H&M
Budget-friendly basics and on-trend pieces for a practical audition wardrobe
Overview
H&M offers some of the most affordable wardrobe options for actors who need to look put-together without spending a fortune. Their basics line provides solid-color tees, button-downs, and trousers that form the backbone of any audition closet.
The store's range covers everything from casual streetwear to business attire and evening looks. Actors can assemble multiple character-appropriate outfits in a single shopping trip without exceeding a modest budget.
How It Works
H&M locations are plentiful in both LA and NYC, and their online store frequently runs promotions and clearance sales. The quality is suitable for audition wear and short-run productions, though pieces may not hold up to heavy repeated use.
Most items fall in the $10 to $50 range, making H&M one of the most cost-effective options for building a varied wardrobe. Their Divided and Modern Classic lines are particularly useful for actors.
Who Uses It
An ideal first stop for actors just starting out who need versatile basics on a tight budget. Focus on neutral colors and well-fitting essentials that can be mixed and matched across different audition types. H&M's online store also offers an extended size range and styles that may not be available in every physical location, giving you access to a broader selection from home. Their frequent collaborations with high-end designers occasionally produce limited-edition pieces that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest.
Pricing & Plans
H&M is one of the most affordable mainstream fashion retailers, with the majority of garments priced between $10 and $50. Basic t-shirts, tank tops, and simple blouses start as low as $5 to $15, while structured blazers, dress pants, and outerwear typically range from $30 to $60. Their premium H&M Studio and Conscious collections feature higher-quality materials at slightly elevated prices, usually $40 to $90, but still well below comparable pieces from mid-range competitors. Clearance and sale racks, which are restocked frequently, can reduce prices by an additional 30 to 70 percent off already-low retail prices. H&M offers a free loyalty program called H&M Member that provides a 10 percent welcome discount, exclusive offers, and points on every purchase that accumulate toward future savings. For actors building a wardrobe from scratch, a complete set of audition basics covering commercial, corporate, and casual character types can realistically be assembled at H&M for $150 to $300 total.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
H&M's unmatched affordability is its primary strength, making it accessible to actors at every financial stage from students to those between bookings. The breadth of their inventory covers virtually every character type and audition scenario, from casual everyday looks to business attire and evening wear, all under one roof. Store locations are abundant in major entertainment cities, and their online store offers free shipping on orders over a modest threshold with easy returns. The Divided line caters to younger, edgier aesthetics while the Modern Classic line provides clean, professional pieces, giving you dedicated collections for different casting categories. H&M's basics like plain t-shirts, solid button-downs, and dark jeans are reliable staples that photograph cleanly on camera without distracting details. The brand's inclusive size range, spanning from XXS to 4XL in many styles, makes it one of the more body-inclusive affordable retailers available to actors of all sizes.
What Could Be Better
Garment quality is H&M's most significant weakness, as many pieces are made with thin fabrics and loose stitching that degrade noticeably after a few wash cycles. The fast-fashion production model means environmental and ethical concerns are valid criticisms, which may conflict with the values of socially conscious actors. Fabric choices tend toward synthetic blends that can look cheap under studio lighting or in high-definition close-ups, where material quality becomes visible. Fit can be inconsistent across different lines and collections within the same store, requiring you to try on multiple sizes to find pieces that work. The brand's trendier pieces often lack the refinement needed for auditions where a polished, upscale appearance is expected, falling short of what Zara achieves at a slightly higher price point. Many garments are not designed for longevity, so pieces you buy this season may need replacing within six months, which undermines the perceived savings over time.
Our Recommendation
We recommend H&M as a first stop for new actors and budget-conscious performers who need to assemble a functional audition wardrobe quickly and affordably. It excels for commercial audition basics, casual character looks, and the foundational pieces that every actor needs regardless of their casting type. If you are attending callbacks for premium cable dramas, film auditions, or industry events where a more polished appearance is expected, Zara or SuitSupply will serve you better despite the higher cost. Actors who prioritize sustainability should consider secondhand options like Depop, The RealReal, or local thrift stores as more environmentally responsible alternatives at comparable or lower prices. H&M works best as one component of a multi-source wardrobe strategy, providing the affordable basics that you supplement with higher-quality investment pieces from other brands. For actors with an established career and steady income, graduating from H&M basics to better-constructed alternatives is a worthwhile investment in both appearance and wardrobe longevity.
Pro Tips
Focus your H&M purchases on solid-color basics and simple silhouettes that form the foundation of your audition wardrobe rather than trendy statement pieces that will look dated quickly. Check the fabric content labels and prioritize pieces with higher percentages of natural fibers like cotton and wool, which drape better on camera and last longer than pure polyester alternatives. Wash H&M garments on cold, gentle cycles and hang to dry whenever possible to maximize their lifespan and prevent the premature shrinking and pilling that machine drying accelerates. Visit during their major sale periods in June and December for the deepest discounts, and sign up for H&M Member before your first purchase to activate the welcome discount immediately. Buy duplicates of basic pieces that fit well, as H&M rotates inventory rapidly and your favorite plain white tee may not be available when you need a replacement. Pair H&M basics with one or two higher-quality statement pieces from other brands to create outfits that look more expensive than their actual cost and photograph well in audition settings.