For millions of viewers, the suspenseful game of deception is only half the appeal of BBC's smash-hit show, The Traitors. The other major draw comes from the host's unmistakable and increasingly elaborate wardrobe. Claudia Winkleman's tweed capes, fingerless gloves, chunky knits, and sturdy boots have become a style phenomenon in their own right.
From 12 Outfits to a Three-Month Wardrobe Marathon
When the first series aired in 2021, the presentation was somewhat simpler. Winkleman required just 12 outfits—one for each episode. Fast forward to the present day, and the scale has changed dramatically. Now, for the fourth series which has captivated over 12 million viewers, the 53-year-old presenter needs a staggering 36 outfits.
This equates to three distinct looks per episode, a sartorial operation that her long-time stylist, Sinead McKeefry, says takes three months of meticulous preparation. McKeefry, who has collaborated with Winkleman for 20 years, compared the process to a major fashion event. "We lock everything down in London. It's like prepping for a catwalk show and moving everything from one location to another," she told the Radio Times.
The Logistical Feud Behind the Fashion
The preparation is exhaustive, accounting for every possible scenario. Each carefully selected ensemble has backup options, and wet weather gear is always on standby for the unpredictable Scottish climate where the show is filmed. Once finalised, the entire collection is transported north, lying flat in the back of a van to ensure everything arrives in pristine condition.
McKeefry contrasted Winkleman's style across her different presenting roles. While Strictly Come Dancing was "the most glamorous" with a "masculine edge," and her look for The Piano reflects her natural, polished self (complete with a beloved Uniqlo jumper), The Traitors is a different beast. "With The Traitors, we can be a lot more editorial, edgy and creative," she explained.
Gloves, Parrots, and Defining a Show's Aesthetic
Reminiscing about the uncertain early days of series one, McKeefry admitted, "We didn't really know what we were doing." The format was still being defined, and there were even wild suggestions like Winkleman wearing a parrot on her shoulder. "She's up for anything, but I was like, 'I don't think we should make it pantomime,'" the stylist recalled.
This creative freedom allowed McKeefry to incorporate Winkleman's personal favourite accessories, like the now-signature fingerless gloves and wrist warmers. However, not every suggestion was welcome. Production initially pushed for dramatic "red murder gloves," which McKeefry resisted. "That is not something you're ever going to see on a mood board of mine. Red against black is so cringe," she said. A compromise was found via Amazon, selecting thinner, fingerless red options that were "the least offensive."
The immense effort behind the scenes is matched by the show's soaring success. The launch of the fourth series, where 22 contestants vie for a prize fund of up to £120,000, became its most-watched episode ever, peaking at 6.9 million viewers. It seems the audience is just as faithful to Winkleman's captivating style as they are to hunting down the traitors.
