What is the relationship between costume designer and the actor?

The actors' body shapes, size, and skin color, as well as their physical mannerisms and feelings, affect how a costume will appear and be worn. Costume designers, therefore, must work more closely with performers than do other members of the design team. Sometimes costume reveals or supports the actor's own physique, and sometimes it attempts to transform it. In either case, the actor's body is always at issue; it is the material substance that must work in concert with costume design. Actors have strongly expressed preferences about what makes them look good or feel comfortable, as well as what clothing inhibits or frees their movement. When creating characters, they formulate strong opinions about what those individuals would wear. Costumes help actors express character through gesture. Actors play with their clothes and accessories, integrating them into stage business and body language. Specific details, such as a scarf, a tie, or the placement of buttons, can offer actors the character-defining choices of tossing a scarf flamboyantly over a shoulder, loosening a tie, or undoing a constricting or revealing button. Costume designers assist in bringing the director's vision and the actors' personal sentiments into harmony, so performers can act with ease and confidence, while being faithful to the production's artistic goals.