by material type, avoiding heat that could warp materials, and storing garments in appropriate bags or boxes.

Cultural significance: kostüme enable storytelling, role experimentation, and community participation. In contemporary culture, conventions, social media, and pattern-sharing platforms support diverse practices but also raise considerations of representation, consent, and cultural appropriation.