Job Description

A wardrobe assistant will research costume designs, then plan, coordinate and make costumes for different scenes in a production. This could be for theatre, film, TV productions or for advertising and photo shoots. They may also be involved in alterations and repairs.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job.

You'll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Fashion and Textiles:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job by doing a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship. This can be used to get into a lot of different jobs in film and TV, including costume runner and wardrobe assistant.

You could also do a garment maker advanced apprenticeship, if your job involves repairing and making costumes.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Work

You could start out as a runner with a production company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.

Career Tips

Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You could get volunteering experience through:

student theatre and film productions
amateur or community theatre
dressmaking
working for a theatrical costume hire company
casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets

You can find more details about how to become a wardrobe assistant through Get into Theatre.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Career Path and Progression

You’ll specialise in either theatre work, film or TV, but you could cross over between areas once established.

With experience, you could become a wardrobe manager or move into set design, production design or stage management.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Clothing alteration hand
Costume designer
Dressmaker
Fashion designer
Make-up artist

Required Skills

Creativity and imagination
excellent design skills
a passion for fashion
a good eye for detail
flexibility
good organisational skills
able to work well under pressure and to deadlines
good communication and people skills
good research skills

Salary Range

Variable

Wardrobe Assistant