If you’ve been hooked on The White Lotus this season, you’re not alone—especially with the much-anticipated 90-minute finale coming up. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alex Bovaird, the creative force behind the wardrobe magic of all three seasons. From Parker Posey’s chic handbags to navigating the tropical sweat dilemma, Alex shared some fascinating insights into the world of costume design for this hit HBO series.
The Hidden Challenge: Sweat, Sweat, Sweat
Designing costumes for a show set in the steamy heat of Thailand comes with unique challenges—namely, sweat. Alex explained, “There’s a real divide: you’re either a ‘sweat-er’ or you’re not. Walton Goggins, who plays Rick, was a major sweat-er.” To manage this, the team imported special moisture-wicking undershirts from the U.S. — cleverly modified to be invisible under costumes — ensuring the actors stayed comfortable despite the relentless heat. Alex described the underarm fabric as “pretty gross, like a sanitary towel,” but necessary.
In contrast, Tim Ratliff’s character was the opposite—“bone dry”—to the point where they actually had to apply fake sweat for authenticity. Alex humorously recounted a British saying her grandfather used to share: “Men sweat and women glow.” And for the ladies? Ice packs were a must. Parker Posey’s character, Victoria Ratliff, practically had one between her thighs at all times.
Parker Posey’s Southern Matriarch Look
Dressing Parker Posey’s Victoria was a joy for Alex. They knew from the start that Victoria would frequently reach for her bag, especially for Lorazepam, so finding the perfect chic handbag was critical. The chosen Gucci bag with the bamboo handle was “old-school and versatile,” though in an ideal world it would have shown more wear and tear. However, since the bags were borrowed from brands, Alex had to return them in pristine condition—no distressing allowed.
Piper’s Whimsical Wardrobe
Piper, the recent college graduate, sports at least three dresses from Ciao Lucia, a choice that perfectly captures her ethereal, somewhat innocent vibe. Alex shared that the dresses’ whimsical style matched Piper’s personality well—they could be styled sexy but tended to feel “chaste” at Piper’s height. This subtle nod to her youthful idealism made the character’s fashion feel authentic.
Stereotypes with a Twist: The Men’s Wardrobe
The male characters, particularly Saxon, lean into stereotype but with care. Alex confessed that as a costume designer, a little stereotyping is helpful—it immediately signals to the audience who the character is. Saxon’s clothes, featuring brands like Southern Tide, Polo, and Brooks Brothers, screamed “cheesy dad” rather than “dadcore.” But Alex was careful not to go overboard: “We’re not Zoolander. We want satire, not broad comedy.”
Interestingly, Saxon’s style evolves over the season, becoming “cuter” and more handsome, mirroring his character’s growth and surprising viewers who may have initially dismissed him.
Belinda’s Aspirations in Style
Belinda’s pink caftan with green leaves and fish reflects her desire to appear as a true guest of the White Lotus, not just staff. “She wants to be Cinderella,” Alex said, capturing Belinda’s quiet longing for transformation through her wardrobe’s flowing silhouettes.
Distinguishing the Trio of Friends
The three female friends—Laurie, Kate, and Jaclyn—are distinct in their style evolution. Initially all “cool girls,” their wardrobes soon reflect their personalities and comfort zones. Laurie adopts relaxed traveler pants and practical hats, Kate remains more prim and polished, and Jaclyn, ever the actress, opts for flamboyant, attention-grabbing pieces. Alex shared a perfect example: after a wild night out, Laurie jumps straight into the pool in bare clothes, Jaclyn arrives in a loud leopard-print suit, and Kate changes into pajamas yet somehow “gets more dressed.”
Who Does Alex Dress Like?
Asked which character she most resembles, Alex identifies with older Chelsea. “We’re both British, and there’s an eccentric ‘throwing-things-together’ vibe,” she explained. For Chelsea’s look, Alex scoured secondhand shops, modifying dresses to fit the character’s quirky personality.
Hidden Details and Easter Eggs
While Alex occasionally sneaks a peek at online fan chatter, she mostly avoids social media to keep the creative mystery intact. “We’ve put many little clues in the costumes,” she teased, hinting that some subtle details might surface after the finale.
A Dream Location for Season Four
When asked where she’d like to see The White Lotus next, Alex chose the Swiss Alps—far from bikinis and beachwear. She imagines European royals wrapped in sweaters, furs, and earmuffs, bringing a “mean aprés ski vibe” to the series. It would be a fresh challenge and a striking visual departure.
For fans of The White Lotus or anyone fascinated by the subtle art of costume design, Alex Bovaird’s insights offer a unique glimpse behind the scenes. From the practical realities of hot weather filming to the thoughtful shaping of character through wardrobe, the costumes are an essential part of the story’s charm and depth.
Follow Alex on Instagram or check out her ShopMy page for collections inspired by each character’s style. It’s a rare chance to wear a bit of the White Lotus world yourself—just maybe not in the steamy heat of Thailand!
