Palace Costume
A massive LA costume rental house known for theatrical, film, and Halloween-quality inventory
Overview
Palace Costume is a sprawling Los Angeles costume rental facility that stocks hundreds of thousands of pieces for film, television, theatre, and special events. Their inventory ranges from ancient Roman armor to 1980s prom dresses and everything in between.
Visitors can browse the warehouse by appointment or during open hours, pulling pieces with the help of knowledgeable staff. The rental process is straightforward, with daily and weekly rates available depending on the scope of your project.
How It Works
Palace Costume has supplied wardrobe for major studio films, music videos, and themed events throughout Los Angeles. Their eclectic collection makes them a favorite among indie filmmakers and actors who need unique or hard-to-find looks.
Rental costs are generally affordable compared to other full-service costume houses, making Palace Costume accessible for lower-budget projects. Deposits are typically required and returned when garments come back in good condition.
Who Uses It
A great option when you need something unusual or highly specific that retail stores simply do not carry. Plan your visit with a clear idea of your character or event to make the most of the vast inventory. Palace Costume also serves as a popular destination for music video productions and themed corporate events that need large volumes of costumes at once. Their willingness to work with walk-in customers and smaller projects makes them more approachable than some of the more formal costume houses in the area.
Pricing & Plans
Palace Costume's rental pricing is structured on a per-item, per-day basis with rates that are generally more affordable than premium costume houses like Western Costume. Simple everyday garments and accessories typically rent for $15 to $50 per day, while more elaborate or rare pieces can range from $75 to $200 depending on complexity and demand. Weekly rates are available and offer meaningful discounts over daily pricing, usually around 30 to 40 percent off the cumulative daily rate. A security deposit is required at the time of rental and is refunded upon the garment's return in its original condition. Alterations are available for an additional fee but are not included in the base rental price. Compared to purchasing similar pieces at vintage stores or having costumes custom-made, Palace Costume offers strong value for productions that need the look without the permanent investment.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Palace Costume's eclectic and massive inventory is its standout feature, with hundreds of thousands of pieces spanning nearly every era, culture, and style you could need for a production. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accustomed to working with indie filmmakers and individual actors who may not have experience renting costumes professionally. Pricing is transparent and accessible compared to more prestigious costume houses, making it realistic for low-budget and student productions. The warehouse browsing experience is engaging and often inspiring, with actors and designers frequently discovering unexpected pieces that elevate their vision. Open browsing hours allow for a more relaxed selection process than appointment-only competitors, which is ideal for creative exploration. Palace Costume's track record serving major music videos, independent films, and themed events demonstrates their versatility and reliability across production types.
What Could Be Better
The warehouse can feel overwhelming and disorganized for first-time visitors, as the sheer volume of inventory makes it difficult to find specific items without staff assistance. Not all pieces are in pristine condition, and some garments show wear from years of rental use, requiring careful inspection before selecting. The facility's location requires driving in most cases, and parking can be limited during busy periods. Customer service quality can vary depending on how busy the shop is, with weekend visits sometimes resulting in longer wait times for staff attention. The lack of an online catalog means you cannot preview inventory before visiting, which requires a time investment that may not always pay off. Return policies regarding cleaning and damage can be inconsistently communicated, so it is important to clarify terms upfront before signing a rental agreement.
Our Recommendation
We recommend Palace Costume for indie filmmakers, student productions, and individual actors in Los Angeles who need unique or period-specific costumes at prices that will not break a tight budget. It is an especially good fit for music video directors and event planners who need large quantities of themed costumes quickly without the formality of appointment-based costume houses. If you need museum-quality period accuracy for a high-end production, Western Costume may be a better fit due to their deeper expertise in historical authenticity. Actors who only need modern audition wardrobe should skip costume rental entirely and invest in versatile retail pieces instead. For Halloween events and themed parties, Palace Costume is arguably the best destination in Los Angeles. We suggest visiting with a specific list and reference images but remaining open to discoveries, as the browsing experience often yields pieces you did not know you needed.
Pro Tips
Visit during weekday mornings for the best experience, as the warehouse is less crowded and staff can give you more personalized attention and guidance through the inventory. Bring your own garment bags or large tote bags to transport rentals, as the shop may not always provide protective packaging for every piece. Take detailed photos and notes of everything you rent, including any pre-existing wear or damage, to protect yourself when returning items and reclaiming your deposit. Ask staff to show you the back areas and less-trafficked sections of the warehouse, where hidden gems often sit undiscovered by casual browsers. If you are renting for a multi-day shoot, negotiate a weekly rate upfront rather than accepting the default daily pricing multiplied over your shoot schedule. Build a relationship with the staff by returning items on time and in good condition, as regular customers frequently receive tips about new inventory arrivals and first access to popular pieces.