Description
Design costumes and accessories for theater, film, television, and live events. Create original looks or adapt historical and contemporary styles to support character, story, and the director's vision.
- • Direct and coordinate costume shop staff in patterning, cutting, construction, and alterations.
- • Fit and evaluate costumes on performers, adjusting designs for movement, comfort, and visual effect.
- • Sketch costume concepts and technical drawings; specify colors, fabrics, trims, and construction methods.
- • Collaborate with directors, producers, and design departments to align costumes with character and story.
- • Analyze scripts and character breakdowns to determine costume needs, continuity, and scene requirements.
- • Research historical periods, cultures, and trends; maintain reference boards and lookbooks.
- • Select fabrics, notions, and production techniques appropriate to performance, camera, and budget.
- • Source, purchase, rent, or pull garments and accessories from vendors, rental houses, and stock.
- • Adapt, distress, age, or embellish garments to achieve character-specific looks.
- • Visit textile showrooms and vendors to evaluate new materials and technologies.
- • Coordinate with hair, makeup, and production design to ensure cohesive aesthetics.
- • Manage costume budgets, bids, and purchase orders; track expenditures.
- • Draft patterns, drape, and cut materials; supervise fittings and alterations.
- • Create costume plots, breakdowns, and continuity documentation for scenes and schedules.
- • Prepare and present design boards, swatches, and prototypes for approvals.
- • Test fabrics and finishes for durability, colorfastness, and on-camera performance.
- • Construct mockups and samples; oversee final builds and quality control.
- • Organize and supervise wardrobe maintenance, laundering, repairs, and set costuming.
- • Ensure compliance with safety, union rules, and special requirements for stunts or effects.
Related specializations
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Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
