Kabuki costumes run the full gamut from simple and realistic, to extraordinary and outlandish. In Aragoto plays especially, both the costumes and makeup are exaggerated and very visually appealing. The elaborate costumes are somewhat difficult to wear. Great skill is actually required to be able to manipulate the costumes in an elegant way. Real gold and silver threads were used in the costumes and they were all hand made. As a result of the effort required to create these costumes and the expense of the materials, the costumes were quite expensive. It is interesting to note that the prettiest costumes and wigs were worn by the courtesans in the plays.