Where Do The Strictly Contestants Get Their Costumes?

Strictly Come Dancing has been wowing audiences for over 20 years now — and while we all love to see the dancing, the show’s extravagant costumes have proved just as compelling as the celebrities wearing them. But what happens when the A-list dancers have finished sweeping across the floor in an elegant waltz, taking on a tango and scoring 7s with a fiery foxtrot? Let’s find out.

The Story Behind The Strictly Come Dancing Costumes

Do The Celebrities Wear Their Own Clothes?

While the celebrities’ practice outfits (the workout clothes they wear while learning choreography in the studio) is theirs, the same cannot be said for the performance costumes. The silky shirts, ruffled skirts and glittering dresses that give Strictly Come Dancing its wow-factor are made specially for the show.

Strictly Come Dancing Series 21, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe (c) BBC/Guy Levy

Who Makes The Costumes For The Show?

The costumes seen on Strictly are created by Croydon-based design company DSI London. The studio is responsible for making performance looks for all male and female dancers (celebrities and professionals) on the show – as well as a number of other notable film, TV and theatre productions.

But the fast-paced environment of Strictly often means that DSI London has to churn out its costumes on short notice. While some performances might be planned weeks or months in advance, the costumes are often whipped up in as little as days (or hours) before the episode airs.

‘Show days are hectic, with constant costume changes, makeup, and hair sessions,’ series 21 contestant Sarah Hadland told C&TH. ‘One thing that continues to surprise me is how last-minute everything can be, particularly with costumes. Sometimes by Friday — or even Saturday morning — there’s still no finished costume, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, this gorgeous outfit appears, and you’re wearing it on live TV! It’s mind-blowing how they pull it off every week. It’s a testament to their incredible talent and dedication.’

Do The Celebrities Get To Keep Their Strictly Costumes?

Sadly not. Costumes are returned to DSI London after every episode, where they’re kept by the studio for purchase and rental offerings. So make sure you get your fill of glitter-clad celebs while you can; they won’t wear their performance fits beyond the episode.

Strictly Come Dancing series 21, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola (c) BBC/Guy Levy

Do The Hosts & Judges Wear Their Own Clothes?

It’s a different story the hosts and judges of Strictly Come Dancing. Unless they’re on the floor with the dancers, they typically do not venture into the world of performance wear. Instead, they’ll wear glamorous party-themed outfits pulled together by stylists. These are likely their own personal stylists, who help direct their onscreen wardrobes for various projects outside of Strictly too.

Claudia Winkleman’s stylist Sinead McKeefry, for example, spoke to C&TH about balancing scheduled for Strictly and BBC’s The Traitors in 2023: ‘We didn’t film [The Traitors] until late August. It ran into September, so it meant that Claudia had to drive down to film the Strictly launch one night and drive back up. It was an overnight journey from London back to Inverness, as she had to be ready to film the breakfast scene for The Traitors the next morning. She is an absolute trooper.’ So expect the Strictly hosts’ wardrobe to be filled with both glitter and tweed.

Claudia Winkleman & Tess Daly (c) BBC/Guy Levy

Can You See The Strictly Costumes In Person?

Fancy getting a closer look at show’s extensive wardrobe? Now you can. DSI London offers ‘Behind The Seams’ experiences, where fans of Strictly can explore the show’s behind-the-scenes costume processes.

Tours of the DSI London studio last two hours, and give ‘a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind world-class performance wear’ – with special stops at the famous crystallizing section (where all those dresses get their shine) and the full-to-bursting stock room. There’s also an interactive Q&A session with the team, plus a chance to try on an original costume. A guaranteed Strictly moment awaits.

Tickets start at £30, dsi-london.com

Featured image: Strictly Come Dancing Series 21, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec (c) BBC/Guy Levy