One of the first documents that a designer prepares is a costume list . This list accounts for each costume and accessory in the show. It is an important tool for ensuring that the costumes can be obtained within the limits of the amount of money allotted for that purpose in the production budget. One method of controlling costs is to judiciously assign each costume or costume part to one of the five standard sources listed below. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages.
Designers usually spend more on featured costumes, and less on background ones.
Costumes that are made are said to be built or constructed, not sewn. The main advantage of building a costume from scratch is that you get exactly what you want both in design and fit. A secondary advantage is that costumes built for theatre companies are kept and can be reused at no cost in the future. This is usually the most expensive option. Unusual clothes such as period garments or uniforms are usually sold to costume rental businesses.