Wardrobe assistant
Help to make and look after the costumes used by actors in a TV show, film or play.
Also known as: seamstress, dresser, costume assistant
About the job
What it's like
You would help to make and look after the costumes used by actors in a TV show, film or play. The costumes you work on would make the production feel more real and look more impressive.Â
You would:
Help to buy and hire costume items
Look after the costumes between takes or scenes
Mend and alter items
Pack and unpack costumes and accessories
Clean, steam and iron
Help to make pieces and put costumes together
Fit costumes on to performers
Make sure that all costume items are available ready when needed
Keep notes to ensure that performers look the same in each scene
Keep records of all costumes and accessories needed
Store costumes and return hired items
A costume supervisor or wardrobe master/mistress would oversee your work. You’d need great sewing skills and an appreciation of design and fashion.
In theatre, you might also act as a 'dresser', helping performers with costume changes during the show.
Hours
Hours can be long and unsociable and will depend on the schedule of the production on which you are working. In film and TV, most of the work is in the daytime, but in the theatre wardrobe assistants normally cover evening performances and matinees, six days a week.
Environment
You might work in theatres, at film/TV studios, or in temporary cabins if out on location. Working conditions backstage may be cramped and hot.
Travel
You may sometimes be expected to go on tour with a production or spend some time working far away from home.
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Creative
Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- grinding
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- resourceful
- observation
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- managing resources
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Drama
Media
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
There are no set entry routes for this role.
Employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, but since entry is competitive, many wardrobe assistants study at college or university.
To enter a fashion or textiles National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF levels 2-6) most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter a fashion, textile or costume Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
The BA degree in Production Arts and Design at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) includes subjects in costume design and costume construction. You require three Highers or two Advanced Highers or equivalent.
BA degree in Performance Costume at Edinburgh College of Art, at Edinburgh University. For entry you need four Highers at BBBB and English at Standard grade level 3 or National 5.
Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCQF level 5) and practical sewing, cleaning and repair skills such as a National Certificate in Fashion Design and Manufacture (SCQF level 6).
Dressmaking or bespoke tailoring skills.
Experience in drama, such as amateur productions.
Good sewing skills.
You may also need a portfolio or examples of your work for some courses.
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