Common Materials: Costumes

Major Tools

Take a look at this page from the 'University of Fashion' website covering the variety of tools that the costume shop will use when draping, patterning, and assembling garments.

https://www.universityoffashion.com/tools/ Links to an external site.

No necessary to memorize all of these, but simply to familiarize yourself with them. It is broken down into sections for when each is primarily used.

Fabrics

There are three major categories of fabrics: natural and synthetic.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are ones that are made out of natural materials, such as plants, animals, or minerals. These are then spun into threads or yarns which are woven or knit into fabrics. Examples of these fibers would include silk, wool, cotton, and linen.

These fabrics are absorbent, breathable, eco-friendly, easy to dye or paint, and durable. Some of these fabrics can be quite expensive though, especially ones that are more luxurious or ones that come from animals like wool or furs.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers that are manufactured through chemical processes, rather than coming from natural sources. Common examples of these include nylon, polyester, rayon, and spandex. These fabrics are also sometimes made to be imitations of expensive natural fibers, like furs or silks.

Because they are made chemically, synthetic fabrics tend to be cheaper than natural ones, but not as luxurious to wear. Synthetics are also easier to care for than natural fabrics, typically being more water resistant and stain resistant than natural fibers. This makes them great for regular wear but harder to paint or dye.

Augmentation

No matter what type of fabric is selected, costume designers will often have the shop augment the final fabric or garment through processes such as dyeing, painting, distressing, or texturing. This provides more variety to the costume's look and can help bring it fully into the world of the play or better mimic the personality of its wearer.