costuming

Costuming, or costume design, refers to the creation, selection, and management of clothing and accessories worn by performers to convey character, period, or style. It is used in theatre, film, television, live performance, historical reenactment, and increasingly in cosplay and conventions. Costuming aims to support the narrative while ensuring performer comfort and mobility.

Responsibilities include concept development, research, sketches or renderings, patternmaking or draping, fabric sourcing, sewing, fittings, aging or weathering, and coordinating hair, makeup, and accessories. Roles commonly involved are the costume designer, assistant designer, cutter or sewist, draper, wardrobe supervisor, dresser, and, as needed, milliner or tailor.

Process generally follows a brief or script: designers research era or world, generate visual concepts, assemble a costume bible, select or build garments, create patterns, fabricate or modify items, and conduct fittings. Wardrobe teams handle maintenance, cleaning, and inventory during production. In film and television, continuity and on-set changes are carefully planned; on stage, quick-change design often requires split-second changes and discreet fastenings.

Types and contexts include historical costuming (emphasizing period accuracy), contemporary or character-driven costuming, fantasy or sci-fi styling, and cosplay. Distinctions are sometimes drawn between costuming (design and creation) and wardrobe (ongoing management and upkeep of costumes during production).

History and practice trace the field from theatre tradition to modern media production, with growing emphasis on documentation, conservation, and accessibility. Museums and archives preserve costumes as artifacts, while modern productions balance authenticity with practicality and safety for performers.