Costume designers send estimates before accepting a show, commission, or build. Clients such as theater producers, directors, and private customers compare your design fee, your proposed costume budget, and how many garments are built versus pulled or rented. A clear estimate shows scope and limits so the budget does not drift.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A show with 8 actors in 20 looks is a very different job than 8 actors in 8 looks, and the count drives your hours.
Construction costs far more than thrifting or renting. Specifying the mix sets expectations and protects your time.
List whether you provide sketches or renderings, a costume plot, research boards, and shopping lists, since each takes time.
Without limits, fittings and director changes can expand without pay. State what is included and the rate for more.
Clarify whether the estimate includes materials or if the client supplies a separate budget, and how overages are approved.
Fittings, tech week, photo calls, and shoot days set deadlines. Rush fees may apply if the timeline is compressed.
Decide who keeps the costumes, who handles laundry and repairs during the run, and what happens to rentals after closing.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Design fee, small theater or school production | flat fee | $800-3,500 |
| Design fee, regional theater or dance production | flat fee | $2,500-8,000 |
| Costume designer, film/TV/commercial (prep and shoot) | per week | $1,800-4,500 |
| Shopping, fittings, and consultation | per hour | $40-90 |
| Custom garment construction (sewing and pattern work) | per hour | $35-85 |
| Alterations and wardrobe modifications | per hour | $30-65 |
| Custom costume commission (cosplay, dance, pageant) | per piece | $250-2,500 |
| Breakdown, aging, and distressing | per hour | $35-70 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Give a flat design fee and a separate estimated budget for materials, builds, and rentals. This keeps your fee from being squeezed when materials cost more than expected.
For each built piece, estimate pattern drafting, mockup, sewing, and finishing hours. Add a buffer for complex items such as corsets, period tailoring, or heavy beading.
If the script or design is not final, give a range and list assumptions such as the number of looks and built pieces. Update the quote in writing if the scope grows.
Have the client sign the estimate and pay a deposit before purchasing fabric or starting a build. This protects you if the production changes or cancels.
Thirty days is common. Fabric prices, rental availability, and your own schedule can change, so put an expiration date on the quote.
A short intro call is normal. Charge for deeper work such as a script breakdown, research, or sketches, or credit that fee toward the project if the client hires you.
Reduce the scope instead of the rate. Propose more pulling and thrifting, fewer built pieces, and fewer fittings, and show what the client gets at each budget level.
Say in the estimate that changes in scope, script, or cast will adjust the price, and require written approval for overages above a set amount, such as 10 percent. Send a revised estimate before doing the extra work.
Use the Costume Designer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Costume Designer invoice template