Set Coats for Film & TV: From Classic Outerwear to Modern Changing Robes

A Brief History of Set Coats in Film & TV

Keeping cast and crew warm, dry, and comfortable on set is essential to any film or TV production.

The use of high-performance outerwear on film sets dates back to the mid-20th century, when ambitious location shoots required better protection against extreme weather. From icy tundras to stormy coastlines, productions needed warm, weatherproof outerwear that allowed talent and crew to perform at their best.

Over the decades, brands like Canada Goose, The North Face, and Patagonia have provided high-performance outerwear tailored for extreme conditions.

However, while these traditional coats excel in warmth, they often fall short in versatility. Tight fits and shorter lengths can compress costumes, restrict movement, and lack the space needed for quick changes.

Productions required a solution that protected costumes while offering practicality—leading to
 oversized changing robes being adopted by the Film & TV Industry as they introduced a new level of practicality, providing enhanced functionality that better serves today’s film and TV professionals.

The Shift to Set Coat Robes: A Game-Changer for Productions

Oversized changing robes have emerged as the next evolution of on-set outerwear, offering distinct advantages over traditional parkas:

  • Full Coverage & Comfort – Unlike fitted coats, changing robes envelop the wearer in warmth like a portable duvet, allowing free movement while protecting costumes from damage.

  • A Mobile Changing Room – Spacious interiors and easy-access zippers make quick, discreet outfit changes seamless, solving a major challenge for wardrobe teams.

  • All-Weather Protection – Waterproof, windproof, and fully insulated, these robes shield against the elements while ensuring cast and crew stay warm between takes.

Beyond their functional benefits, Vivida’s changing robes (keep warm set coats) offer something unexpected—an added sense of ease and sanctuary on set. Many actors and crew find themselves instinctively retreating into their robe, using it not just for warmth but as a personal cocoon to decompress and refocus. Unlike traditional coats, which are purely practical, Vivida’s keep warm set coats provide a feeling of home—a moment of calm in the fast-paced world of film and TV production.


Vivida’s Role in the Evolution of Set Coats

As productions sought alternatives that could offer both warmth and practical on-set use, Vivida’s oversized changing robes became a preferred choice for major film and TV studios.

Productions from Disney, Netflix, ITV Studios, LucasFilm, Amazon Studios, and BBC Studios have embraced Vivida’s coats as a trusted solution for keeping cast and crew dry, warm and comfortable on set - in elegance and in style. 

Vivida is now positioned to become the reference on-set coat, bridging technical performance with luxury, creativity, and comfort. They offer warmth, versaility, and an aesthetic that blends seamlessly into professional production environments. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, they solve the problems traditional coats never addressed, providing full-length coverage without compromising style or performance.

Unlike traditional warm coats, Vivida’s Set Coats are specifically designed for the unique demands of the industry. They are spacious enough to protect intricate costumes without compression and offer a refined, cohesive look on set. 

During the filming of Andor (streaming on Disney+), cast members described the transformative feeling of wearing Vivida—a cohesive, professional look that made them feel cool and part of a unified team. No longer do cast or crew have to feel like they’re wearing a random jumble of lost property.


The Future of On-Set Outerwear
 

 

While traditional set coats have served the industry well for decades, the needs of modern productions have evolved. The rise of oversized changing robes reflects a shift toward greater versatility and practicality —making them an essential piece of on-set gear for today’s film and TV professionals.

For studios and production teams seeking a refined, high-performance solution, Vivida’s changing robes represent the next step in the evolution of film and TV outerwear.

Explore Vivida’s Set Coat Robes for Film & TV Production

Looking for the best on-set warmth and practicality? Discover why leading studios trust Vivida’s premium collection of set coat robes to enhance comfort and efficiency on location.

Shop Vivida’s Set Coat Robes here
We offer an exclusive 50% discount to the Film & TV industry. You can order via our FIlm & TV dedicated ordering portal.