Mastering Wardrobe Maintenance: Essential Tips for Film & TV Professionals

Essential Wardrobe Maintenance Tips

1. The Stain-Busting Arsenal
Stains can appear at the worst possible moments, and time on set is precious. Here’s a deeper dive into practical stain-removal tools that are a must for on-the-go fixes:

• Stain remover pens and wipes: Ideal for small, stubborn stains on delicate fabrics. These fit right in your pocket and are perfect for quick dabs between takes.
• White vinegar and baking soda: Vinegar is safe on most natural fabrics and works well on sweat stains or general fabric dullness. Combine it with baking soda for a natural, chemical-free scrub that handles everything from makeup to mud.
• Cornstarch and talcum powder: For grease stains, sprinkle a bit on the spot to absorb the oil before brushing it off gently. This powder trick is great for preserving fabric without rough treatment, especially when a garment can’t go straight into the wash.

Pro Tip: Carrying a small spray bottle with a diluted vinegar solution keeps costumes fresh between dry-cleaning sessions—just be mindful of fabrics sensitive to acidic solutions.

2. Quick-Fix Tools for Rips and Tears
With hours of movement and constant wardrobe changes, rips and tears are nearly unavoidable. Here are ways to patch things up without needing a full repair session:

• COSPRO Micro Fine Tagging Gun: A COSPRO tagging gun is a discreet and effective way to quickly secure hems, ripped seams, or loose embellishments. Perfect for last-minute fixes on pieces that need to stay in place.
• Safety pins and small scissors: Keep these essentials within easy reach. A well-placed safety pin can buy you hours when dealing with a broken zipper or loose button. Always choose sturdy safety pins with smooth edges to avoid accidental snags on delicate fabrics.
• Handheld sewing kit: The basics—needles, thread in key colours, and a small pair of scissors—should always be on hand. Stock up with colours that match the core costumes in the production. Invisible thread is also handy for stitching on the go, especially for quick repairs that don’t have to be colour-specific.

When it comes to high-action scenes, preparing for wear and tear is part of the job. Having a backup solution for each major piece can make all the difference.

3. Odour Control: Keep Costumes Fresh
Costumes go through a lot on set, especially under hot lights and active scenes. These odour-busting tricks are simple, effective, and fabric-safe:

• Vodka spray: Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle. A light misting helps neutralise odours between takes. Vodka evaporates quickly, leaving fabric odour-free.
• Activated charcoal sachets: Charcoal is great for naturally absorbing odours. Place a few sachets in garment bags or costume storage areas to keep costumes fresh over long periods. Charcoal bags are also reusable—simply place them in sunlight to refresh.
• Garment steamer with scented water: A handheld garment steamer is essential not just for wrinkle removal but for a quick refresh as well. Use distilled water with a few drops of a fabric-safe essential oil (lavender, for example) to give costumes a light, pleasant scent that doesn’t overpower.

This setup also reduces the need for frequent laundering, helping to preserve the fabric’s colour and texture over a long production schedule.

4. Managing Wrinkles on the Fly
Wrinkled costumes break continuity and compromise the look. Keeping them wrinkle-free, especially on location, is crucial.

• Portable garment steamer: Unlike irons, portable garment steamers are gentle on all fabrics, even delicate or layered costumes. They work especially well on suits, formal dresses, and anything with intricate stitching that could be damaged by an iron.
• Spray bottle with water: For an easy wrinkle fix, lightly mist the fabric and give it a gentle shake. This trick works well for less delicate items and is a lifesaver on tight schedules when a full steam isn’t possible.
• Roll-up storage method: For costumes that need to stay pristine over long transport times, try rolling them instead of folding. Rolling reduces crease lines and keeps costumes in better condition than traditional folding. Use padded hangers or soft materials around the costume while rolling to avoid pressure marks.

5. Keep It Organised with Labelling and Storage Solutions
On a busy set, an organised wardrobe team is a productive one. With fast-paced changes, costume pieces can get misplaced or mixed up. Here’s how to keep it all in check:

• Tagging gun: Essential for labelling individual pieces without damaging delicate fabrics. Use tags for everything from the main costume components to smaller accessories, clearly marking each piece by actor, scene, or role.
• COSPRO ready 'on set' go clear bags for small accessories: Organising accessories by character in clear bags makes them easy to locate and repack during costume changes. This method also saves time when re-stocking items between takes or travel, as you can see everything at a glance. Get them here.
• Label maker: Labelling garment bags, storage boxes, and hangers helps keep costumes sorted and ensures they’re returned to the right place. Consistent labelling helps prevent lost pieces and keeps the team moving efficiently from one scene to the next.

Labelled storage boxes or bins also help protect costumes from dust and debris, especially when working on outdoor sets or in multi-location productions.

Must-Have Tools for Every Wardrobe Kit
Assembling a comprehensive wardrobe kit keeps you ready for any situation. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials for film and TV costume designers:

• Stain removers (pens, wipes, and powders): Quick and safe for a wide variety of fabrics.
• Sewing kit (compact, with safety pins, needles, and threads): A must-have for quick repairs.
• Odour neutralisers (vodka spray and charcoal sachets): Effective and fabric-safe solutions for on-set refreshes.
• Garment steamer (small, portable, and gentle on fabrics): Keeps costumes wrinkle-free, even in high-pressure situations.
• Tagging gun: A practical solution for labelling and organising costumes efficiently.

Every second counts on a film or TV set, and a well-stocked wardrobe kit keeps you ready for action. With these tools in your arsenal, costume mishaps won’t stand a chance, ensuring your actors are scene-ready from the first take to the last.