Question 1

How much does a custom costume cost?

Accepted Answer

A simple dress or tunic runs $150–300. Fitted bodice and skirt sets run $400–800, structured coats $500–1,000, and full period ensembles $1,200–2,500. Mascots start near $1,500. Fabric, fit and embellishment set the price. See the price guide for the full table.

Question 2

How do I measure for a costume?

Accepted Answer

Take height, bust or chest, waist, hips, shoulder width, sleeve length, nape to waist and inseam. Wear the underlayers you will use on the day and ask someone to hold the tape. The price guide lists every measurement and how to take it.

Question 3

Can a maker work from a photo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the photo shows the garment clearly. Add a back view and any detail shots. A maker can copy a look from a photo but cannot see inside the seams, so expect questions about fabric and construction.

Question 4

Can I get a costume in under four weeks?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Simple dresses and tunics can be done in two to three weeks. Rush work costs 30–50% more and some makers will decline. Post as early as you can and state the hard deadline in the brief.

Question 5

Who owns the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Unless the brief says otherwise, the maker keeps the pattern and you own the finished costume. If you need the pattern for reuse or replacements, agree that in writing before the bid is accepted. Expect a fee.

Question 6

Can I pay for alterations instead of a new costume?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post the garment, what needs to change and photos of it worn. Alterations usually cost a quarter to half of a new build. Some rental or thrifted pieces are worth altering; others are cheaper to remake.

Question 7

Can one maker do a whole cast?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. A cast of 12 usually costs 15–30% less per costume than single orders. Give sizes for everyone, tell the maker if costumes are identical, and allow extra weeks for fittings. Large casts can also be split between makers.

Question 8

How do I wash a custom costume?

Accepted Answer

Ask the maker for care notes with the delivery. Cotton and poly-blends can usually be washed cold and hung to dry. Velvet, silk, boned garments and anything beaded should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned. Mascot heads are spot cleaned only.

Garment	Low	Typical	High	Typical turnaround
Simple dress or tunic	$90	$150–300	$450+	2–3 weeks
Fitted bodice and skirt	$250	$400–800	$1,200+	3–5 weeks
Structured jacket or coat	$300	$500–1,000	$1,600+	6–8 weeks
Corsetry	$250	$400–900	$1,500+	4–8 weeks
Full period ensemble	$700	$1,200–2,500	$4,000+	8–12 weeks
Mascot head and body	$800	$1,500–3,500	$6,000+	8–12 weeks
Kids' costume	$60	$100–250	$400+	2–4 weeks
Dance costume with embellishment	$200	$350–900	$1,500+	4–8 weeks

Measurement	How to take it
Height	Stand barefoot against a wall. Measure floor to top of head.
Bust or chest	Tape around the fullest part, level across the back.
Underbust	Tape snug around the ribs, directly under the bust.
Natural waist	Tape around the narrowest part of the torso. Bend sideways to find it.
Hips	Tape around the fullest part of the hips and seat, about 20 cm below the waist.
Shoulder width	Bone to bone across the back, from one shoulder point to the other.
Sleeve length	Shoulder point to wrist bone, with the arm slightly bent.
Nape to waist	From the bump at the back of the neck down to the natural waist.
Waist to floor	Natural waist to the floor, barefoot or in the shoes you will wear.
Inseam	Crotch to ankle bone along the inner leg.
Head circumference	Around the forehead, above the ears. Needed for hats and mascot heads.

What a custom costume costs in 2026

By garment type (USD)

Measurements a maker will ask for

What moves the price

How to brief a costume maker (paste this into your post)

Ready? Post your job on The Spool List.