When Characters Wear Plain Clothes in TV Shows and Movies

In the world of television and film, when you see characters dressed in plain clothes, it does not necessarily mean they are wearing their own personal attire. Often, these seemingly everyday outfits are meticulously designed costuming choices developed by the wardrobe department. This article explores the intricacies of on-set attire in TV shows and movies and how costume designers work to create an authentic and cohesive visual narrative.

The Role of the Wardrobe Department

When characters are wearing plain clothes in TV shows and movies, they are typically wearing costumes designed by the wardrobe department. Costume designers carefully select or create these outfits to match the characters' personalities, settings, and the overall aesthetic of the production. Even if the clothes look like regular everyday attire, they serve a specific purpose within the story. This choice is made to ensure continuity and to align with the character development throughout the narrative.

Continuity and Consistency

While some productions may allow actors to wear their own clothes, especially in more casual or low-budget settings, most major productions prefer to maintain strict control over the wardrobe to ensure consistency and preserve continuity. Scenes are almost never shot in the order they will appear in the final movie. Therefore, the clothes worn by actors must look exactly how they are needed for that segment of the movie they are shooting. The wardrobe for the actor will often be in multiples, so that replacements can be made if anything happens to the original garment or if the character needs to appear in different states of condition. For example, an actor might need to be seen wearing dirty and wrinkled clothes in one scene, but looking clean and fresh in another. To achieve this, the wardrobe department provides multiple copies of all items of clothing, ensuring they can wash, repair, or 'damage' the outfits as needed.

Background Extras and Main Characters

For background extras in a present-day setting, they are more likely to wear their own clothes, as this helps maintain a truthful and authentic visual appearance. However, for actors with bit parts and limited scenes, the likelihood of wearing their own clothes is variable. For main character actors with many scenes, it is safe to assume that they will be wearing wardrobe provided by the department. This is because preserving continuity is crucial, and having well-maintained, professionally created outfits helps to maintain the narrative's coherence.

Exceptions and Personal Items

While 99% of the time, the clothes worn by actors on set are provided by the wardrobe department, there are rare exceptions. Occasionally, clothing worn by an actor during their audition might be liked and become part of the character's look. For instance, Actor Silvester McCoy wore a Panama hat to his audition for the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who, and this hat became a significant part of his costume. Similarly, actors or, in some cases, the lead actors may be offered the opportunity to buy the clothes their characters wore in a show or film. Some actors even receive gifts of their outfits. David Tennant, for example, received a gift of his 10th Doctor outfit, which he wore in the 50th anniversary special. This particular costume turned out to be useful as other costumes he wore had long since degraded or been lost.

In other cases, parts of a costume might 'somehow' end up in an actor's possession after filming. John Barrowman owns one of the 'duster' jackets worn by his character, Jack Harkness, on Torchwood. The mystery of how this jacket came to be in his possession remains unknown, but the story is as fascinating as the show. These exceptions showcase the unique connections that can form between actors and the characters they play, often leading to personal keepsakes that can be treasured long after the production concludes.

Conclusion

The world of television and film is a complex one when it comes to on-set attire. Whether it's a plain, everyday-looking outfit or a dramatic costume, every piece of clothing worn by a character is thoughtfully curated to serve a specific purpose. From costume design to wardrobe management, each element of on-set attire plays a crucial role in creating a believable and engaging narrative. By understanding the behind-the-scenes process, we can appreciate the careful attention to detail that goes into every scene, making the characters and their stories come to life in a way that captivates audiences.