When it comes to The Traitors, it’s not just the suspense and deception that capture viewers’ attention.
Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe has become almost as iconic as the thrilling twists of the show itself.
From tweed capes to fingerless gloves and chunky knitted jumpers, her outfits are now a major talking point, just as much as the devious game of strategy the contestants play.
But what many don’t realize is how much effort goes into curating Claudia’s look for each series.
What started as a simpler wardrobe in the first season has grown into a carefully orchestrated style journey, taking months to prepare.
Let’s take a look behind the scenes of Claudia Winkleman’s ever-evolving wardrobe.
From One Outfit per Episode to Three
Back when The Traitors first aired in 2021, Claudia’s wardrobe was relatively simple.
She needed just 12 outfits—one for each episode.
Fast forward to the present day, and the wardrobe has expanded significantly.
Now, Claudia requires 36 outfits, three for every episode, to keep her style fresh and on-point throughout filming.
The process of assembling these looks is no small feat and takes months of preparation.
Sinead McKeefry, the stylist who has worked with Claudia for over 20 years, told Radio Times that the process is intense.
“We lock everything down in London,” she explained.
“It’s like prepping for a catwalk show and moving everything from one location to another.”
Once the outfits are finalized, they make the journey from London to Scotland in a van, transported flat to avoid any creases or damage.
It’s a logistical challenge that requires careful planning, especially since backup options and weather gear are also part of the package.
A Wardrobe Fit for a Game of Deception
Claudia’s wardrobe for The Traitors differs significantly from her previous shows, especially Strictly Come Dancing.
While the latter required more glamorous, chic looks with a touch of masculinity, The Traitors offers more creative freedom.
Sinead reveals that for the latter, they’ve leaned into a more editorial, edgy, and artistic style.
“We can be a lot more creative,” Sinead said.
“Claudia loves her Uniqlo jumpers, but with The Traitors, we can really push the envelope.”
This more relaxed, yet stylish approach has allowed Claudia to wear looks that are both practical and striking, perfectly suited for the dramatic atmosphere of The Traitors.
A Wardrobe Full of Personal Touches
While some elements of Claudia’s wardrobe are designed to match the show’s bold, deceptive theme, others reflect her personal style.
Fingerless gloves, a signature accessory for Claudia, have become a regular feature of her outfits on The Traitors.
These wrist warmers are not just functional; they also reflect Claudia’s long-time love for cozy, practical fashion.
Sinead recalls how, in the final season of Strictly Come Dancing, Claudia gifted her and the rest of the hair and makeup team wrist warmers from Johnstons of Elgin.
That small, personal gesture has translated into a key element of her Traitors wardrobe.
The Red Gloves Controversy
Perhaps one of the most talked-about accessories in Claudia’s wardrobe on The Traitors is the infamous red fingerless gloves.
Initially, Sinead was hesitant about including them.
“Red against black is so cringe,” she admitted, explaining her reluctance.
The production team, however, was insistent on having them, believing they would add to the show’s dramatic flair.
Sinead wasn’t convinced, but after searching through a few options on Amazon, she found a pair that was less offensive than others and decided to incorporate them into Claudia’s look.
The gloves may have raised eyebrows, but they became part of Claudia’s signature style on the show—offering a quirky, almost gothic vibe that matched the intensity of the game.
The Traitors Hits Record Viewership
The attention to detail in Claudia’s wardrobe isn’t the only thing that’s evolved.
The latest series of The Traitors, which began with 22 contestants competing for a prize of up to £120,000, has broken viewership records.
The premiere episode of the fourth season became the most-watched episode to date, peaking at an impressive 6.9 million viewers.
As the drama unfolds and contestants try to outwit each other, Claudia’s outfits only add to the show’s atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world of deception and strategy.
What’s Next for Claudia and Her Wardrobe?
As the show continues to grow in popularity, fans are eager to see what Claudia will wear next.
With her evolving wardrobe, there’s no telling how she’ll surprise us in future episodes.
One thing’s for sure: whether it’s her iconic fingerless gloves or a brand-new, unexpected look, Claudia’s wardrobe will continue to be as much of a draw as the game itself.
Sinead McKeefry, who’s been with Claudia through thick and thin, summed it up perfectly: “It’s not just about the clothes.
It’s about telling a story with every outfit, and Claudia has always been the perfect person to bring that story to life.”
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