Top 10 Most Historically Inaccurate Costumes on TV
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I havent seen Sandition, but hair being worn down was completely acceptable for a girl. If the protagonist is underage and had not been presented to society yet (should that be her station, then she would wear her hair down. Only women wore their hair up, unless they were one of loose morals (Prostitute)
The mens costumes in the Tudors were more accurate than the womens. However, as mentioned the costume designer wanted to portray Henry as a rock star and push the edges of fashion.
Why in the hell Westworld is on this list is beyond me. While the story takes places during a real time period, its still fantasy. Its not meant to be accurate.\r\n
Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 29
pancelticpiper
At 6: 45 the Outlander men's Highland Scottish costumes are wildly inaccurate, for example wearing knee boots/riding boots with kilts. Highland gentry wore riding boots with breeches while riding, kilts were never worn riding and were always worn with the traditional patterned knee-socks and ordinary brogues (though the very poor went barefoot. Another glaring thing is that the brown & grey colour-scheme seen on the Outlander tartans was invented in 1949 by the weaver D C Dalgliesh. We have a large number of 18th century colour portraits painted from life, and the tartans are usually red-based.
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At 6: 45 the Outlander men's Highland Scottish costumes are wildly inaccurate, for example wearing knee boots/riding boots with kilts. Highland gentry wore riding boots with breeches while riding, kilts were never worn riding and were always worn with the traditional patterned knee-socks and ordinary brogues (though the very poor went barefoot. Another glaring thing is that the brown & grey colour-scheme seen on the Outlander tartans was invented in 1949 by the weaver D C Dalgliesh. We have a large number of 18th century colour portraits painted from life, and the tartans are usually red-based.
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Joy
I appreciate histocal accuracy, but I don't mind the way Reign turned out to be, for somebody in high school that doesn't know anything about that period, the storytelling and costumes used could be compelling at the times, especially the political conflicts depicted there. Of course, I guessed the costumes weren't accurate at all, but I still could say I loved the modern versions as well, I didn't like how much their hair was down most of the time, besides the unreal makeup, but anyhow as mentioned before, those were not the reasons why I was watching the show to begin with.
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I appreciate histocal accuracy, but I don't mind the way Reign turned out to be, for somebody in high school that doesn't know anything about that period, the storytelling and costumes used could be compelling at the times, especially the political conflicts depicted there. Of course, I guessed the costumes weren't accurate at all, but I still could say I loved the modern versions as well, I didn't like how much their hair was down most of the time, besides the unreal makeup, but anyhow as mentioned before, those were not the reasons why I was watching the show to begin with.
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Rachel
Claires dress from outlander may be inaccurate, but you have to remember that they are in France, the French court no less. The French culture at the time was considered flamboyant and provocative. The French court was often considered scandalous. The fact that Claire IS a time traveler, should make her stand apart from everyone else. She isnt supposed to be historically accurate, all the characters know it, and shes had a rough time because of it. Honestly, the fact that this in on the list is just a low blow. Reign should have made up half of this video tbh.
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Claires dress from outlander may be inaccurate, but you have to remember that they are in France, the French court no less. The French culture at the time was considered flamboyant and provocative. The French court was often considered scandalous. The fact that Claire IS a time traveler, should make her stand apart from everyone else. She isnt supposed to be historically accurate, all the characters know it, and shes had a rough time because of it. Honestly, the fact that this in on the list is just a low blow. Reign should have made up half of this video tbh.
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Stinson
Fun fact, ruffs were almost exclusively floating necklaces when worn by Queen Elizabeth. This was because in order to maintain that iconic shape, they had to be washed and starched (a lengthy, expensive, days-long process) more often than the gown itself. The neckline of the dress is inaccurate though, as it would have been higher to make it appear as though the two connected. Also, as she was the Virgin Queen and a bastard, she wouldn't have been caught dead showing that much skin in court.
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Fun fact, ruffs were almost exclusively floating necklaces when worn by Queen Elizabeth. This was because in order to maintain that iconic shape, they had to be washed and starched (a lengthy, expensive, days-long process) more often than the gown itself. The neckline of the dress is inaccurate though, as it would have been higher to make it appear as though the two connected. Also, as she was the Virgin Queen and a bastard, she wouldn't have been caught dead showing that much skin in court.
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dunts
If you want historically accurate costumes and a pretty accurate retelling of a Tudor piece: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) and Henry VIII and his Six Wives (1972. Keith Michell is Henry in both and my favorite Henry. He plays him very well. Neither are perfect. However, the budget for the 1970s mini series was miniscule and they still did a fantastic job with the costumes. Also, the miniseries is very obviously stage actors so there's going to be a lot of overacting.
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If you want historically accurate costumes and a pretty accurate retelling of a Tudor piece: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) and Henry VIII and his Six Wives (1972. Keith Michell is Henry in both and my favorite Henry. He plays him very well. Neither are perfect. However, the budget for the 1970s mini series was miniscule and they still did a fantastic job with the costumes. Also, the miniseries is very obviously stage actors so there's going to be a lot of overacting.
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Karen
Thank you so much for this list. While I can overlook Claires brown dress ( because I understand what the costumer was trying to covey, I, absolutely, despise the costumes from Reign. The Tudors, at least, had sumptuous fabric and the clothes looked fairly good, though not at all accurate for the time period. Ive been a theatrical costumer for over thirty years so, usually, if I start a historically based show and the costumes arent accurate, I quit it immediately.
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Thank you so much for this list. While I can overlook Claires brown dress ( because I understand what the costumer was trying to covey, I, absolutely, despise the costumes from Reign. The Tudors, at least, had sumptuous fabric and the clothes looked fairly good, though not at all accurate for the time period. Ive been a theatrical costumer for over thirty years so, usually, if I start a historically based show and the costumes arent accurate, I quit it immediately.
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Ingrid
For the last time corsets were NOT tortured devices, they were NOT a way for men to control women; they WERE basically sports bras. They were made to help support those dresses. If you ever tried to walk in those dresses without a corset it will feel as if your dragging a soaking wet dress. I know because I wear corsets many times. Get one that is your size, just like everything other piece of clothing you own and DONT tight lace them and youll be fine.
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For the last time corsets were NOT tortured devices, they were NOT a way for men to control women; they WERE basically sports bras. They were made to help support those dresses. If you ever tried to walk in those dresses without a corset it will feel as if your dragging a soaking wet dress. I know because I wear corsets many times. Get one that is your size, just like everything other piece of clothing you own and DONT tight lace them and youll be fine.
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fanjoy
I've always thought that the way they portray women's hair is totally inaccurate. Until the 20th century, women did not wear their hair loose after childhood. It was almost always covered, at least put up, but a grown woman would never wear her hair hanging down her back unless she was a prostitute. I understand the reasoning behind it, it's more attractive to have long, flowing hair but it certainly isn't how women actually wore their hair in public.
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I've always thought that the way they portray women's hair is totally inaccurate. Until the 20th century, women did not wear their hair loose after childhood. It was almost always covered, at least put up, but a grown woman would never wear her hair hanging down her back unless she was a prostitute. I understand the reasoning behind it, it's more attractive to have long, flowing hair but it certainly isn't how women actually wore their hair in public.
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Jenna
I will say that as someone who studies costume design and fashion history, some of these inaccuracies arent as inaccurate as this video would leave you to believe. Theres definitely some exaggeration of elements, but its not necessarily inaccurate. Also, as a costume designer doing period, there is usually a certain level of modernity that works its way in to avoid alienating the audience from the world of the piece.
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I will say that as someone who studies costume design and fashion history, some of these inaccuracies arent as inaccurate as this video would leave you to believe. Theres definitely some exaggeration of elements, but its not necessarily inaccurate. Also, as a costume designer doing period, there is usually a certain level of modernity that works its way in to avoid alienating the audience from the world of the piece.
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CM
Rein was well awful, and not just for the clothes, the way everyone talked, it was all wrong. There were certain ways to talk to others in the 16th century and it was not this informal valley-girlish style at all. It was formal and elegant and the costumes were horrible. They could have shown off the beautiful gowns of the era but chose not to. I watched five minutes of this total before I turned it off.
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Rein was well awful, and not just for the clothes, the way everyone talked, it was all wrong. There were certain ways to talk to others in the 16th century and it was not this informal valley-girlish style at all. It was formal and elegant and the costumes were horrible. They could have shown off the beautiful gowns of the era but chose not to. I watched five minutes of this total before I turned it off.
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Erin
Reign should have definitely been first. The Tudors is pretty bad but it did not take me out of the show as much as Reign. With Reign they didn't even try to capture the essence of the period and they looked like teen runway models vs Renaissance courtiers. Plus the way they mess up the facts, it's one of the most unwatchable historical fiction shows I've ever had the displeasure of watching.
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Reign should have definitely been first. The Tudors is pretty bad but it did not take me out of the show as much as Reign. With Reign they didn't even try to capture the essence of the period and they looked like teen runway models vs Renaissance courtiers. Plus the way they mess up the facts, it's one of the most unwatchable historical fiction shows I've ever had the displeasure of watching.
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lucy
I really love the costumes/dresses in Reign though. I dont know why but the historical inaccuracy doesnt bother me there. They certainly didnt try, so Im just enjoying the various interesting modern designs in the show. What bothers me is historical inaccuracy when its simply unnecessary or based on poor research when the overall show is supposed to be historical accurate.
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I really love the costumes/dresses in Reign though. I dont know why but the historical inaccuracy doesnt bother me there. They certainly didnt try, so Im just enjoying the various interesting modern designs in the show. What bothers me is historical inaccuracy when its simply unnecessary or based on poor research when the overall show is supposed to be historical accurate.
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flamboyante
The fact in Outlander not Claire or any other characters in the 1740's France was wearing a Robe a la Francaise it's the actual error. We never saw an Outlander lady wearing the Watteau Pliegues of the Robe a la Francaise, wich is very sad. The only example in the series is an emerald gown that isnta Robe a la Francaise, actually it's a Robe a la Piemontaise
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The fact in Outlander not Claire or any other characters in the 1740's France was wearing a Robe a la Francaise it's the actual error. We never saw an Outlander lady wearing the Watteau Pliegues of the Robe a la Francaise, wich is very sad. The only example in the series is an emerald gown that isnta Robe a la Francaise, actually it's a Robe a la Piemontaise
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mayder
Makes sense that shows would make the past more attractive, more comfortable and inaccurate. That has happened to my own memories of my life decades ago. The extreme conservativism of the characters in social, religious matters would turn off all viewers before they could notice a velcro fastening or neck tatoo. The foods would certainly turn off many viewers.
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Makes sense that shows would make the past more attractive, more comfortable and inaccurate. That has happened to my own memories of my life decades ago. The extreme conservativism of the characters in social, religious matters would turn off all viewers before they could notice a velcro fastening or neck tatoo. The foods would certainly turn off many viewers.
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maria
I was going to watch Reign but the costumes are so so bad, I couldn't even get past the first 20 minutes. I don't even mind historically inaccuracy when it's still done right like in Alienist, got, Vikings and Outlander because those still fit into it
But the costuming in Reign reminds me of Bridgeton it really throws me off from wanting to watch it
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I was going to watch Reign but the costumes are so so bad, I couldn't even get past the first 20 minutes. I don't even mind historically inaccuracy when it's still done right like in Alienist, got, Vikings and Outlander because those still fit into it
But the costuming in Reign reminds me of Bridgeton it really throws me off from wanting to watch it
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Antonio
The outlander dress, although prints were not even a thought at the time there were occasionally and possibly have been a hand painted fabricsof course if it were embroidery it would be more believable as many fabrics that were jacquard would have embroidery right on top of themalways in strategic and symmetrical.
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The outlander dress, although prints were not even a thought at the time there were occasionally and possibly have been a hand painted fabricsof course if it were embroidery it would be more believable as many fabrics that were jacquard would have embroidery right on top of themalways in strategic and symmetrical.
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HelzBelle13
Just gotta thank you for mentioning corsets! I watched the Alienist for the first time last week and I was so disappointed that they portrayed Sarah Howard as a reluctant tight-lacer and with no chemise! I wish costume departments would do more research when theyre actually trying for historical accuracy
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Just gotta thank you for mentioning corsets! I watched the Alienist for the first time last week and I was so disappointed that they portrayed Sarah Howard as a reluctant tight-lacer and with no chemise! I wish costume departments would do more research when theyre actually trying for historical accuracy
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Dillspitzen
Seeing that no chemise thing on the Alienist made me so angry, I quit watching. . But also: You cant just open a laced corset by the busk hooks without loosening the laces in the back. there would simply be too much tension on the busk. You could probably force it but risk bending/damaging the busk.
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Seeing that no chemise thing on the Alienist made me so angry, I quit watching. . But also: You cant just open a laced corset by the busk hooks without loosening the laces in the back. there would simply be too much tension on the busk. You could probably force it but risk bending/damaging the busk.
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WhatAlsaid!
The weird thing about the Tudors is that it's sister show The Borgias, though while not perfect, is one of the better examples of good historical costuming in TV. The Borgias was just as saucy and dramatic as The Tudors, but the characters ACTUALLY dressed like 15th century renaissance Italians
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The weird thing about the Tudors is that it's sister show The Borgias, though while not perfect, is one of the better examples of good historical costuming in TV. The Borgias was just as saucy and dramatic as The Tudors, but the characters ACTUALLY dressed like 15th century renaissance Italians
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thumbelinasmum
Im not sure what you mean by Outlander being known for exquisite costumes. Among costume historians, it is well known for having huge costume mistakes. The knitted garments are particularly egregious. Knitted shawls simply didnt exist in the 18th c. Nor did cables or chunky knits.
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Im not sure what you mean by Outlander being known for exquisite costumes. Among costume historians, it is well known for having huge costume mistakes. The knitted garments are particularly egregious. Knitted shawls simply didnt exist in the 18th c. Nor did cables or chunky knits.
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Mai
I'm actually shocked that Reign wasn't #1. All the ladies of that show were pretty much wearing modern day prom dresses lol The costumes were beautiful but so inaccurate and distracting, it took you completely out of the story. I couldn't the that show seriously. At least Tudor's tried.
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I'm actually shocked that Reign wasn't #1. All the ladies of that show were pretty much wearing modern day prom dresses lol The costumes were beautiful but so inaccurate and distracting, it took you completely out of the story. I couldn't the that show seriously. At least Tudor's tried.
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Miekhylla
Another one that had costume inaccuracies was Wonder Woman. Yeah I know it's a superhero movie but it's set on WWI but the German soldiers have WWII uniforms! It just irked me a lot. There were a few other inaccuracies as well but they weren't costume inaccuracies
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Another one that had costume inaccuracies was Wonder Woman. Yeah I know it's a superhero movie but it's set on WWI but the German soldiers have WWII uniforms! It just irked me a lot. There were a few other inaccuracies as well but they weren't costume inaccuracies
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Kevin
I always find it funny how people fixate on the awesome costuming in Vikings by listening to people who still debate women were Vikings as well. Historians are constantly being proven wrong about assumptions about historical garb from time periods.
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I always find it funny how people fixate on the awesome costuming in Vikings by listening to people who still debate women were Vikings as well. Historians are constantly being proven wrong about assumptions about historical garb from time periods.
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Liv
My thing about the tudors is at least they TRIED to go for the silhouette popular in the 1530s. Reign completely ignored anything resembling it for any of their characters except ensemble. They even used the wrong corsetry. It made me want to SCREAM
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My thing about the tudors is at least they TRIED to go for the silhouette popular in the 1530s. Reign completely ignored anything resembling it for any of their characters except ensemble. They even used the wrong corsetry. It made me want to SCREAM
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DragonflyDust
Dear TV show producers and directors, we don't expect 100% historical accuracy in your shows. We are however asking that you actually TRY to match your historical period! Show that you put SOME effort! (And stop abusing the corset)
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Dear TV show producers and directors, we don't expect 100% historical accuracy in your shows. We are however asking that you actually TRY to match your historical period! Show that you put SOME effort! (And stop abusing the corset)
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Darja
I didn't have that much problem with the costume inaccuracy in Reign but the fact that I think 50% of the show is inaccurate and doesn't even make sense also they made one of the strongest woman in history weak Queen Elizabeth Tudor
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I didn't have that much problem with the costume inaccuracy in Reign but the fact that I think 50% of the show is inaccurate and doesn't even make sense also they made one of the strongest woman in history weak Queen Elizabeth Tudor
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Ashley
This is why I don't often watch TV historical dramas. I love history and anachronisms and inaccuracies irritate me because I don't understand why the people who make these tv shows don't research these things before filming.
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This is why I don't often watch TV historical dramas. I love history and anachronisms and inaccuracies irritate me because I don't understand why the people who make these tv shows don't research these things before filming.
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Sean
I'll admit it. The only reason I watched Reign was cause of how beautiful Adelaide Kane was
She looks like a princess in a fairytale
She was even more convincing as a princess than Emma Watson or Lily James
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I'll admit it. The only reason I watched Reign was cause of how beautiful Adelaide Kane was
She looks like a princess in a fairytale
She was even more convincing as a princess than Emma Watson or Lily James
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Nightengale
I don't care if Reign was super inaccurate. It was obvious they weren't going for accuracy right off the bat. Everyone looked gorgeous all the time! It was Historical Fanfiction and I LOVED it!
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I don't care if Reign was super inaccurate. It was obvious they weren't going for accuracy right off the bat. Everyone looked gorgeous all the time! It was Historical Fanfiction and I LOVED it!
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