What term describes the clothing worn by actors to represent their characters?

The term "costume" specifically refers to the clothing designed to portray the characters that actors embody in a theatrical production. Costumes are an essential element of theatre, as they help to convey character identity, time period, and setting. In the context of performance, costumes are meticulously crafted or selected to support the storytelling aspect of the play, enhancing the visual appeal and authenticity of the characters.

While "outfit," "wardrobe," and "attire" can all describe various forms of clothing, they do not carry the same specific connotation in a theatrical sense. "Outfit" typically refers to any combination of clothing items worn together, but it lacks the contextual association with character representation. "Wardrobe" often refers to a collection of clothing owned by an individual or the entire range of costumes available for a production, rather than the clothing worn by characters in a performance. "Attire" is a more general term for clothing and does not specifically imply theatricality or character representation. Thus, "costume" is the most accurate term when discussing the clothing worn by actors to depict their roles.