Allyson Fanger on Costume Design in Apple TV+’s ‘Shrinking’

Apple TV+’s Shrinking has captivated audiences with its blend of heartwarming humor, deep emotional moments, and, of course, stunning costumes. The show, which debuted with a feel-good tone reminiscent of previous hits like Ted Lasso, draws viewers in with its blend of lighthearted moments and emotional depth. But beyond the fantastic cast and engaging storytelling, the costumes in Shrinking are integral to understanding the characters and their journeys. Costume designer Allyson Fanger discusses how she created looks that perfectly reflect each character’s personality and storyline.

Shrinking tells the story of Jimmy Laird (played by Jason Segel), a therapist grieving the death of his wife. With the help of his quirky colleagues and a mentor (Harrison Ford in his first major television role), Jimmy attempts to rebuild his life. For Fanger, designing the wardrobes was about more than just dressing characters—it was about telling their stories visually. “All good characters come from well-written characters,” Fanger explained. “The clothes are the first thing the audience notices and they help shape how we understand the character.”

One character whose wardrobe stands out is Gaby (played by Jessica Williams), a co-worker who brings brightness to the otherwise somber office environment. Gaby’s wardrobe is a riot of bold colors and contrasting patterns, reflecting her warm and welcoming personality. “Gaby is the light in the office, and we wanted her wardrobe to reflect that,” Fanger said. “The bright colors and mixing of patterns were intentional, showing she’s approachable and full of life.” Williams, known for her work on The Daily Show, has a tall stature (standing at 6 feet), and Fanger enjoyed playing with the designs to suit her commanding presence. The character’s evolution in Season 2, where she steps out of the office more, also led to more varied outfits. “It took a few fittings to find the right silhouettes for her to look both professional and approachable,” Fanger noted.

Another significant character in the show is Dr. Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford), Jimmy’s mentor. Rhoades’ wardrobe is a stark contrast to Gaby’s vibrant looks. “Paul is very controlled and refined, and that’s reflected in his clothes,” Fanger explained. “He wears luxurious fabrics like cashmere and is always impeccably dressed.” Ford’s character doesn’t shy away from wild moments, especially in the second season, when Rhoades indulges in some offbeat behaviors like taking gummies. But even in these moments, his costume reflects his composed, sophisticated nature.

Fanger’s approach to costuming also ensures that each character has a unique look that sets them apart while still complementing the ensemble. She explained that Jimmy’s wardrobe in the first season reflects his emotional state. “He’s at rock bottom,” Fanger said. “His clothes are disheveled, they don’t fit properly—it’s a visual representation of how lost he feels.” In contrast, by Season 2, as Jimmy starts to rebuild his life, there are subtle improvements in his wardrobe. “The theme of Season 2 is forgiveness, and you can see that shift in Jimmy’s wardrobe as he begins to pull himself together,” Fanger explained.

Fanger also carefully designed the wardrobe for the show’s supporting characters, each with distinct looks that reflect their roles and personalities. For Liz (Christa Miller), Jimmy and Alice’s neighbor, Fanger drew inspiration from the stylish, slightly eccentric women of Brentwood, California. “Liz is that classic LA mom with money who loves to mix things up,” Fanger said. “She has a quirky sense of style, and I wanted her wardrobe to reflect that.” Liz wears pieces from Jennifer Meyer, a jewelry designer popular in LA circles, and Greg Lauren, known for his casual yet high-end aesthetic. “Her style evolves throughout the season,” Fanger explained, noting that Liz’s wardrobe becomes more relaxed when she works on a food truck.

For the male characters, Fanger also paid close attention to creating distinct looks. Derek (Ted McGinley), Liz’s husband, has the quintessential “dad” wardrobe, while Derek 2 (Damon Wayans Jr.) had to look similar but distinct enough to not be confused with the original. “Derek 2’s wardrobe was a fun challenge,” Fanger laughed. “We had to find ways to echo the original Derek’s look, but still make Derek 2 his own character.”

The introduction of Louis Winston, played by Brett Goldstein, was another important costuming decision. Goldstein’s character had to be clearly distinct from his Ted Lasso role as Roy Kent. “Bill Lawrence, the showrunner, was adamant that Louis should not wear dark colors,” Fanger said. “We wanted to avoid any comparisons to Roy Kent, so we kept his wardrobe light and fresh.” This was just one example of how Fanger carefully used clothing to define each character and keep them true to their storylines.

With Shrinking having finished its second season and Season 3 already in the works, Fanger is excited about continuing to develop the characters’ wardrobes as their stories evolve. “Season 3 is all about moving on, and you’ll see that reflected in the characters’ clothes,” she teased. “For Jimmy, we’ll see him finally start to sharpen up, especially as he moves past his anger and towards forgiveness.” As the show progresses, Fanger’s careful attention to detail in costume design will continue to provide deeper insight into the characters and their journeys.

In Shrinking, the costumes aren’t just clothes—they’re a powerful storytelling tool. They help define the characters, reflect their emotional arcs, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the show. As the series continues, fans can expect even more thought-provoking wardrobe choices that will further enrich the viewing experience.