Why Are Game of Thrones Costumes Inconsistent? The Shocking Truth Revealed

Introduction

The world of Game of Thrones (GOT) is renowned for its captivating characters, intricate plotlines, and stunning visuals. However, one aspect of the show that has often been the subject of criticism is the inconsistency of its costumes. Throughout the series' eight seasons, the clothing worn by the characters has undergone noticeable changes, leaving viewers puzzled about the reasons behind these discrepancies. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the why's and how's of the costume inconsistency in GOT, exploring the factors that have contributed to this issue and providing insights into the creative process behind the show's iconic wardrobe.

Reasons for Costume Inconsistency

1. Evolution of the Story

As the plot of GOT progressed, the characters underwent significant transformations in their journeys. Their motivations, alliances, and social status all played a role in shaping their appearances. The costume designers intentionally altered the clothing of characters to reflect these changes, using symbolism and color to convey their evolving character arcs.

2. Budget Constraints

The production of GOT was a massive undertaking, with each episode costing millions of dollars. Costume design is a significant expense, and the showrunners had to make compromises to stay within budget. This sometimes resulted in reusing costumes from previous seasons or using less expensive materials, which could lead to inconsistencies in the overall look of the characters.

3. Time Constraints

With a strict production schedule and tight filming deadlines, the costume team often had to work under time pressure. This sometimes resulted in rushed or incomplete costumes, particularly for background characters or those with intricate designs. Additionally, the need to reshoot scenes or make last-minute changes could further contribute to costume discrepancies.

4. Historical Inspiration

GOT is a fantasy series, but its costumes draw heavily from historical sources. The show's designers consulted with historians and studied medieval clothing styles to create authentic-looking garments. However, due to the fictional nature of the show's setting, they had creative freedom to interpret and adapt historical costumes to fit the unique world of Westeros and Essos.

Examples of Costume Inconsistencies

1. Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys' wardrobe underwent numerous changes throughout the series, reflecting her evolving role as a leader and conqueror. However, some fans noticed inconsistencies in the details of her costumes. For example, her iconic "dragon scale" dress in Season 5 featured intricate embroidery that was later absent in subsequent seasons.

2. Jon Snow

Jon Snow's costume as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch featured a distinctive leather collar, but this accessory was missing in some scenes filmed for Season 6. This inconsistency sparked speculation among fans about the reasons behind the omission.

3. The White Walkers

The White Walkers are one of GOT's most iconic antagonists, their costumes intended to convey a sense of ancient evil and supernatural power. However, the design of their armor and weaponry varied slightly from season to season, leading to some confusion among viewers.

Impact of Costume Inconsistency

While costume inconsistencies may not immediately detract from the overall enjoyment of GOT, they can sometimes raise questions about the show's attention to detail and creative vision. For some viewers, these discrepancies can break the immersion and make it difficult to fully engage with the story.

Stories and Lessons Learned

1. The "Ned Stark" Dilemma

In Season 1, Sean Bean's portrayal of Ned Stark became iconic, in part due to his distinctive leather costume. However, Bean later revealed that the costume was uncomfortable and restrictive, affecting his performance. This highlights the importance of finding a balance between authenticity and actor comfort when designing costumes.

2. The "Hound" Reinvention

Sandor "The Hound" Clegane's costume underwent a significant makeover in Season 4. The change, while visually striking, led to some confusion among fans as to the reasons behind the shift in his appearance. It serves as a reminder that costume changes should be motivated by character development, not simply for aesthetic reasons.

3. The "Khaleesi" Wardrobe Malfunction

Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys, had a wardrobe malfunction during filming for Season 6. In a scene where she is disrobed, a microphone pack can be seen attached to her bare shoulder. This highlights the challenges of filming intimate scenes with complex costumes and the need for careful attention to detail.

Strategies for Addressing Costume Inconsistency

1. Continuity Planning

Production teams can create a comprehensive continuity plan to track and document costume changes. This plan should include detailed descriptions of each outfit, along with notes on any specific details or accessories. Regular reviews of the plan can help identify and address potential inconsistencies before filming.

2. Collaboration and Communication

Strong communication is essential between costume designers, actors, and the production team to ensure that costume changes are consistent with the storyline and character development. Regular fittings and discussions can help identify and address any issues before they become visible on screen.

3. Prioritizing Authenticity over Budget

While budget constraints may be a reality, it is important to prioritize authenticity when designing costumes. Well-made, historically accurate costumes can enhance the immersion and credibility of the story, even if it means spending a little more on production costs.

Tips and Tricks for Costume Consistency

1. Keep a Reference Archive

Create a digital or physical archive of all costume designs, including detailed descriptions, photographs, and swatches of fabrics. This archive can be used to ensure consistency across multiple seasons and filming locations.

2. Use Wardrobe Markers

Place subtle markers on costumes, such as small tags or concealed symbols, to help identify them during filming and editing. This can help prevent mix-ups and ensure that the correct costume is used in every scene.

3. Consider Costume Continuity Consulting

Hire a costume continuity consultant to oversee the production and maintain consistency. This specialist can help track costume changes, identify potential inconsistencies, and provide recommendations to address them.

How to Achieve Costume Consistency Step-by-Step

1. Plan and Document

Develop a comprehensive continuity plan and document all costume changes.

2. Collaborate and Communicate

Establish clear communication channels and collaborate with all involved parties to ensure a shared understanding of costume requirements.

3. Maintain Records

Keep detailed records of all costume alterations, repairs, and cleaning.

4. Review and Monitor

Regularly review costume continuity and make adjustments as needed.

5. Post-Production Inspection

Thoroughly inspect all footage during post-production to identify and correct any costume inconsistencies.

Conclusion

While some level of costume inconsistency is inevitable in a production of GOT's scale and complexity, it is important to recognize the reasons behind these discrepancies and take steps to minimize them. By embracing effective strategies, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing authenticity, costume designers can create wardrobes that enhance the immersion, credibility, and overall impact of the show. As GOT continues to be celebrated as one of television's greatest achievements, its legacy will undoubtedly include the challenges and triumphs of its iconic costume design.