No matter how much effort filmmakers put into authenticity, costume mistakes still manage to sneak into historical films and TV shows. Whether it’s a fabric that didn’t exist at the time, a fashion trend decades ahead of its era, or a misplaced accessory, these errors can break the illusion of historical accuracy.

While some minor slip-ups go unnoticed, others are glaring enough to distract audiences and even spark debates among history buffs. Here are nine of the most memorable costume blunders in movies and series that failed to stay true to their time periods.

1. A Dangerous Method – The Corset Blunder

Keira Knightley delivered a riveting performance in A Dangerous Method (2011), but her wardrobe had one major inaccuracy. In one scene, her character wears only a corset—something that would never have happened in reality.

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During the early 20th century, women always wore a chemise or shift under their corsets. These undergarments protected the skin from chafing and absorbed sweat. Corsets were never worn directly on the body like modern lingerie. This Hollywood invention, while visually dramatic, sacrificed historical accuracy for aesthetics.

2. War & Peace (2016) – A Dress From the Wrong Era

The 2016 adaptation of War & Peace, set during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s, had a glaring fashion mistake. Anna Pavlovna Scherer appears in a gown that looks like it came straight from the 1950s.

Sleeveless dresses with open backs were unheard of in the early 19th century. Women of the time typically wore empire-waist gowns with high necklines and modest sleeves. The costume designers may have intended to modernize the look for contemporary audiences, but in doing so, they sacrificed historical accuracy.

3. Little Women (2019) – Modern Hairstyles in the 1860s

In Little Women (2019), the March sisters sport hairstyles that wouldn’t have been fashionable in the 1860s. Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), Amy March (Florence Pugh), and Meg March (Emma Watson) are seen with modern-looking bangs that feel out of place.

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While bangs did exist back then, they were typically curled or styled differently from today’s sleek, straight look. Most women in the 1860s kept their hair pulled back in buns or arranged in ringlets. The characters’ contemporary hairstyles, while appealing, don’t align with historical norms.

4. Django Unchained (2012) – Sunglasses From the Future

Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012) takes place in the 1850s, but Jamie Foxx’s character, Django, wears a pair of stylish sunglasses that wouldn’t have existed at the time.

While tinted glasses did exist in earlier centuries, they were primarily used for medical reasons, such as treating syphilis or poor eyesight. Fashionable sunglasses, like the ones Django wears, didn’t become widely available until the 1920s. While the look is undeniably cool, it’s completely anachronistic.

5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – A 1950s Dress in a 1920s Setting

The beloved musical Singin’ in the Rain (1952) is set in the 1920s, a time when flapper fashion dominated. However, one of Kathy Selden’s (Debbie Reynolds) dresses completely misses the mark.

In a pivotal scene, she wears a pink dress with a cinched waist and full skirt—a silhouette that was fashionable in the 1950s, not the 1920s. Since the film was made in the ‘50s, the costume designers likely prioritized contemporary trends over period accuracy.

6. Seabiscuit (2003) – A Modern Jockey Helmet

In Seabiscuit (2003), Tobey Maguire plays jockey Red Pollard, who rode the legendary racehorse in the 1930s. While the film captures the spirit of the era, one costume mistake stands out—Pollard wears a riding helmet with a chin strap that didn’t exist at the time.

Jockey helmets in the 1930s were simpler and lacked modern safety features. This might seem like a minor oversight, but for equestrian history enthusiasts, it’s an obvious mistake.

7. The Tudors (2007–2010) – Ruffs Worn Incorrectly

The Tudors took creative liberties with many historical details, including fashion. One of the most noticeable errors was how the show depicted ruffs, the elaborate collars worn in the 16th century.

In reality, ruffs were stiff, structured pieces attached to garments. However, in The Tudors, they were often worn like loose necklaces, draped around the neck. This completely altered their intended look and function, diminishing their role as a status symbol of the era.

8. Troy (2004) – A Misplaced Umbrella

The 2004 film Troy, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, aimed to bring the legendary Trojan War to life. However, one small detail disrupted its historical credibility—Helen of Troy is seen holding a delicate pink umbrella.

While ancient cultures did use sunshades, they were nothing like modern umbrellas. Ancient Greek and Roman parasols were made from palm leaves, feathers, or papyrus, not the fabric-covered designs seen in the film. This minor but noticeable mistake clashed with the movie’s otherwise grand historical setting.

9. Titanic (1997) – The Wrong Type of Corset

One of Titanic’s most famous scenes features Rose (Kate Winslet) being laced into a corset by her mother. While corsets were indeed a staple of early 20th-century fashion, the one she wears isn’t historically accurate.

The 1910s corset was designed to create a long, smooth silhouette and typically sat below the bust, allowing for a separate bra or chemise. However, the corset in the film fully covers Rose’s bust and has a curved top, resembling a Victorian-era corset instead. This design choice, while visually appealing, doesn’t reflect Edwardian fashion norms.

Final Thoughts: Costume Details Matter

Costume design plays a crucial role in immersing audiences in historical films and TV series. While minor inaccuracies can be overlooked, major anachronisms—like wearing sunglasses in the 1800s or dressing in 1950s fashion during the 1920s—can pull viewers out of the story.

Filmmakers often take creative liberties for aesthetic or storytelling purposes, but history buffs will always notice when something feels too modern for the time period. These nine costume mistakes prove that even big-budget productions can slip up when it comes to historical accuracy.

At the end of the day, while fashion blunders might not ruin a movie, they certainly remind us that Hollywood isn’t always as meticulous with history as it seems.