What’s in A Costume Designer’s Wardrobe Kit?

If you’re just starting out as a Costumer or Wardrobe Supervisor for TV, Film or Theater, you’re going to want to show up fully equipped with a killer Wardrobe Kit!

When I first got started as a Costume Designer, I would have loved to have a list like this to go by. I kind of went in with the usual supplies but I quickly found out that I needed the quirkiest shit I would have never thought of. Be prepared for almost any situation!

The Ultimate Wardrobe Kit List

Here is a list of the things I have with me in my Wardrobe Kit on assignments (give or take depending on the job). Some Costumers will rent out their kits for a daily fee (my basic kit starts at $150/day), which is significantly cheaper than if you went and bought all of this equipment and supplies for one low budget production. I also have wardrobe inventory and costumes, which I may rent as well. Of course, a costume designer’s wardrobe will vary based on the project or production.

What’s in my Wardrobe Kit:

Single Needle Portable Sewing Machines, Serger, Coverstitch
Irons, Jiffy Steamer, Portable, and Full Size Ironing Boards
Full-Length Mirror(s)
Racks – Collapsible and Z Racks
Hangers, Dividers
Rack covers
Lint rollers, lint brush
Pens, Pencils
Rit Dyes and Aging Supplies
Sharpies (Black, metallics)
Kraft Wardrobe Hangtags
Safety pins galore (Black and White safety pins, too)
Binder, paper clips
Tapes – scotch tape, duct tape, gaffers tape (yep) and double stick tape. The best tape to have on hand is Vapon TopStick
Fun Tak – this comes in handy for a variety of uses, to include fitting rings that are too large
Jewelry shine cloth
Shout wipes, baby wipes, Tide stain stick
Antibacterial wipes
Scissors – various types, for fabric and paper
Static Guard
Faultless Wrinkle Release
Magic Sizing
Fray Check fabric glue
Pre-threaded sewing kit
Buttons in various sizes and colors (keeping them neutral color is best)
Shoe shine/polish, shoelaces, insoles, moleskin for heels
Tape measures (Yes, several. These always end up being around someone’s neck when I need them)
Bread bag twist ties (like the trash bag ties. Handy for making necklace adjustments!)
Cable ties These help to keep things cinched in place and great for transporting multiple hangered garment groups!
Garment rack dividers
Pincushion (with pins)
C.S. Osborne Revolving Leather Hole Punch, Multi-sized  This one is a MUST-HAVE!

Makeup cover smocks
Lysol disinfectant spray (for shoes, and the air!)
Febreze
Vodka in a spray bottle – to deodorize without leaving the watermarks
Eucalan Lavender Fine Fabric Wash

Trash bags
Latex gloves – They make cleaning up messes less icky.
Ziploc bags, Giant Ziplock Storage Bags (Space saver bags)
Disposable Razors and shaving cream
Wisp Brush ups, toothpicks, dental floss
Tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners (these work for underarm sweat, too!)
Disposable Underarm Dress Shields

Clear bra straps
Racerback Bra straps Clip Asst.
Bra Petals for modesty
Bra extender
Tie tacks
Collar extensions
Nude colored panties/underwear
Socks, Hosiery
Nude colored bralettes
Body Shapers, Asst. Shapewear (Spanx in Nude, Black)

Rubber bands
Mini-eyeglass repair kit
Natural Insect Repellant
Basic first aid kit to include my own additions such as Aloe Vera gel, sunscreen, Pepto, allergy relief Zyrtec, hand sanitizer, and essential oils. (Make sure you have Geranium oil and Lavender – awesome for itchy bug bites!)
Plug converter(s) – three-pronged for two prong (some older homes and buildings are only 2-prong)
Box knife, pliers, multi screwdriver
Krazy Glue
Sm. electric fan, or handheld battery fan, or small heater fan (Seasonal)
Clamp Light(s)
Portable, Pop Up Dressing Room(s)

Polaroid camera and film (hey, Instamatic photos never goes out of style)
Binder to keep said photos in (you’ll want to snap pictures of each actor and wardrobe change with details per scene for continuity)