The type (particularly the weight) of the cloth is an important element in how a costume looks, and it is particularly difficult to source the heavier type of material used in older clothes.

Division of labour in the costume workshop

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.