Costume designer

Garments must be durable and washable, especially for plays with extended runs or films with near-real time pacing (meaning that most costumes will not change between scenes) but whose principal photography phase may stretch across several weeks.

The designer must possess strong artistic capabilities and a thorough knowledge of pattern development, draping, drafting, textiles and fashion history.

The designer must understand historical costuming, and the movement style and poise that period dress may require.

Later, those working in television like Nolan Miller (Dynasty), Janie Bryant (Mad Men), and Patricia Field (Sex and the City) became more prominent, some becoming authors and having their own clothing and jewelry lines.

In an academic environment the shop "staff" is generally students, who are learning about costume design and construction.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is the sole union in the United States and Canada that represents costume designers.