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

A Brief History of Set Coats in Film & TV

Keeping cast and crew warm, dry, and comfortable on set has always been essential to Film and TV production. From sunrise call times in remote locations to night shoots in unpredictable weather, productions have long relied on outerwear.

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 warm coats excelled in insulation, they often fell short in other aspects. Tight fits, short lengths, and lack of versatility limited their usefulness during long days in costume-heavy, mobile production environments.

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

That gap led to a new solution: oversized changing robes

Originally developed for swimmers and surfers getting changed, warm & dry after being in the water, changing robes brought a fresh practicality to film sets. They offered warmth, coverage, and the space needed for quick changes—solving key challenges for wardrobe teams and cast alike. Productions across Film & TV embraced Vivida Changing Robes and Dryrobe Changing Robes as a functional upgrade to standard parkas or jackets, better serving the needs of today’s film and TV professionals.

But as productions evolved, so did expectations. The industry needed something more refined. More intentional. More attuned to the physical and emotional demands of life on set and on location. 

The Shift to a KeepWarm™: From Changing Robes to Something More

While changing robes and dryrobes remain a trusted staple, a KeepWarm™ represents the next evolution—an advanced form of set coat, born from the robe but elevated into something entirely its own.

Vivida KeepWarm™ blends the practicality of a robe, the technical performance of a high-end all-weather warm coat, luxury elevated design, and the emotional comfort of a wearable duvet and personal cocoon. It is oversized yet refined, protective yet luxurious. Designed with intention, it solves for everything traditional robes and coats could not.

Compared to conventional film set coats or warm parkas, a Vivida KeepWarm™ offers distinct advantages:

• Full Coverage & Comfort – Oversized and non-restrictive, it preserves the integrity of costumes while wrapping the wearer in duvet-level warmth.

• A Mobile Changing Room – Spacious interiors and thoughtfully placed zippers enable quick, discreet changes—supporting stylists and cast with ease.
  

• All-Weather Protection – Waterproof, windproof, and fully insulated, Vivida KeepWarm™ keeps cast and crew warm, dry, and comfortable between takes.
  

• Luxury Design, 100% Recycled Materials – Designed with aesthetics and the planet in mind, it reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.

 

But what truly sets Vivida KeepWarm™ apart is the feeling it creates.

It becomes a wearable sanctuary—a portable refuge from the sensory demands of set life. Many describe zipping into a Vivida KeepWarm™ as a ritual of recovery—a moment of peace between the chaos. It is warmth, yes—but also calm, focus, and presence.

Unlike traditional coats, which are purely practical, Vivida KeepWarm™ offers an unexpected emotional layer—a sense of home. Something to retreat into instinctively. A space not just for warmth, but to decompress and refocus, reconnect with self, and reclaim energy in the high-paced world of film and TV production.

Vivida’s Role in the Evolution of Set Coats

As studios searched for solutions that could do more than conventional parkas or robes, Vivida KeepWarm™ became a staple on the sets of major productions.

Studios like Disney, Netflix, ITV Studios, Lucasfilm, Amazon Studios, and BBC Studios now rely on Vivida KeepWarm™ for film & TV set coats that deliver exceptional warmth, elegance, and performance on location.

Vivida KeepWarm™ bridges technical function with elevated style—solving issues traditional warm coats never addressed. Each design offers full-length coverage, sustainability, and space for costumes, all without sacrificing aesthetics or professionalism.

During the filming of Andor (Disney+), cast members described the transformative feeling of wearing a KeepWarm —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. A Vivida KeepWarm™ doesn't just protect; it unifies and uplifts the entire on-set experience.

 

The Future of On-Set Outerwear

While traditional outerwear has served the industry in a makeshift way, the needs of modern productions have evolved. Film & TV professionals deserve more than adaptations—they deserved a solution designed specifically for them.

The rise of oversized changing robes marked a shift in that direction, reflecting a growing demand for purpose-built, on-set gear. A Vivida KeepWarm™ is the next step in that evolution—a dedicated response to the realities of life on set.

As production environments become more complex, mobile, and demanding, the tools we rely on must evolve too.

Vivida KeepWarm™ is not just a coat. It’s not just a robe. It’s an entirely new category of outerwear—crafted to meet the emotional and physical needs of those who give everything to their craft.

For studios, wardrobe teams, crew, and performers seeking a high-performance, high-comfort solution, Vivida KeepWarm™ is the answer.

Explore the Vivida KeepWarm™ Collection

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

Shop the Vivida KeepWarm™ Collection here
We offer an exclusive 50% discount to the Film & TV industry via our dedicated ordering portal.