Why Are Game Of Thrones Costumes Inconsistent? Game of Thrones captured the hearts of millions with its sprawling landscapes, intricate political intrigue, and unforgettable characters. But amid all the praise for its storytelling and visual grandeur, some viewers noticed an aspect of the show that didn’t always live up to expectations: the costumes. While certain outfits became iconic (think Cersei Lannister's regal gowns or Jon Snow’s fur-lined cloaks), there were also moments where the costumes felt inconsistent or out of place. So, why did these inconsistencies happen?Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors behind the wardrobe choices in Game of Thrones and what led to some of the inconsistencies fans noticed.
- A Vast, Complex World to Dress
Game of Thrones is set in a fictional world that spans continents, cultures, and climates. From the icy landscapes of the North to the deserts of Essos, each region has its own distinct culture and way of life. Costume designer Michele Clapton had the monumental task of designing outfits that reflected not only the characters but also their geographical origins and social status.
This vastness created challenges. With so many different locations and cultures to represent, not all costumes could align perfectly with the broader world-building. Some outfits were designed with specific characters in mind, while others for background characters might not receive the same level of detail, creating moments where costumes in the same scene or region felt inconsistent.
- Character Evolution Reflected in Wardrobes
One of the strengths of the Game of Thrones costume department was how it used fashion to mirror character development. Daenerys Targaryen, for example, started the series wearing loose, flowing Dothraki clothes, but as she gained power, her outfits became more structured, showcasing her transformation from a wandering exile to a powerful queen. Similarly, Sansa Stark's wardrobe became more austere and armor-like as she hardened through her experiences in King’s Landing and Winterfell.
However, this emphasis on character evolution sometimes led to wardrobe shifts that felt jarring. For instance, Jon Snow’s fur-lined cloak was appropriate in the freezing North, but he continued wearing similar heavy clothing even in warmer regions like Dragonstone, leaving fans questioning the practicality of his attire. These shifts, while often symbolic, could come across as inconsistent.
- Practicality in Action Sequences
Game of Thrones is filled with action sequences—battles, horseback riding, and outdoor scenes that required costumes to be functional as well as visually striking. This practical need sometimes led to inconsistencies in wardrobe design. Characters who had previously been dressed in lavish, detailed outfits might be seen wearing simpler, less elaborate clothing during action-heavy scenes, as their costumes needed to accommodate movement, fight choreography, and special effects.
For example, Arya Stark’s costumes were often more functional than decorative, especially in later seasons when she became a skilled assassin. While her practical outfits made sense for her character’s journey, they occasionally felt out of sync with the high-fashion looks of other characters, particularly during pivotal battles or public scenes.
- Budget and Time Constraints
Despite its large budget, Game of Thrones faced immense production demands, especially in its later seasons. With hundreds of characters and extras to dress, not every costume could be custom-made or meticulously designed. Background characters often wore reused or modified outfits, some of which might have clashed with the overall aesthetic of the scene or felt historically inconsistent with the world of Westeros.
For instance, certain extras in large battle scenes or crowd sequences wore costumes that seemed more medieval European than fantastical Westerosi. These inconsistencies were likely the result of having to quickly outfit a large number of people on tight schedules and budgets.
- Mixing Historical and Fantasy Influences
Michele Clapton and her team drew inspiration from a wide range of historical periods for the Game of Thrones costumes. From medieval European fashion to Renaissance and even Mongolian influences, the costumes were a melting pot of styles. While this diversity of influences gave the show a unique and rich visual aesthetic, it sometimes led to costumes that felt out of sync with each other.
For example, Cersei Lannister’s luxurious gowns were often rooted in historical realism, reflecting the wealth and power of the ruling class. In contrast, Daenerys’ later outfits, particularly in Seasons 7 and 8, had a more modern, streamlined look. While this mix of historical and contemporary styles worked for some characters, it occasionally resulted in a visual disconnect between characters from different regions or even the same scene.
- Anachronisms and Modern Elements
In later seasons, Game of Thrones costumes began to incorporate more modern design elements, particularly for characters like Daenerys and Jon Snow. Daenerys’ sharp, fitted dragon-scale armor and Jon’s battle-ready leather gear had a sleeker, more contemporary feel than the flowing robes and furs of earlier seasons. While these outfits were visually striking and fit the more action-packed tone of the later seasons, some viewers felt they clashed with the medieval fantasy aesthetic established earlier in the series.
These modern elements likely reflected both the growing urgency of the storyline and the evolving roles of the characters. However, for fans who had come to associate Game of Thrones with a more traditional medieval look, these changes sometimes felt inconsistent or even jarring.
- Symbolism Over Practicality
Another reason for costume inconsistencies lies in the show’s use of symbolic attire. Costumes in Game of Thrones were often designed to reflect the inner journey of a character, sometimes prioritizing symbolism over practical realism. Cersei’s black gowns in the later seasons, for example, symbolized her descent into a darker, more ruthless version of herself. Similarly, Sansa’s final queenly outfit in the series finale was a direct reflection of her Stark heritage and personal strength.
While these symbolic costumes were visually impactful, they occasionally sacrificed practicality. Characters might wear heavy, intricate outfits in inappropriate climates or during action scenes, which could break the immersion for some viewers.
Conclusion: Why Are Game Of Thrones Costumes Inconsistent
Why Are Game Of Thrones Costumes Inconsistent? with the team responsible for outfitting a wide range of characters across diverse settings and storylines. While the inconsistencies in the costumes were noticeable at times, they often stemmed from the challenges of balancing practicality, character evolution, and the immense scale of the production.
In the end, while some costume choices may have felt inconsistent or out of place, they contributed to the rich tapestry of the world of Westeros. The costumes not only enhanced the visual storytelling but also reflected the complex characters and ever-changing landscapes of Game of Thrones—even if they occasionally left viewers scratching their heads.