Behind The Scenes: Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid on Set
Mistakes happen, even to the most seasoned costume designers and wardrobe assistants. On set, errors can cost valuable time and disrupt the production’s flow. Whether you’re managing a small wardrobe or a full-scale production, these common pitfalls are worth noting. Learn how to avoid them and streamline your workflow with professional solutions like the COSPRO micro fine tagging gun and micro fine tagging gun.
1. Mislabelling Costumes
Mislabelling costumes is one of the most frequent mistakes on set. Garments can easily end up in the wrong hands or misplaced during hectic scene changes. Handwritten labels or sticky tape often fail, peeling off under pressure or leaving behind residue.
How to Avoid It:
- Use durable tagging tools like the COSPRO micro fine tagging gun to secure professional-grade tags.
- Colour-code your labels for easy identification (e.g., red for lead roles, green for extras).
- Include detailed information on each tag: character name, scene number, and any specific notes (e.g., "Do not wash" or "Dry clean only").
A solid tagging system saves time and ensures each item is accounted for throughout production.
2. Improper Costume Maintenance
Wrinkled garments, missing repairs, or overlooked stains can damage your professional credibility. Productions rely on wardrobe teams to maintain costume integrity, and small oversights can become major setbacks.
How to Avoid It:
- Establish a maintenance routine for every piece, especially between takes.
- Stock an emergency kit with essential tools like portable steamers, stain removers, and fabric glue.
- Keep a pack of COSPRO micro fine tagging pins on hand to replace damaged tags without further harming delicate fabrics.
For costumes in high rotation, set up a "quick-fix station" on set to handle repairs in real-time.
3. Disorganised Wardrobe Racks
Imagine hunting for a crucial piece seconds before an actor needs to be on set. Disorganised racks are a recipe for stress and delay, leading to missteps that are easily preventable.
How to Avoid It:
- Group costumes by character, scene, or shooting schedule.
- Add divider tabs to mark sections clearly.
Investing in collapsible racks for smaller shoots or mobile carts for larger productions keeps everything accessible and structured.
4. Overpacking or Underpacking
Balancing what to bring to set can be tricky. Overpacking adds clutter and slows you down. Underpacking leaves you scrambling to compensate for missing pieces.
How to Avoid It:
- Create a checklist of essential items for the day, focusing on costumes and backups for critical scenes.
- Keep duplicates of high-risk items, such as socks, buttons, and undershirts.
For location shoots, pre-label storage bins with tagging pins to quickly sort items once you’re on set.
5. Forgetting Continuity Details
A buttoned-up jacket in one take and an open one in the next—continuity errors are subtle but glaring on screen. Small details like jewellery placement or cuff length can break the immersion for viewers.
How to Avoid It:
- Take reference photos of actors in their full wardrobe before every scene.
- Use continuity tags secured with COSPRO tagging pins to note specifics, like “cuffs folded twice” or “necklace on the left side.”
- Review the logbook between takes to catch inconsistencies early.
Having a continuity checklist ready ensures no detail is overlooked.
6. Improvising in Tight Timelines
Tight schedules are part of life on set, but working under pressure often leads to rushed decisions that create bigger issues. Improvising rarely works when wardrobe pieces need to meet exact specifications.
How to Avoid It:
- Plan ahead by creating a detailed wardrobe schedule synced with the shooting plan.
- Use pre-labelled kits for each actor to reduce guesswork during changes.
- Lean on reliable tools like the COSPRO micro fine tagging gun to keep your workflow organised and adaptable to last-minute changes.
Preparedness prevents reactive mistakes and keeps your team on track.
7. Neglecting Communication
Good communication is essential for smooth wardrobe management. Misunderstandings between departments can lead to delays or missed deadlines.
How to Avoid It:
- Regularly update the wardrobe team about changes in the shooting schedule or costume needs.
- Label shared resources with clear instructions ensuring no items are taken or altered without approval.
- Hold quick check-ins at the start and end of the day to keep everyone aligned.
Clear communication reduces stress and fosters a collaborative on-set environment.
Professional Solutions for On-Set Success
Professional-grade tools elevate your wardrobe department from functional to flawless. The COSPRO micro fine tagging gun is a trusted asset in the film, TV, and theatre industries, offering precise, fabric-safe tagging for any wardrobe piece. Its ease of use makes it a go-to for busy on-set environments, whether you’re labelling costumes, sorting accessories, or managing repairs.
By integrating tools like the COSPRO micro fine tagging gun into your workflow, you save time, prevent errors, and enhance your team’s efficiency.
What Do You Think?
Have you faced challenges like these on set? Share your tips, stories, or questions in the comments below. Your insights could inspire others in the community. For more solutions to streamline your wardrobe management process, explore COSPRO’s professional tools today.