The Complete Handbook of Costume Accessories

Chapter 1: Understanding Costume Accessories

Costume accessories are the objects worn with a costume that are not the main garment, the footwear, or the wig. They are the armor beyond the tunic, the crown beyond the robe, the wand beyond the gown. This category includes items we commonly think of as props and jewelry, such as swords, scepters, tiaras, necklaces, rings, belts, baldrics, masks, and wings. It also includes specialized items like captain's epaulettes, a musketeer's sash, or the hard-edged gauntlets worn by a sci-fi character. In a practical sense, the difference between a "costume accessory" and a "prop" is one of intent and use. A prop is generally an object handled during the performance, like a goblet or a book. A costume accessory is worn on the body and is part of the costume's silhouette or character signal. A scabbard that hangs from a belt is an accessory; the sword you draw from it is usually a prop.

This distinction matters professionally because it changes how you budget, source, and maintain the items. Costume accessories are subject to the same wear and tear as clothing, but they are often made from very different materials: rigid plastics, metals, leather, feathers, and foam. They have to survive being worn for hours, moving through quick changes, and being packed and transported. At the same time, they communicate crucial information to the audience. A single badge on a lapel can tell an audience that a character is a police officer, a military veteran,