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For the health and safety of our staff and customers, the TDF Costume Collection's safety protocols are as follows:
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at ccreception@tdf.org or 212.989.5855. We look forward to working with you!
Who can rent costumes from us?
Any organization working on a theatre, film, dance, TV or other type of artistic endeavor is eligible to rent from our Costume Collection of 100,000-plus costume pieces. Not sure if your project qualifies? Email us.
Do I need to be a TDF member to rent from the Collection?
Nope. But check out all the awesome things a TDF membership can do for your organization.
How much do rentals cost?
Regular rentals start at $165 per costume, but if you are a not-for-profit organization, you qualify for a discount. Not-for-profit pricing starts at $65 per costume for a one-week rental. Dry-cleaning is mandatory and costs extra. Please see our price chart or email us for specifics.
What are the dry-cleaning rules and rates?
Clients must prepay for post-rental dry-cleaning. For most items, the rate is $9 per pound. Items that require special handling (anything with suede, leather, fur, beads, sequins, etc.) are billed per piece. Don't worry, once you've chosen your costumes, we can give you a dry-cleaning estimate at Final Checkout.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, checks, or Visa, MasterCard and American Express. If you want to pay by purchase order, please email our administrator Taylor Alfano. Don't have any of those? Call us at 212.989.5855 ext. 0 to see what we can work out.
When do we need to pay for the rental?
Rentals must be paid in full before the costumes leave our warehouse.
What happens if I rent costumes I don't need?
You can exchange costumes as many times as needed. However, in the event that you don't use everything you rent, we cannot offer a refund or credit.
If you want multiple options to try on, you can take items on memo for an additional fee.
Where are you located?
We're inside the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, NY, where lots of cool TV shows and movies are filmed. Visitors must obtain a studio pass at the guard gate and come in through the main entrance at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 36th Street in Astoria. See map.
If you need the freight entrance, it's located across the street from a building called The Marx at 34-32 35th Street between 34th and 35th Avenues. See map.
What are your hours?
By appointment only Click here for current operating hours.
Which subway station is closest to you?
The M/R Steinway Street stop. Visit the MTA's site to plan your trip.
Is there parking nearby?
There is street parking in the neighborhood. There are a few privately owned lots in the area as well. See map.
Do you offer tours?
No, we do not.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, all visits to the Collection require an appointment. Once a rental form has been submitted, we will process the paperwork and send it back via email with the rental pricing. After that, you are free to schedule an appointment with us by phone or email.
I am from a not-for-profit organization. How do I rent?
Start by filling out our rental form. Not-for-profits get a discount upon proof of status, such as a 501c3.
I need costumes, but I'm not working with a not-for-profit. How do I rent?
Anyone willing to take financial responsibility for the project can fill out our rental paperwork. Email us to discuss specifics.
Can I pull the costumes myself?
Yes! Most customers who visit our warehouse pick out their own pieces, though with 100,000-plus to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Don't come here in a rush! Costumes are organized by time period or type, not size.
Can you help me pull costumes?
Yes! For an additional fee, our staff can assist you with pulling, sizing and anything else you need. Email us for information or to schedule an appointment with one of our staff designers.
How far in advance can I rent costumes?
Not-for-profits can pull costumes eight weeks prior to their first performance or shoot date. For regular rentals, customers can pull two weeks before the first performance or shoot date.
What do you recommend I bring with me to the Collection?
Your performers' measurements plus any designs or photos. We have tape measures but we encourage you to bring your own.
If you are pulling a large number of costumes, bring safety pins, a Sharpie and paper/oak tags to place on garments. You can even bring rack dividers to help you organize.
Can I try on costumes?
No. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, costumes cannot be tried on in the warehouse. However, we have dress forms in multiple sizes available to our customers for fitting.
I can't visit the Collection. Can I still rent from you?
Yes! We offer affordable pulling services based on your needs. Call us at 212.989.5855 or email us for details.
Do you alter costumes?
Nope. But we have a vast collection, so there’s a good chance you can find something that fits.
I found a costume in need of repair. Can I rent it at a discount?
Sorry, no. We suggest choosing a different item or, if your heart is set on it, repairing it yourself.
What does Final Checkout mean?
That's when all of your selections must be made and prepped for our staff to inventory before you leave with the costumes.
I'm done pulling! How long does Final Checkout take?
It can take some time. Luckily, we're located in a vibrant neighborhood, so feel free to run out to grab a bite to eat. We can call you when we're done.
I have a large order. How do I get my rental out of the building?
We can lend you a rolling laundry hamper that you can use in the freight elevator.
I need my order shipped. Can you do that?
While we cannot ship same day, we can set up a future UPS shipment either using our UPS number or yours.
Just fill out this form. Please note that the shipping and handling charges are the renter's responsibility.
Can you help me load my car?
Nope, sorry. We suggest bringing a helper with you if you're dealing with a large number of items.
How are costumes packaged?
We generally bag costumes off hangers.
Can I make alterations?
Small alterations for size are acceptable, but you may not cut, dye or glue any garment. Small alterations may be kept in place, but large ones must be undone. Need more info? Email us and we'll be happy to go over specifics.
Can I use stage blood or distress costumes?
Nope. If you do anything that permanently alters a garment, we will charge you the full replacement value.
Who can drop off costumes?
Anyone as long as the individual knows the name of the person or organization listed on the rental paperwork.
What if I need help with my large return?
We can lend you a rolling laundry hamper, but someone must come into the warehouse to get it. We cannot bring it to you.
Can we ship costumes back?
Absolutely. Be sure to fill out and include this form inside each box with your organization's name and whether.
Do you sell costumes?
We have biannual bag sales. To be notified about our next one, sign up for our email list.
Are you hiring?
Job postings can be found on the Employment Opportunities page of TDF's website.
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