Wardrobe assistant
Wardrobe assistants help to make, find and look after clothes and costumes used in theatre, film and TV productions.
Also known as: Dresser
- Typical hours41 to 43 a week
What you'll do
As a wardrobe assistant, you might:
- hire or help to create costumes and accessories
- check, clean and iron garments ready for use
- dress performers and help with costume changes between scenes
- alter and mend items
- store costumes and deal with returns once a production has finished
Working environment
You could work at a film studio, on a film set, in a theatre or at a TV studio.
Your working environment may be cramped and hot.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- knowledge of the fine arts
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a wardrobe assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification to work as a wardrobe assistant. Subjects include:
- costume design
- fashion
- textiles
- costume construction
These may give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, such as:
- fashion and textiles
- art and design
- T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Advanced Apprenticeship to get into this role, like:
- Costume Performance Technician Level 3
- Garment Maker Level 3
These can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You could start out as a production runner with a stage or screen company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.
You could also work for a theatrical costume hire company to get into the industry.
Volunteering
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 can get volunteering experience through:
- student theatre and film productions
- amateur or community theatre
- dressmaking
- casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets
Career path and progression
You may specialise in 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:
- costume design
- set design
- stage management
Career tips
Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has information about recommended daily pay rates for wardrobe assistants .
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleFashion design assistant
- Job roleCostume designer
- Job roleDressmaker
- Job roleTV or film production runner
- Job rolePhotographic stylist
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