The Wardrobe's Secret Weapon
In the world of film and television, the 'hero' costume—the primary outfit a character wears—is rarely a solo act. For every signature jacket or dress you see on screen, there’s often a small army of identical copies waiting in the wings. These are known
as 'multiples', and they are the unsung workhorses of the costume department. Productions might require anywhere from two to more than twenty copies of a single garment. This isn't just for peace of mind; it's a fundamental necessity to keep a multi-million dollar production from grinding to a halt over a spilled coffee or an unplanned tear.
Dressed for Destruction
Action sequences are a costume’s worst nightmare. When a character gets thrown through a window, caught in a downpour, or splattered with mud, their outfit has to reflect that damage. But what about the retakes? That’s where multiples come in. There’s a clean version for the start of the scene, and several pre-distressed versions for different stages of the action. Stunt doubles need their own set of multiples, often tailored slightly differently for safety harnesses and pads. If a scene involves a bloody shootout, the wardrobe team will have duplicates ready for each take to ensure the splatter looks consistent. Without them, a simple reset could take hours while a single costume is cleaned and dried.
The Tyranny of Continuity
Movies are almost never filmed in chronological order. A scene shot on the first week of production might take place moments after a scene filmed two months later. This creates a massive challenge for costume continuity. A shirt collar has to be folded the same way, a sleeve cuff must be rolled to the exact same height, and a coffee stain has to have the same shape and location. To manage this, the costume department maintains a 'continuity bible,' a detailed record with photos and notes for every single scene. Each costume multiple is often tagged and categorized by scene number and its 'stage' of distress (e.g., 'Stage 1 Clean,' 'Stage 2 Post-Fight'). This meticulous tracking ensures that when the final film is edited together, the character’s appearance flows seamlessly.
The Art of the Breakdown
Making a brand-new garment look like it’s been through a war is a specialized skill. This process is called 'breaking down,' 'aging,' or 'distressing,' and it's performed by a breakdown artist. Their job is to add character and history to clothing. They use a surprising array of tools, including sandpaper, cheese graters, and heat guns to create realistic wear and tear. Dyes, paints, and even tea or coffee are used to simulate sweat, dirt, and age. This isn't just about destruction; it’s an art form that ensures every multiple, whether pristine or tattered, perfectly matches its counterpart to maintain the illusion of the story. A skilled breakdown artist can make a stack of new shirts look like they’ve each lived the same hard life, ensuring every take is perfectly consistent.
