How many times have you seen a movie and said, “Wow, that actor looks amazing in that outfit!”? Costumes help tell us who the character is. But do actors choose these costumes for themselves? Not usually! Let’s discover how do actors choose their clothes for movies.
Begins With the Character
To begin, the actor learns about the character. They will ask questions such as:
- What type of job does this character have?
- Where does this character live?
- Is this character rich, poor, young, or old?
Actors think about these things so they can figure out how the character should dress. An on-screen teacher is going to dress differently from a rock star!
Actors Work With Costume Designers
Actors don’t make these choices on their own. They collaborate with costume designers. A costume designer’s role is to create clothing that is appropriate for the character and the story. The designer and actor discuss what the character would wear.
For instance, in a superhero movie, the actor and costume designer intend a unique suit for the character that is matched to the estimated powers and characteristics of the hero. If the film is historical, clothing from the same time frame will be discussed.
Fittings Help Actors Choose
Once the costume designer has chosen a few garments, the actor tries them in a “fitting”. During the fitting:
- The actor makes comments on how the clothes feel.
- The designer samples the fit of the outfit.
- They adjust anything that doesn’t fit right or feel good.
Actors want to feel comfortable in their costumes, especially if they have to run, dance, or fight!
Actors Give Ideas Too
Sometimes it’s up to the actors to get the wardrobe themselves. Additionally, if the actor has played a similar role in years past, they may be very cognizant of their own what works best. Some actors contribute to the color choices, designs, and even accessories such as hats or shoes. If an actor wears something well, that same comfort in look and feel carries over into their performances as well.
For example, an actor might say, “This jacket doesn’t feel like I can move in it,” or “Could my character just wear sneakers instead of boots?” The costume designer hears this and does their best to help accommodate the actor.
Where Do the Clothes Come From?
Actors do not bring their own clothing unless it is a boutique or low-budget film. Costume teams acquire clothing in several ways:
- Clothing stores or designer brands
- Rental shops
- Vintage stores
- Or sometimes they make custom clothing for the film
Actors try on the different pieces and assist in choosing what fits best for the character.
Clothes Help Actors Become the Character
When the actor puts on their costume, something different happens—they start to embrace the character. A costume can activate ideas of bravery, establish seriousness or even unlock their comedic skills. The appropriate wardrobe allows actors to act better!
Conclusion: Teamwork Is Key
Ultimately, actors don’t choose their clothes entirely on their own. They work with the costume designer, the director, and the entire production team. Ultimately, they select clothing that tells the story and makes the actor look good on the screen.
So, how do actors choose their clothes for movies?
They find their character, wear different outfits, give different ideas, and work with a costume designer. It’s a collaborative process— one of the biggest pieces of movie magic!
Read About Also
