Wardrobe assistant

Wardrobe assistants help to make, find and look after clothes and costumes used in theatre, film and TV productions.


Working Hours

41–43

hours per week

Career Area

Tailors and dressmakers

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

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

Skills needed

  • 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 get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

Career 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