What do actors wear under costumes?

What do actors wear under costumes?

Unveiling the Secrets Beneath the Wardrobe of Hollywood

(By Ray Reese)

(Photo: Ivan Samkov | Pexels)

The Hidden Layer: Why It Matters

In film and television, what we see on the surface—elaborate dresses, superhero suits, or gritty period outfits—is only part of the story. Beneath those stunning or rugged exteriors, actors wear specific garments that serve a vital purpose. These under-costume layers ensure comfort, modesty, hygiene, continuity, and often, performance functionality.

For many viewers, it’s easy to overlook what lies beneath. But costume designers and wardrobe departments spend countless hours planning and tailoring what goes under costumes just as much as what’s visible. From sweat-wicking compression shirts to modesty garments that protect an actor’s privacy during intimate scenes, under-costume wear is a hidden but essential part of film production.

When portraying superheroes or action stars, actors are often encased in heavy, multi-layered suits that look powerful on screen but can be incredibly uncomfortable in real life. To combat heat and restriction, many actors wear compression garments or cooling vests underneath.

For example, Robert Downey Jr., while playing Iron Man, wore a cooling vest beneath the suit to regulate his body temperature. These vests contain tubes filled with cool water or gel packs that help maintain comfort during long shoots under hot studio lights.

Similarly, Henry Cavill, who played Superman, wore moisture-wicking compression gear under his skintight suit to manage sweat and avoid chafing. These layers are usually made of breathable, stretchable materials like Lycra or spandex that provide muscle support and flexibility.

One of the most discreet but crucial parts of an actor’s wardrobe comes into play during love scenes or moments involving nudity. Actors are rarely, if ever, fully nude on set. Instead, they wear specially designed modesty garments to maintain comfort and professionalism.

For women, this can include flesh-colored strapless bras, silicone nipple covers, or seamless panties known as “modesty thongs.” Men might wear “cock socks,” “modesty pouches,” or “dance belts” — all designed to cover private areas without being visible under the camera.

During the filming of Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan reportedly used customized modesty garments. Johnson wore a discreet patch that adhered to her lower abdomen and blended with her skin tone, while Dornan used a modesty pouch designed to avoid outlines on camera while maintaining his comfort.

Actors in period dramas often wear historically accurate garments beneath their costumes. These aren’t just for show—they help achieve authenticity in silhouette and posture.

Take Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice or Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast. Under their gowns, they wore multiple layers such as chemises (undergarments worn next to the skin), corsets to shape the torso, and petticoats to give volume to skirts.

Corsets, while sometimes uncomfortable, are crucial to achieving the appropriate shape for Victorian and Edwardian clothing. Modern productions often use lightly boned or stretchy corsets to strike a balance between comfort and period authenticity.

Not all costumes are visible. In digital and animated filmmaking, actors wear motion capture suits that are tight, black, and dotted with tracking markers.

These suits are typically worn during the filming of CGI-heavy movies like Avatar, Planet of the Apes, and the Marvel films. Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, wore a gray skin-tight motion capture suit with markers that allowed animators to track his movements precisely.

Similarly, Mark Ruffalo uses mocap suits to portray the Hulk. Though these suits aren’t worn under traditional costumes, they represent a type of “base layer” for digital costume design.

Actors often wear undergarments designed to house lavalier microphones and battery packs. These mic packs are usually taped to the actor’s body or hidden in specially designed belts, bras, or compression shorts.

For instance, in modern dramas or romantic comedies where dialogue is crucial and scenes are shot in tight spaces, the actors might wear thin tank tops or undershirts with small pouches for microphones. Costume designers have to ensure these accessories remain invisible to cameras while still functioning effectively.

This practical consideration can change what type of undergarments are used. Costume departments might opt for specific colors and cuts that hide bumps, wires, or shadows from the microphones.

In contrast to overheating in heavy costumes, some shoots take place in freezing conditions. Actors shooting in snowy landscapes or frigid water often wear thermal layers beneath their costumes to keep warm.

For instance, in The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio endured extreme cold while filming in the Canadian wilderness. Though he wore authentic fur and leather costumes for the role, beneath that, he layered thermal garments and wetsuits to survive the bitter elements.

Wetsuits were also used in the Titanic scenes filmed in icy water. Kate Winslet wore a special body suit underneath her dress to protect her from hypothermia while filming the water scenes.

Sometimes, actors need to transform their bodies to fit a character’s appearance, and that’s where padding or prosthetics come in. These are often worn under clothing to simulate body shapes, aging, weight gain, or muscular enhancement.

In Monster, Charlize Theron wore prosthetic teeth and padding under her clothes to physically embody serial killer Aileen Wuornos. In Vice, Christian Bale wore a body suit to portray Dick Cheney, complete with added belly fat, jowls, and a different gait.

In superhero films, actors like Ben Affleck (as Batman) and Zachary Levi (as Shazam) wore muscle suits underneath their costumes to enhance their physiques. These suits give the illusion of a more exaggerated comic book body, even for actors who are already fit.

Occasionally, actors request specific undergarments due to personal, cultural, or religious beliefs. Wardrobe departments are trained to accommodate these needs respectfully and creatively.

For example, some actors who observe modesty traditions may request additional coverage even during scenes that typically show more skin. Costume designers might incorporate flesh-colored full-body suits or adapt costumes to allow for religious requirements without compromising the look on camera.

During the filming of Aladdin, Naomi Scott wore undergarments that respected her Christian faith while still allowing the costume to appear visually appropriate for Princess Jasmine.

Musicals, dance films, and action movies that involve intense choreography require specific types of under-costume wear that provide both support and flexibility.

In Black Swan, Natalie Portman wore leotards and tights beneath her costumes, allowing freedom of movement while maintaining the elegance needed for ballet. Similarly, stunt performers often wear padded undergarments to protect against impact while keeping mobility.

In Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise performs many of his own stunts. Beneath his wardrobe, he wears gear similar to athletes: compression tights, back protectors, and sometimes knee or elbow pads that remain hidden from view but prevent injury during physically demanding scenes.

Another practical reason for undergarments is hygiene. Costumes are often reused or shared between cast members, so actors wear base layers to protect the fabric and maintain cleanliness.

For example, sweat guards, undershirts, and liner shorts are used in elaborate or hard-to-clean costumes to reduce the need for daily washing. These measures save time, protect delicate fabrics, and keep costumes in pristine condition for the camera.

It’s common for wardrobe departments to stock several duplicate undergarments per actor and change them out between takes or scenes to maintain continuity.

Though rarely seen, what actors wear under their costumes is as thoughtfully curated as what appears on screen. These garments serve a variety of purposes—enhancing performance, maintaining privacy, promoting safety, and preserving realism.

Whether it’s a cooling vest under a superhero outfit or a modesty patch during a love scene, the layers beneath the costume are vital to the magic of filmmaking. Thanks to the expertise of costume designers, makeup artists, and wardrobe teams, these hidden elements allow actors to transform into their characters with confidence and comfort.

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