Finding appropriate fabrics for period costumes can be quite difficult, as they're often heavier or more expensive than conventional modern ones. Wearing unfamiliar fabrics can also have an effect on an actor's performance.

Men's tailoring

Costumes are crucial to any production. They can be sewn from scratch, bought on the high street, or made by altering other clothes. In the National Theatre's Costume Department, a staff of designers, dyers, tailors and buyers work together to produce outfits for every character in every show.