Line #198 Main/CostumeTropes


1	[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/DisneyPrincess https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img041c_5394.jpg]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:How many costume tropes can you spot here?\
3	[[note]]So far, ClothesMakeTheLegend (still basically their iconic dresses), CoolCrown, CostumePorn, ErmineCapeEffect, EverythingsSparklyWithJewelry, FormFittingWardrobe, GemEncrusted, GiantPoofySleeves, GoldMakesEverythingShiny, GorgeousPeriodDress, HappyHolidaysDress, HighClassGloves, HollywoodCostuming, IconicOutfit (just pimped out even more), ImpracticallyFancyOutfit (can be seen in the full length pictures), PimpedOutCape, PimpedOutDress, PrettyInMink, PrincessesPreferPink, RequisiteRoyalRegalia, SymbolMotifClothing (shells on [[Franchise/TheLittleMermaid Ariel's]] dress), TrueBlueFemininity.[[/note]]]]
4
5	->''"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."''
6	-->-- '''Creator/MarkTwain'''
7
8	Yes, things you wear can be tropes. Time, place, setting, characterization, situation, symbolism, and what the costumer/artist feels like, can all dictate what characters wear.
9
10	These tropes can be included in works for several reasons, such as:
11	* GarnishingTheStory: The writers just thought including these would help make the story more appealing.
12	* MeaningfulAppearance: A piece of clothing can be worth a thousand words of {{Exposition}}
13	* {{Spectacle}}: The costume department just wanted to show off.
14	----
15	!!General Costume Tropes (see sub-indexes for more)
16	[floatboxright:
17	Related:
18	+ AnatomyTropes
19	+ TheBeautifulTropes
20	+ CosmeticsTropes
21	+ FashionAndModelingTropes
22	+ NudityTropes
23	+ PowerMakeover
24	+ RuleOfGlamorous
25	]
26	[floatboxright:
27	Categories:
28	+ BejeweledTropes
29	+ TheCapedIndex
30	+ CharacteristicClothingColors
31	+ ClothingReflectsPersonality
32	+ CoatsAndJackets
33	+ CraniumCoverings
34	+ DramaticDangling
35	+ DisguiseTropes
36	+ DressesGownsAndSkirts
37	+ FanserviceCostumes
38	+ GlassesTropes
39	+ GloveTropes
40	+ GoodGuysGarb
41	+ ImprovisedClothes
42	+ LetThisIndexBeYourUmbrella
43	+ MinkBecomesThisIndexMost
44	+ OpulentOutfits
45	+ PartialNudityTropes
46	+ StandardSuperheroSuits
47	+ StockCostumeTraits
48	+ {{Stripperiffic}}
49	+ StrippingTropes
50	+ SwimsuitIndex
51	+ TheseTropesAreMadeForWalking
52	+ TropesInPants
53	+ TropesInShiningArmor
54	+ UniformTropes
55	+ {{Unmentionables}}
56	+ VillainousFashionSense
57	+ WhoWasThatMaskedIndex
58	]
59	* EleventhHourCostumeChange: A character changes their outfit before confronting the big bad or at the end of the story.
60	* ActionFashionista: An asskicking character who is also very fashionable.
61	* AdaptationalModesty: A {{Stripperific}} character wears more modest clothing in an adaption.
62	* AdaptationalSkimpiness: A character wears clothing that shows more skin in an adaption.
63	* AdventurerOutfit: An outfit normally worn by someone going to an exotic place.
64	* AgeInappropriateDress: Someone wears clothes that they're typically considered too young or too old to be wearing.
65	* AmmunitionBackpack: Backpack full of nothing but bullets, bullets, and even more bullets.
66	* AndYourRewardIsClothes: Beating a challenge results in a new piece of clothing for your character.
67	* AntiGravityClothing: A part of an outfit that floats independently from the rest of the clothing.
68	* AppropriateAnimalAttire: Animals wearing accessories and pieces of clothing, but are not considered naked.
69	* ArsenalAttire: Weapons are incorporated into clothing rather than simply hidden within them.
70	* AwesomeAnachronisticApparel: A character wears an OutdatedOutfit just to stand out and look cool.
71	* AwesomeBackpack: A backpack that comes with a bunch of cool gadgets.
72	* BadassBandolier: A utilitarian accessory worn so a badass can keep their tools of the trade handy.
73	* BandageMummy: A character who is badly injured is shown completely encased in plaster casts and/or bandages.
74	* BareMidriffsAreFeminine: An outfit that shows off the wearer's midriff to indicate their femininity.
75	* BetaOutfit: A superhero's first outfit before they decide on their final costume.
76	* BlindPeopleWearSunglasses: Sunglasses used as a visual shorthand for blindness.
77	* BlindfoldedVision: A character wears a blindfold to impair their vision.
78	* BraidsBeadsAndBuckskins: The costume for Native Americans portrayed in fiction.
79	* BubblePipe: A prop that is shaped like a tobacco pipe that blows bubbles.
80	* BulletproofFashionPlate: A character with a costume that does not suffer ClothingDamage.
81	* CantTieHisTie: A man allows a woman (who he may or may not be romantic with yet) to tie his tie, showing their closeness.
82	* CasualSportsJersey: A character (often a JerkJock who wants their identity to be known) that wears a sports team uniform outside of a sports environment.
83	* ChafingAgainstTheDressCode: A character reacts negatively to being bound by a particular dress code.
84	* ChainedByFashion: Wearing chains intentionally as a fashion statement.
85	* ChangedMyJumper: Time-travelers somehow don't attract attention in the past with their modern clothes.
86	* ChangingClothesIsAFreeAction: A character instantly changes costumes in the midst of a battle or ChaseScene.
87	* CheapCostume: A character makes a costume with whatever they can find.
88	* ChestInsignia: A symbol that a superhero wears on their chest.
89	* ClarkKentOutfit: An outfit worn by a superhero to hide their HeroicBuild.
90	* ClassyCravat: Old fashioned clothing items that show one has old fashioned values and graces.
91	* ClingyCostume: A costume that a character can't remove.
92	* ClothesEatingWager: A character eats a piece of their clothing, sometimes as a result of losing a bet.
93	* ClothesForChristmasCringe: Clothes as an unwanted gift.
94	* ClothesMakeTheLegend: A character's outfit stays the same because it's so iconic.
95	* ClothesMakeTheManiac: An evil set of clothes or item that takes over its wearer/user.
96	* ClothesMakeTheSuperman: A costume that gives a character superpowers.
97	* ClothingAppendage: A character's "clothes" are actually part of their body.
98	* ClothingCombat: Clothing that is used as an ImprovisedWeapon.
99	* ClothingConcealedInjury: A character uses a piece of clothing to keep their wounds or scars a secret from others.
100	* ClothingDamage: Clothes get damaged, giving a glimpse of the character's flesh/underwear.
101	* ClothingSwitch: Two characters put on each other clothes.
102	* CollaredByFashion: A collar that is so large that the person's neck can't be seen.
103	* CombatHandFan: Like your average hand fan... except weaponized.
104	* ContainmentClothing: A character wears a suit that prevents their powers from hurting others.
105	* ConsistentClothingStyle: A character's fashion sense consists of variations on a theme.
106	* ConvenientColorChange: Sides are depicted depending on what color their outfit changes into.
107	* {{Cosplay}}: Dressing up as a fictional character.
108	* CostumeBacklash: The look an actor despises the most becomes the one they're best known for.
109	* CostumeDrama: A PeriodPiece with elaborate costumes.
110	* CostumeEvolution: A character's main outfit changes over the course of a series.
111	* CostumeExaggeration: A character wears an outlandish version of a more well known outfit.
112	* CostumeInertia: A character wears an outfit that they logically no longer need to wear.
113	* CostumeTestMontage: A character tries on dozens of outfits until they find the right one.
114	* {{Costumer}}: An alternative reality episode that's an excuse to put the characters in period costume.
115	* CostumesChangeYourSize: Costumes that somehow dramatically alter a characters body size and shape.
116	* CraftedFromAnimals: Clothing that's made from animal parts.
117	* CreepyMascotSuit: Mascot costumes or masks are portrayed as being creepy, antagonistic, or both.
118	* {{Crossdresser}}: Dressing in clothing that's for the opposite sex.
119	* CultureEqualsCostume: Fashion makes a quick geography lesson.
120	* CuteOversizedSleeves: A character wears oversized sleeves to represent their cuteness or weakness.
121	* DeliberatelyPainfulClothing: Wearing unfashionable clothing that hurts.
122	%%* DIY Dress Up: When people make new clothing out of old ones.
123	* DontMakeMeTakeMyBeltOff: Using a belt to deliver CorporalPunishment.
124	* DoomedNewClothes: A character buys expensive new clothes that ends up getting ruined not long afterwards.
125	* DorkInASweater: A character who may or may not be an asskicker wears a dorky sweater.
126	* DraggedIntoDrag: A male character wearing female clothing, whether he wants to or not.
127	* DressCode: A school, workplace, or office that enforces rules on what to wear.
128	* DressCodedForYourConvenience: Each side dresses in distinctive ways (whether it's due to uniforms or other reasons).
129	* DressOMatic: A machine that automatically dresses a character.
130	* DressUpEpisode: The modern protagonists of the work in question suddenly and inexplicably need to dress as if it's the Victorian Era.
131	* DressedAllInRubber: A character whose attire is mostly rubber, latex or PVC.
132	* DressedInLayers: A character wears their costume underneath their regular clothing.
133	* DressesTheSame: A woman buys an outfit for an event and is humiliated when she sees another woman wearing the exact same outfit.
134	* DressingDown: A character who's known for dressing stylishly chooses to dress more casually.
135	* DressingToDie: A person wants to look their best when they die, so they dress before facing their end.
136	* EarnedStripes: A change in costume indicates that a character got promoted.
137	* EarPiercingPlot: A young character wants their ears pierced, but is either too scared to do it or is forbidden from doing so by their parents.
138	* EccentricFashionDesigner: A clothing designer who has an incredibly quirky personality and fashion sense.
139	* EdibleThemeClothing: A character's clothing is made from food.
140	* EmbarrassingAnimalSuit: A character is forced to wear an animal costume.
141	* EmbarrassingButEmpoweringOutfit: An outfit that grants its wearer immense power but is also embarrassing.
142	* EmbarrassinglyDresslikeOutfit: A man finds a robe, nightgown, toga, etc. embarrassing to wear since it reminds him of a dress or skirt.
143	* EmbarrassingPyjamas: Pyjamas that embarrass a character.
144	* EnvironmentSpecificActionFigure: A show's toyline has character costumes that do not appear in the actual show.
145	* EnclosedExtraterrestrials: An alien whose entire race is covered from head to toe by clothing, attire, or armor.
146	* EquipmentHidingFashion: Clothes that hide armour to allow players to better customize their character's appearance.
147	* ExposedToTheElements: A character is underdressed for the cold.
148	* ExpressiveAccessory: An item that changes based on the expression or emotional state of its master.
149	* ExpressiveShirt: A piece of clothing with a phrase or logo on it that changes based on the wearer's mood or emotional state.
150	* EyepatchAfterTimeSkip: A character's future self wears an eyepatch.
151	* EyepatchOfPower: A badass character who wears an eyepatch.
152	* FanserviceWithASmile: A waitress who wears revealing clothing.
153	* FashionDissonance: Clothes that don't just tell you what year the show was made, they scream it loudly enough to deafen you.
154	* FashionHurts: Wearing clothing that looks good, but is also uncomfortable to wear.
155	* FashionableAsymmetry: A character whose clothing is not even, but still looks cool.
156	* TheFashionista: A character whose main focus is fashion.
157	* FashionsNeverChange: Anything set before the 20th century has the characters wear generic clothes for their time period as opposed to nuanced fashions existing.
158	* FashionVictimVillain: A villainous character in a really bad outfit.
159	* FakeFabricFashionFauxPas: A character commits the unforgivable sin of wearing something made out of artificial fibers.
160	* FeatherBoaConstrictor: Wearing a snake (real or fake) as though it's a fashion accessory.
161	* FlungClothing: A character tosses their costume away in one flick motion.
162	* ForcedIntoTheirSundayBest: A character is forced to dress up nicely, but not without complaint.
163	* FrozenFashionSense: Immortals (and especially vampires) often remain dressed in fashions that were in style when they were mortal.
164	* FullFrontalAssault: A character runs into battle nude.
165	* FullyDressedCartoonAnimal: An animal character wears a full set of clothes, including pants and shoes.
166	* FunTShirt: A T-shirt with a funny message on it.
167	* FutureSpandex: A character from the future wearing a skin-tight outfit made of stretchable synthetic fibers
168	* GadgetWatches: A watch with lots of tools built into it.
169	* GenderedOutfit: A costume is altered depending on the gender of the wearer.
170	* GenericCopBadges: Cop badges in fiction are poorly detailed and don't reflect the ones from RealLife.
171	* GiantPoofySleeves: A costume with sleeves that have puffs on or just below the shoulders.
172	* TheGirlWhoFitsThisSlipper: A piece of clothing that can only be worn by certain people.
173	* GoofySuit: A funny or ridiculous costume people have to wear at work.
174	* GorgeousGarmentGeneration: A character is given extravagant clothing that appears out of nowhere.
175	* GorgeousPeriodDress: A character wears a large, extravagant dress from the 1800s-1950s.
176	* GratuitousUseOfTheTallit: The Jewish tallit garment is worn during a time when it realistically shouldn't be.
177	* GravityIsAHarshSeamstress: Falling through clotheslines gets you dressed in mismatched clothes.
178	* HalloweenCostumeCharacterization: On Halloween or other costume events, the choice of costume reflects the wearer's personality.
179	* HawaiianShirtedTourist: A character on vacation wears a Hawaiian shirt.
180	* HazmatSuit: A character wears a hazmat suit to protect themselves from germs or hazardous material.
181	* HellBentForLeather: A badass character who wears leather.
182	* HighClassFan: A hand fan carried by one of the nobility.
183	* HollywoodCopUniform: Fictional police officers wear unrealistic uniforms.
184	* HollywoodCostuming: A character wears clothing that does not fit the time period the work is set in.
185	* HollywoodMilitaryUniform: Fictional military personnel wear unrealistic uniforms.
186	* HomemadeSweaterFromHell: A large knitted sweater that is often uncomfortable for a character to wear.
187	* HyperspaceWardrobe: A character can instantly change clothes while offscreen.
188	* HypnoTrinket: A character wears an item that has the power to hypnotize.
189	* IWantMyBelovedToBeFashionable: A character tries to make their love-interest dress more to their liking.
190	* IWasQuiteAFashionVictim: An older character cringes at the clothes they used to wear.
191	* AnIceSuit: A costume made for people with ice powers.
192	* IconicItem: An item or piece of clothing worn by a character that often defines who they are.
193	* IconicOutfit: An outfit that's associated with a character.
194	* IconicSequelOutfit: A character's new costume becomes better known than the original.
195	* ImpossiblyCoolClothes: Clothing which does things which are not physically possible and looks too cool to be real.
196	* ImpossiblyTackyClothes: Clothing that is considered ridiculous and tacky.
197	* IncongruouslyDressedZombie: A zombie wears clothes that makes them stand out more than the other undead corpses seen.
198	* InstantCosplaySurprise: A character doesn't react to a costume they're made to wear until it's all the way on.
199	* InstantCostumeChange: A character instantly changes from their regular clothes into a costume.
200	* InstitutionalApparel: Uniforms worn by prison inmates.
201	* ItsACostumePartyISwear: A character is tricked into wearing a costume to a formal/casual dress party.
202	* JacobMarleyApparel: A ghost shows up wearing the outfit they wore when they died.
203	* JewelersEyeLoupe: A small magnifying device worn over the eye to see tiny details closely.
204	* KillerOutfit: An outfit that kills whoever's wearing it.
205	* KimonoIsTraditional: Wearing this outfit shows the character's old-fashioned values.
206	* KissTheCookApron: An apron with a message to "Kiss the Cook", or some variation of it.
207	* LabcoatOfScienceAndMedicine: A scientist or medical doctor who wears a labcoat.
208	* LadyInAPowerSuit: A female character who is smart and tough, as well as dresses smart and tough.
209	* LatexSpaceSuit: A space suit that is exceptionally tight, form fitting, and flatteringly cut.
210	* LimitedWardrobe: A character who wears the same outfit every day.
211	* LivingClothes: Clothing that is brought to life.
212	* LoafingInFullCostume: A character who does mundane things while dressed in a costume.
213	* {{Loincloth}}: Lower body underwear made of cloth or hides.
214	* MagicalAccessory: An enchanted, magical accessory.
215	* MagicalFloatingShawl: A shawl or stole that levitates and possibly grants magical powers. Usually worn by Asian deities and other supernatural beings.
216	* MagicallyRegeneratingClothing: Clothing that gets damaged is somehow repaired in the next scene.
217	* {{Meido}}: [[{{Moe}} Moe-ified]] female domestic servant.
218	* MenswearGhetto: Video games that don't come with a variety of male clothing.
219	* MobBossSuitFitting: An important, usually villainous, person continues conducting his business while being fitted for a suit.
220	* MysticalHighCollar: A high, flared collar worn by characters with mystical powers.
221	* NecktieLeash: A guy has his necktie yanked by his LoveInterest.
222	* NerdInEvilsHelmet: A villain who seems imposing but is actually nerdy.
223	* NoDressCode: Characters in HighSchool get away with ridiculously revealing or inappropriate clothing.
224	* NoNewFashionsInTheFuture: A series set in the future where the characters wear outfits resembling contemporary fashion.
225	* NooseNecktie: A character wears a length of rope around their neck that's been tied to resemble a hangman's knot.
226	* OfficialCosplayGear: Costumes or accessories sold by a company based on their work.
227	* OneSizeFitsAll: Clothing or armor that can be worn by anyone of any size.
228	* OutdatedOutfit: A character wears an outfit that is years out of style.
229	* OverallsAndGingham: An outfit that characters who live on a farm usually wear.
230	* PajamaCladHero: A hero who is in their pajamas for most of the plot.
231	* PantslessMalesFullyDressedFemales: A female character who is usually more dressed than a male character.
232	* PaperFanOfDoom: Convenient when you need to beat the heat, or other people.
233	* ParentalFashionVeto: A parent forbids their child to wear clothes which are deemed "unsuitable".
234	* PauperPatches: A character living in poverty is wearing clothes that are patched up.
235	* PeopleInRubberSuits: Monsters played by humans in costumes, sometimes [[SpecialEffectsFailure quite obviously]].
236	* PersonWithTheClothing: A character who is referred to by a signature piece of clothing that they wear.
237	* PhoneBoothChangingRoom: A superhero changes from their street clothes into their suit in a changing room.
238	* PlotPants: A costume change, to default or new, indicates the plot is moving on.
239	* PoppingButtons: When clothing doesn't fit, the buttons come off or won't button.
240	* {{Prop}}: When part of a costume is used as a prop.
241	* QuirkyGirlQuirkyTux: an eccentric female character wears a slightly jaunty tuxedo or dinner jacket
242	* RainbowPimpGear: The game developers put different desirable bonuses on many varied clothing items.
243	* RecursiveCrossdressing: A character or actor disguises their gender.
244	* RedSockRuinsTheLaundry: A single deep-colored fabric stains the whole wash with its tint.
245	* RingAroundTheCollar: A character wears a necktie, necklace, or shirt collar that obscures part of their neck.
246	* RipTailoring: Ripping a piece of clothing to make it better.
247	* RummageSaleReject: Clothing that looks like it was randomly put together.
248	* RussianFashion: Traditional clothing used to identify a Russian character, such as a ushanka (tall fur hat) for men or a babushka (headscarf) for women.
249	* SameClothesDifferentYear: Clothing, usually an IconicOutfit, that the characters have worn since their younger years.
250	* ShellBackpack: An anthropomorphic turtle or armadillo wears clothing that covers only the front of their shell.
251	* ShockCollar: A SlaveCollar that shocks whoever wears it when they do something undesirable.
252	* ShrunkInTheWash: A piece of clothing gets smaller when splashed with water.
253	* SignificantWardrobeShift: A characters' clothing choices change due to age, experience or current fashions.
254	* SkeletonsInTheCoatCloset: Bones used as clothing or armor.
255	* SlaveCollar: A character wears a collar to show they're a slave.
256	* SpaceClothes: Characters wearing wacky clothes in space.
257	* SplittingPants: A character splits the back of their pants.
258	* StarSpangledSpandex: A character wears clothing that appears to be made of stars from the night sky.
259	* SuitUpOfDestiny: TheHero puts on an important suit/costume for the first time.
260	* SuperCostumeClothier: A person who makes costumes for superheroes or supervillains.
261	* SuperheroTeamUniform: The members of a superhero team all dress alike.
262	* SuppressedMammaries: Tying down breasts to appear younger or male.
263	* SuspenderSnag: Suspenders easily get caught on objects or by other people.
264	* SymbolMotifClothing: A character wears a costume spamming a bunch of symbols, representing who they are.
265	* TackyTuxedo: A character wears an old fashioned tuxedo to the prom or school dance.
266	* TanLines: Where some parts of the skin are tanned while other parts (usually where clothes were worn) are not.
267	* TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter: A shapeshifter whose clothes are part of their body.
268	* TextileWorkIsFeminine: All those costumes come from somewhere, you know.
269	* ThemedParty: Matching clothes or costumes with a particular theme are a staple of these parties.
270	* ThrowbackThreads: When a character dons a uniform or costume from a previous era or arc.
271	* TooManyBelts: A character wears an outfit that is covered in belts.
272	* UnderdressedForTheOccasion: A character shows up to a formal occasion in casual clothing.
273	* UnlikelySpare: A character has an immediate replacement for a damaged article of clothing.
274	* UnlimitedWardrobe: A character who never wears the same outfit twice.
275	* UselessAccessory: Accessories with no functional purpose are consistently worn by a character.
276	* UtilityBelt: A belt that a character uses to hold all of their gadgets.
277	* VirtualPaperDoll: A video game where you can change what a character's wearing.
278	* WaistcoatOfStyle: A character in a waistcoat is presented as particularly suave or stylish.
279	* WardrobeFlawOfCharacterization: A character tries to dress well, but can't quite pull it off.
280	* WardrobeWound: Characters act like they have been wounded when their clothes get dirty or damaged.
281	* WeWillNotHavePocketsInTheFuture: Futuristic outfits that don't have pockets.
282	* WearingAFlagOnYourHead: Flag designs on clothing, vehicles, and so forth.
283	* WearingItAllWrong: Someone puts a garment on a body part it was not meant to go on.
284	* WetSariScene: UsefulNotes/{{Bollywood}}-specific trope of wet sari played for fanservice.
285	* WetTShirtContest: Contest to determine which (usually female) character looks best in a SexySoakedShirt.
286	* WhiteShirtOfDeath: White clothing makes bloodstains look all the more dramatic.
287	* WholeCostumeReference: A character wears an outfit reminiscent of a similar outfit worn by another character or Real Life person, without explicitly dressing ''as'' that character or person.
288	* WidowsWeeds: A person in mourning dresses entirely in black.
289	* WTHCostumingDepartment: A behind-the-scenes costuming choice unintentionally makes a character look outlandish or ridiculous.
290	* ZipMeUp: One character helps another fasten the back of their outfit, usually done as a mildly intimate act.
291	* {{Zipperiffic}}: Numerous impractical zippers used to decorate an outfit.

Context Main / CostumeTropes