You’ve probably heard the phrase “dress for the job you want”—and for many people, working on a film or TV series is the job of a lifetime. But whether you’re an actor who landed a role or a gaffer getting your first lighting gig, you’ll eventually hit a conundrum not many consider: What exactly do people wear to a set? For all your Hollywood wardrobe needs, we’ve got you covered.
Once actors are on set and, you know, acting, they will obviously be wearing the costume provided by the wardrobe department. If you’re working on (or even just auditioning for) an ultra-low budget project that features modern clothing, you might be tempted to simply wear your costume to set. But always keep the commute in mind.
“If it’s super hot out and I’m going to sweat on the way there, I’ll change when I get [there],” says Jacklyn Collier, a SAG-AFTRA actor who has appeared on “The Deuce” and “This Is My Roommate.”
Collier recommends not wearing anything you wouldn’t want to get lost in the hustle and bustle of production, and opt for an outfit that’s easy to slip on and off without ruining hair or makeup. “Bonus points if it’s a conversation starter!” she says. “I once wore overalls covered in sticks of butter, and the next day showed up in a jumpsuit printed with fresh veggies. What can I say? Food was clearly on my mind.”
Filming movies and TV means a ton of downtime between setups and scenes, so be sure to plan for as much comfort as your costume allows. “Since I’ll be changing for the shoot, I like to wear something cozy for the in-between moments—especially when I’m eating or waiting around,” says Collier.
And remember, if anything isn’t comfortable on your costume, you will be wearing it for a long time. Speak up before it’s too late. “If your shoes hurt in the fitting room, they will destroy your being when you’re working,” writes actor Michaela Watkins (“Hacks,” “Casual”).
The hours on a set are long, and the labor of below-the-line workers—including hauling equipment, rigging lights, and running cables—is physically demanding. Wear clothing that is loose fitting, nonrestrictive, and comfortable for the duration of the day. If your job requires you to be up and down off the floor, bottoms with built-in kneepads are a lifesaver; if you need to carry many items, cargo pants with multiple pockets are your friend.
Always factor in the elements, too. Pay attention to each day’s call sheet. Are you shooting exterior shots in Atlanta in the summer, or a scene in a warehouse during Montreal winter? Plan accordingly.
7 Entry-Level Film Crew Jobs to Kick-Start Your Career Keep in mind, this is still a professional setting, so inflammatory logos and slogans, overly lounge-y sleepwear, and anything egregiously ripped or soiled is a no-go. Another tip? Avoid bright colors. You never want to be a distraction in someone’s eyeline, and darker-colored clothing also avoids the risk of reflecting light into a scene.
Of course, everything depends on the person setting the tone: the director. A gaffer or grip doesn’t need to match the person in the director’s chair (that would get sweaty, fast), but you are ultimately a part of their ecosystem. For example, Sam Raimi (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Spider-Man”) famously wears a suit and tie to establish a certain spirit.
“Believe it or not, I wear a suit and tie as a sign of respect to the cast and crew. I like a very serious and well ordered film set—for me it’s the best way to work, and out of that order I like to get a tremendous amount of creativity,” Raimi said in an interview with Uncut. “And at the same time, the old masters used to dress in a very formal manner on set, and I always thought that it was supercool. Nowadays everyone’s got the nose rings and the coloured hair, so for me to wear the suit and tie is a different way to go.”
At the end of the day, every set will be different except for one core truth: Everyone there has a job to do. Wear the clothes that allow you to do that job to the best of your ability.