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It's More Fun In Costume!
The National Costumers Association was organized on August 24, 1923, bringing together a small group of costumers dedicated to upgrading and promoting the costume industry. Through the years both the association and the industry have grown in size and scope.
Our Mission
The National Costumers Association is a professional organization promoting the artistic, historical, educational, and social nature of costuming, encouraging ethical business standards.
Our History and Legacy
The NCA's history is closely connected to the growth of costuming as both an art and a profession. In 1926, the association's second president, Lester E. Essig, encouraged the creation of an NCA magazine. He also established a permanent reference library, expanded membership, gathered articles from authorities across the country, and promoted costume arts through radio talks and syndicated writing.
By 1928, NCA gatherings included a Costumers Banquet and Ball where approximately 200 costumers shared their work and competed for the Costumers Cup. These early traditions reflected values that remain important today: craftsmanship, creativity, professional pride, and the exchange of knowledge between costumers.
What We Do Today
The NCA supports the people and businesses that keep costuming accessible in communities across the country. Our members help schools and theaters bring productions to life, outfit performers and community events, support Halloween and holiday traditions, preserve historic clothing and techniques, and give customers the expertise that only dedicated costume professionals can provide.
The association connects members with education, industry information, supplier relationships, purchasing opportunities, business resources, and a nationwide professional network. Through webinars, virtual roundtables, product programs, and member-to-member collaboration, the NCA helps costume professionals learn from one another and adapt to a changing marketplace.
Publications and Shared Knowledge
For generations, NCA publications have documented the people, businesses, products, techniques, and traditions of the costume industry. Costumer magazine and Costumers Today continue that work by sharing member profiles, industry news, historical features, practical business guidance, new-product information, and stories from the costuming community.
The NCA also works to preserve the industry's history. Archival photographs, publications, member stories, and accounts of past creative programs help connect today's professionals with more than a century of costuming knowledge.
Supporting Independent Costume Businesses
Independent costume stores are creative resources in their communities. They provide personal service, specialized knowledge, fitting and rental expertise, theatrical support, and access to costumes and accessories that cannot be replaced by a generic shopping experience.
The NCA promotes and strengthens these businesses through initiatives such as National Independent Costume Store Day, industry education, professional networking, member visibility, and programs that connect buyers with trusted vendors.
Who We Serve
NCA membership brings together costume rental and retail businesses, e-commerce businesses that maintain inventory, manufacturers, vendors, designers, costumers, and other professionals whose work supports the costume industry. This diversity allows members to exchange ideas across specialties while working toward shared standards and a stronger future for costuming.
Looking Forward
More than a century after its founding, the National Costumers Association remains committed to the business, artistry, history, education, and fellowship of costuming. We honor the generations who built this industry while helping today's costume professionals develop new skills, serve their communities, and keep the joy of costuming alive.
Whether you operate a costume business, supply the industry, work professionally in costume design or manufacturing, or want to connect with the people who make costuming possible, we invite you to learn more about NCA membership, explore our member directory, and follow the stories featured in Costumers Today.