Western Costume Company
Hollywood's oldest and largest costume rental house with over a million garments in stock
Overview
Western Costume Company has been outfitting Hollywood productions since 1912, making it one of the longest-running costume houses in the world. Its warehouse holds more than one million garments spanning every era, style, and size imaginable.
Renting from Western Costume typically involves scheduling an appointment with their staff, who help pull options based on your character breakdown or event needs. They serve major studio productions as well as independent projects and individual actors.
How It Works
The company's collection includes authentic period pieces, military uniforms, and contemporary wardrobe that have appeared in countless award-winning films and television series. Their expertise in historical accuracy is unmatched in the industry.
Rental pricing varies by garment type, rental duration, and whether alterations are needed. Expect to pay anywhere from modest daily rates for simple pieces to higher fees for elaborate period costumes.
Who Uses It
If you are working on a period film or need a specific look that off-the-rack shopping cannot provide, Western Costume is the gold standard. Their staff's deep knowledge of costume history is a resource in itself. The company also offers custom costume construction services for productions that need pieces built from scratch to exact specifications. Their research library of costume references and historical fashion plates is available to designers working on projects rented through the house.
Pricing & Plans
Western Costume operates on a rental fee structure that varies based on the type of garment, the rental duration, and the level of customization or alteration required. Simple contemporary pieces may rent for as little as $25 to $75 per day, while elaborate period costumes, military uniforms, and specialty pieces can range from $150 to $500 or more per rental period. Weekly and production-run rates are available for longer projects and typically offer better per-day value than daily rentals. Alterations and custom fitting services are billed separately and depend on the complexity of the work needed. A refundable security deposit is required for all rentals to cover potential damage or loss. Compared to purchasing or constructing period-accurate costumes, which can cost thousands of dollars per piece, renting from Western Costume is significantly more cost-effective for most productions.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Western Costume's most undeniable strength is the sheer scale and depth of their inventory, with over a million garments spanning every historical period and style imaginable. Their staff includes costume historians and experienced fitters who can help you identify the right pieces for any era with remarkable precision and expertise. The company's century-plus track record means they have outfitted some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history, and that institutional knowledge is embedded in their service. Their ability to handle both massive studio productions and smaller independent projects with equal professionalism sets them apart from competitors. The research library and reference materials available on-site provide valuable context for costume designers building a cohesive period look. The physical quality of their inventory is consistently high, with careful maintenance and storage practices that keep even vintage pieces in excellent wearable condition.
What Could Be Better
The rental process can be slow and requires advance planning, as appointment-based access means you cannot simply walk in and browse at will. Pricing is not transparent or listed online, which makes budgeting difficult until you have consulted directly with their team and received a quote. The facility's location in North Hollywood can be inconvenient for productions based on the Westside or in other parts of the greater Los Angeles area. Individual actors working on personal projects or self-tapes may find the process overly formal and geared toward larger productions with dedicated wardrobe departments. The company does not offer online ordering or virtual browsing of their full inventory, requiring in-person visits to see and select garments. Return policies and damage fees can be strict, which adds risk for productions operating on thin margins without dedicated wardrobe supervisors.
Our Recommendation
We recommend Western Costume Company for any film, television, or theatre production in Los Angeles that needs period-accurate or specialty costumes that cannot be sourced through retail or fast-fashion channels. It is the definitive choice for costume designers working on historical dramas, epic films, or any project requiring deep inventory and expert guidance. Individual actors seeking a single piece for a self-tape or audition may find the appointment process and pricing structure more than they need and should consider Palace Costume or vintage shops for smaller-scale needs. Productions shooting outside of Los Angeles should factor in shipping logistics and costs when considering Western Costume versus local alternatives. For contemporary wardrobe needs, retail stores and online shops will be faster and more cost-effective. If budget is your primary constraint, start with more affordable rental houses and reserve Western Costume for the pieces where authenticity truly matters.
Pro Tips
Schedule your appointment as early as possible in pre-production, ideally four to six weeks before you need costumes, as popular pieces get reserved quickly during busy production seasons. Bring detailed character breakdowns, reference images, and actor measurements to your appointment so the staff can pull the most relevant options efficiently. Ask about production-run pricing if you need costumes for more than a few days, as the per-day cost drops significantly for longer rental periods. Photograph every piece you pull from multiple angles and under good lighting so your director and team can review options remotely before finalizing selections. Inquire about their less-publicized secondary stock, which may include pieces that are not displayed in the main showroom but are available at lower rental rates. Treat their staff as the costume historians they are and ask questions about the provenance and period accuracy of pieces, as their knowledge can elevate your production's authenticity beyond what research alone achieves.