Business Details
32 Years
experience
Sustainable Costume Hire for Schools, Theatre & Community Projects
Established in 1994, Gladrags Community Costume Resource is a Brighton-based charity dedicated to sustainable costume provision and community empowerment. With over 8,000 pre-loved costumes, we serve schools, theatre groups, and community organisations by offering subsidised hire packages that support educational, cultural, and wellbeing initiatives. Our operations are rooted in environmental responsibility, with 95% of our collection sourced from donations, repurposed garments, and recycled materials. We extend our impact through outreach programmes, including educational workshops, reminiscence sessions, and creative projects for disadvantaged groups. Our team combines three decades of costume expertise with a commitment to reducing textile waste, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.By collaborating with film, theatre, and educational institutions, we fund community-focused initiatives while promoting sustainable practices across the arts sector. Our services include costume hire, bespoke styling, resource boxes, and party hire, all designed to inspire creativity and accessibility. We maintain transparent policies aligned with GDPR standards and prioritise inclusivity through accessible facilities and flexible support for diverse needs. With a dedicated volunteer network and partnerships across Sussex, we continue to expand our mission of making costume resources both environmentally and socially impactful.
Services
Costume Hire
Educational Workshops
Bunting Hire
Party Boxes
Professional Costume Services
Resource Boxes
Reminiscence Sessions
Textile Recycling
Volunteer Programmes
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in sustainable costume provision.
- Our 95% donated collection supports environmental and community goals.
- We offer subsidised rates starting at 3 per week for schools and charities.
- Our outreach programmes deliver creative workshops to disadvantaged groups.
- We provide bespoke styling services for professional theatre and film productions.
What people say
Affordable rates
Eco-friendly practices
Community-focused initiatives
Extensive costume collection
Helpful staff
Services
Costume Hire
We provide access to over 8,000 pre-loved costumes spanning historical eras, world dress, and fantasy themes. Our collection includes uniforms, animal costumes, and theatrical outfits suitable for adults and children. Clients can browse freely or request curated rails based on project briefs, with discounts for long-term hires and community groups.
Educational Workshops
Our workshops teach sewing skills, cultural history, and sustainability through costume. Designed for low-income families and schools, sessions link textile crafts to historical eras while promoting recycling. Activities include themed resource boxes, reminiscence sessions, and interactive storytelling for deprived communities.
Bunting Hire
We offer a variety of bunting options in 42+ colour combinations and lengths from 3m to 28m. Community groups running free events for disadvantaged audiences can borrow bunting at no cost. Hire rates start at 0.50 per metre, with options for themed displays and seasonal decorations.
Party Boxes
Our party boxes provide themed costume collections for events, including vintage, carnival, and Christmas outfits. Clients can select DIY packages or request custom curation based on budget. Prices start at 60 for 20 garments and 20 accessories, with photobooth props available for hire.
Professional Costume Services
We supply costumes for film, TV, and theatre productions, offering bespoke styling and sustainable solutions. Services include wardrobe consultations, off-site fittings, and access to our reference library. Collaborations with companies like BBC and Chichester Festival Theatre highlight our expertise in period-accurate and eco-conscious costume provision.
Questions
What services does Gladrags Community Costume Resource offer for schools?
We provide subsidised costume hire, educational workshops on sewing and history, and curriculum-linked resource boxes for schools.
Can individuals hire costumes for personal events?
Yes, we offer party hire packages starting at £30 per outfit, including vintage and theatrical options.
How does Gladrags Community Costume Resource support sustainability?
We reuse 95% of our collection, recycle textiles, and promote a hire-not-buy approach to reduce textile waste.
Are there volunteering opportunities available?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to assist with costume sorting, events, and community outreach programmes.
What are the opening hours for costume hire?
Appointments are available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am to 6pm.
Does Gladrags Community Costume Resource offer bunting hire for events?
Yes, we hire bunting from £0.50 per metre, with free loans for community groups supporting disadvantaged audiences.
