Wardrobe Fails That Destroyed Our Favorite Films
It’s a known fact that motion pictures, particularly commercial films, cost a great deal to produce. This is also why it can be astonishing to see any type of blunder in them, whether the error is because of editorial oversight or historical inaccuracy. It generally turns into a game of some kind and there are exceptionally dedicated fans who keep a watchful eye on such mistakes. It’s easy to take a jab at crew members, yet let’s be realistic. We likewise missed it when we first watched the movies.
Legends of the Fall: Brad Pitt’s Blonde Hair Was Too Perfect
Brad Pitt was a very attractive cowboy in this coming-of-age film set in the American west. Pitt played the part of Tristan Ludlow, the middle son of a family living in a Montana ranch. His character was wild yet sensitive. Because the story is set during the early 1900s, many have expressed their criticism about the styling. Brad Pitt’s lovely blonde hair was in a wavy style that they say belonged to the ‘60s. Some additionally said the shave wouldn’t have been suitable for the era.
Legends Of The Fall
Troy: Umbrellas Didn’t Exist Then
The pink parasol may have adequately protected Orlando Bloom during the shooting of Troy, but his character Paris enjoying the shade is historically inaccurate. Let’s just say the Trojan War occurred. The umbrella should not have existed at that time because it was only invented around 500-400 BCE. Therefore, both the Trojan and Greek soldiers didn’t have any protection from the intense heat of the sun.
Troy
John Carter: Sports Bras
Fans were really disappointed when John Carter delivered far less than they had expected. And to make matters worse, a hardly minor wardrobe mistake gave fans the impression that a huge budget can’t cover everything. In this case it was Lynn Collins’ sports bra that seemed to be out of place… and out of time.
John Carter Sports Bras
Raiders of the Lost Ark: An Extra Is Actually Wearing Jeans
If people don’t look carefully, they might miss it. In the background, there is an extra sporting a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. While the outfit is common these days, it is definitely inappropriate for 1930s Egypt, where the story supposedly took place.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Pride and Prejudice: Rubber Boots Didn’t Exist Then
The beautiful imagery as well as Mr. Darcy and Lizzy Bennett’s unrivaled love story are some reasons why many have sung the praises of this movie. Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice was set during the Regency period, though. This means that Keira Knightley shouldn’t have been sporting rubber boots. Why? Because Wellington boots didn’t come into existence until around 40 years later.
Pride And Prejudice
Captain America (The First Avenger): Hair Needs To Be Up Here
In the first installment of Captain America, Hayley Atwell was undeniably lovely in her character’s pin curls. However, they were not suitable for the army. Despite the fact that her hairstyle is faithful to the time period, Peggy Carter should have worn her long hair up since women in the military are required to do so.
Captain America
Gladiator: Crowe’s Lycra Shorts Don’t Make Sense
In the movie, Russell Crowe wears a leather outfit, which has become quite iconic in itself. However, the spandex he wears underneath didn’t really make it to iconic status. The skintight garment is visible several times over the course of the film. Moreover, it’s rather obvious that the fashion norm in ancient Rome didn’t include the aforementioned garment. The Roman Empire collapsed over one and a half millennia ago, whereas Spandex wasn’t introduced until 1962.
Gladiator
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Nazi’s Shouldn’t Be Wearing Medals
Once again Indiana Jones has another entry. This time, it’s for the The Last Crusade, which is set in the latter years of the ‘30s, right before the Second World War. The movie has made many people laugh because of its questionable depiction of Nazis. Even though it is widely known that Nazis had a thing for war medals, they still needed to have fought in a war before they could get one. The practice of wearing war medals and pins only became the norm towards the latter parts of the war.
The Last Crusade
The King’s Speech: Wrong Kilt
The 2011 Oscar for best picture went to The King’s Speech — a well-deserved recognition, we must say. King George VI’s story surely captivated everyone, except maybe Tartan experts. The specialists weren’t happy with the kilt used in the movie. Apparently, the design was appropriate for 1997 and not the time period in the film. In addition, it should’ve been Scottish Balmorals, not Irish.
The Kings Speech
Glory: A Digital Watch During the Civil War, Really?
Anyone can easily spot this wardrobe mistake. Any film set during the civil war has no place for a digital watch, after all. These instruments were only introduced in the late 1800s, several decades after the film’s setting. In addition, the digital kind that we know now only became the fashion norm in the ‘70s.
Glory
Captain America (The First Avenger): The Headset Din’t Exist Yet
Captain America is on the list again. Although the movie was great, Jim Morita’s earpiece in the film looked out of place. The story takes place during World War II, but the earpiece design wasn’t made until around the beginning of the millennium.
Captain America
Dirty Dancing: Baby’s Shorts Needed To Be A Skirt
Although this classic movie was released in 1987, the story actually takes place in 1963. The film might be convincing for most people, but observant individuals will notice that Baby is wearing jean shorts that don’t belong to that era. The garment didn’t come into fashion until the ‘80s. Nevertheless, this rather minor faux pas hasn’t deterred the movie from creating a long-term impact on audiences. Who has never tried to imitate the dance moves as well as felt somewhat in love with Baby and Johnny?
Dirty Dancing
The Mummy Returns: Meema’s Skirt Is Not Battle Friendly
We’ve seen some amazing fighting scenes over the years in cinema, but this time we may have seen a little too much! While Nefertiri and Anck Su were fighting in front of Pharaoh, some underwear was made visible, and let’s just say that their underwear wasn’t exactly from the time of the ancient Egyptians.
The Mummy Returns Meemas Skirt Is Not Battle Friendly
Public Enemies: A Robe That’s Too Advanced
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of John Dillinger was celebrated, but it wasn’t enough to cover up for a particular historical inaccuracy. Nowadays, people wear jackets that aren’t nearly as heavy and stiff as judges’ robes at the time. However, Judge Murray’s robe has fibers which are far too light. You have to look hard to see this one, though.
Public Enemies
Almost Famous: The Black Sabbath T-shirt
The quintessential teenage movie that everyone remembers as a poignant story about coming of age. The film is filled with a lot of humor as well as charm. However, that doesn’t cover up for the misplaced Black Sabbath t-shirt. The production of these t-shirts was in 1997, but the film is set in 1973. Oops!
Almost Famous
Pearl Harbor: Bare Legs Weren’t Appropriate
There are many period movies on the list, especially ones that deal with World War II. Pearl Harbor is a good example. In spite of what the crew’s intent may be, bare legs weren’t really a norm in the 1940s. Back then, many found it far too scandalous when a lady wears a skirt without any stockings.
Pearl Harbor
Braveheart: Gibson’s Scottish Skirt Was Totally Premature
This film is another classic. Who hasn’t heard of this critically-acclaimed motion picture? The story takes place in medieval Scotland. Although its appearance is iconic, the tradition of donning kilts only began near the end of the 1600s.
Braveheart
Django Unchained: Sunglasses Didn’t Exist Yet
Tarantino went beyond expectations with this movie. Set during the American Civil War, this revenge drama has become quite popular. However, it is still slightly flawed. The titular character sporting sunglasses is one of its flaws. The round specs weren’t mass-produced until 1929. Nevertheless, it seems that fans don’t mind because the iconic frames experienced a comeback within the audience members.
Django
The Untouchables: Lapels Didn’t Exist Yet
It cannot be denied that the unrivalled gangster film The Untouchables from the ‘80s remains a masterpiece. Despite this, sharp-eyed viewers found fault with Costner’s suit in the movie. As Agent Ness, he wore a suit with a lapel even though it didn’t come into fashion until a little later.
The Untouchables
The Other Boleyn Girl: Portman’s Hair Needs To Be Pulled Back
Tudor women wore a French hood for the very purpose of covering up their head. They pulled their hair back and hid it underneath. However, Natalie Portman’s and Scarlett Johansson’s manes were on display in certain scenes in the film, rendering the garment nothing more than just a headband.
The Other Boleyn Girl
Saving Private Ryan: The Case Of The Black Boots
This movie defined the standard for other modern war films. Those who claim that it didn’t move them are most likely heartless. Nevertheless, the movie is not without fault. Take Matt Damon’s boots as an example. He sports a specific type that wasn’t worn in real life until a decade later. In addition, only the airborne wore the same kind of boots.
Saving Private Ryan
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: Telescope Didn’t Exist Yet
Morgan Freeman’s and Kevin Costner’s characters use a telescope in one scene in the film. Because the device wasn’t invented until the 1600s, they should not have been able to do so. Robin Hood’s story is set in the 1100s, which makes the introduction of the device several centuries too early.
Robin Hood
Catch Me If You Can: Braces Didn’t Exist Yet
This film features a cast that includes a lot of stars. It also has an exciting plot. In addition, it is directed by Steven Spielberg. Even if there are so many things going for it, the telling of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s story wasn’t without errors. For example, Amy Adams’s character has braces in some scenes in the movie even if it takes place during 1963, several years before the introduction of the orthodontic device in the ‘70s.
Catch Me If You Can
The Tudors: Wearing Ruffs Is Scandalous
Many individuals would overlook most errors in movies set centuries ago. In spite of this, some sharp-eyed audience members noticed a certain historical inaccuracy. It would be extremely inappropriate for Tudor women to wear a ruff without an undershirt. Although it might have been a visual treat, it wouldn’t have been allowed in court.
The Tudors
Good Night and Good Luck: Name Tags Equal Nope
These days, name tags can help people identify military officers easily. Actually, the military practice of wearing name tags was put in place during the late ‘60s. However, the movie may have overlooked this fact. The military officers in it should not be sporting name tags because the film’s setting is at the beginning of the 1950s.
Good Night And Good Luck
American Hustle: No Rolex Watches In The 70’s
The movie’s fast-paced nature might make it hard for us to catch errors. However, the more observant were able to spot a minor inconsistency. In the movie, Louis C.K. sports a shiny Rolex, but this should not have been possible since the film’s setting is in the ‘70s.
American Hustle
Amadeus: Mozart’ Zippers Didn’t Exist Yet
The film allowed us to have a glimpse of the life that Mozart had in Austria way back in the 1700s. The movie is beautiful and the costumes elaborate but there is one problem – visible zippers! In actual fact, there should not have been any because the contraption was invented over a century later.
Amadeus
The Color Purple: Clip-on Ties Didn’t Exist Yet
This movie is an adaptation of a Pulitzer-winning novel that was penned by Alice Walker. The film was also critically-acclaimed, but there is an inaccuracy in the wardrobe. In the movie, Danny Glover had a clip-on tie which should not have been possible because the invention of the accessory was after the story’s setting.
The Color Purple
Gangs of New York: Firefighters Modern Uniforms Don’t Make Sense
The film features a large cast, which helps cover up certain mistakes. One specific error, however, was still spotted – the fact that firefighters in the film were in uniforms which were too modern in regards to the movie setting.
Gangs Of New York
Back to the Future: This Guitar Didn’t Exist Yet
This movie is universally-acclaimed. It’s safe to say that everyone enjoyed watching Marty McFly do some time travelling to the past and fall for his own mother. Although the CGI was poorly done, the film has attained modern classic status. Nevertheless, it seems even crew members got a bit confused with all that was happening in the movie. In the scene where Marty uses a Gibson to play a solo, the setting is 1955. However, the model he uses only came out in 1958.
Back To The Future
Schindler’s List: Women Didn’t Shave Then
You’ll most likely find this film at the top of list of best films ever made. The movie has won several Academy Awards. However, costume design wasn’t one of them. Maybe this could be traced back to a certain inaccuracy in wardrobe. Questions were asked about how it was possible for the movie’s female characters to have shaved their legs as well as armpits. Although the practice is now the norm, it is unlikely that females in concentration camps were allowed the luxury to do it.
Schindlers List
Julius Caesar: Bullet Bras Didn’t Exist Yet
The bullet bra is one of the fashion phenomenon that is unforgettable but should just remain in the ‘50s. During that time it was ordinary for ladies to wear one. However, the fashion norms were surely different in ancient Rome. Therefore, female characters in the movie Julius Caesar should not have been wearing the garment. The film takes place around two millennia before the garment was in use.
Julius Caesar The Bullet Bras Were Not Invented Yet
My Girl: Mood-rings Didn’t Exist Yet
Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky definitely broke many hearts – not just pre-teen ones – when My Girl was released. Vada’s mood ring was one of the many iconic fashion items featured in the movie. However, the film is set in 1972, while the ring was first introduced in 1975. The film seems to have overlooked this one.
My Girl
Sense and Sensibility: The Baby’s Diaper
The list gets longer with an entry from another Austen adaptation. Despite the fact that there is generally nothing wrong with a diaper existing during the time period of Sense and Sensibility, the material looks a bit too modern. After all, diapers during the Regency period were most likely made of cloth.
Sense And Sensibility
Singin’ In the Rain: A Pink Dress? No Chance
The legendary Debbie Reynolds has passed away, but she has been immortalized in the movie Singin’ in the Rain. Her portrayal of Kathy Selden was simply excellent. However, it should be pointed out that her pink dress, which has become iconic, belonged to the ‘50s and not the ‘20s.
Singin’ In The Rain
The Doors: Ray Ban Sunglasses Didn’t Exist Yet
This film shows the life story of Jim Morrison and the rock band that went on to become one of the ‘70s greatest. Val Kilmer plays the icon and legend in the movie The Doors and sports Ray-Ban sunglasses. Despite the fact that the sunnies looked great, they actually only came out during the ‘80s. The Doors may be avant-garde, but this definitely is a little too much.
The Doors
The Wedding Singer: Barrymore’s Haircut = 10 Years Later
Many might say that Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are romantic comedy royalties, him being the king and her being the queen. However, they are still not immune to inaccuracies. Although The Wedding Singer might have a special place in people’s hearts, it is essential to point out the wardrobe error in it. Despite the fact that Drew Barrymore looks amazing in her haircut, the style is a much better fit in the ‘90s than the ‘80s.
The Wedding Singer
Picnic at Hanging Rock: Again Hair Makes The List
Picnic at Hanging Rock shows a haunting picture of girlhood in the 1900s. While there is a certain old world charm to the white dresses, the hairstyles weren’t so appropriate for the era. The look created by the straight hair seemed a bit too modern. Pinned up hair on the actresses would’ve been more convincing. Adding some face-framing tendrils would’ve also added a bit to the effect.
Picnic At Hanging Rock
The Informant: Nike Golf Spikes Didn’t Exist Yet
As product placement, the Nike spikes for golf might have been effective, but it was somewhat an anachronistic detail. Although the movie takes place in the year 1992, the clothing brand didn’t release the golf shoes until in 1996.
The Informant
The Last Samurai: Tom Cruise’s Armor Was Too Old
In the 2003 period film The Last Samurai, Tom Cruise played the role of an American officer from the military. The film takes place in 1870s Japan and follows the story of Cruise’s character as he trains Japanese soldiers in modern-day warfare. The armor which Cruise wears in the movie might have made an impression that was lasting, but in reality, the setting is over two centuries too late for the armor.
The Last Samuri
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Modern Sunglasses
Another film that meddles with how time operates is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. However, that doesn’t give the movie any excuse for wardrobe errors. In multiple scenes, Brad Pitt wears Ray-Ban sunglasses. While they are certainly stylish, their existence in 1945 should not have been possible because they were introduced in the year 1952.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Pirates of the Caribbean (The Curse of the Black Pearl): Redcoats – No Such Thing Then
This is certainly more than a wardrobe error. The Red Coats should not have existed in The Curse of the Black Pearl at all! The uniforms Royal Marines wore at the time were a different set. The unit was established in 1747, a few decades after the setting of the movie.
Pirates Of The Caribbean The Curse Of The Black Pearl
Seabiscuit: Strapped Helmets Didn’t Exist Yet
In the film, Toby Maguire plays a jockey who sports a strapped helmet that only started becoming popular in 1956. Although the headwear was unforgettable, it is necessary to point out that the film’s setting is the Great Depression.
Seabiscuit
The Ten Commandments: Nefertiri’s Dress Is Just Too Advanced
This 1956 epic religious drama is still regularly shown and viewed during Lent. In addition to making many artistic liberties regarding the plot, there are also many historical inconsistencies regarding the wardrobe. Anna Baxter sported a gorgeous blue dress which should not have existed at the time. Anyway, she made Nefertiti look extremely amazing in the outfit.
The Ten Commandments
Pretty Woman: Vivian’s Gown Changes Length
This one is so noticeable that you don’t need to be the most observant in the room to see it. Do you remember the first kiss that Vivian and Edward shared? The moment might seem flawless but it isn’t. At the start of the scene you can see that Vivian is wearing a long nightgown. However, it magically becomes shorter towards the end of the scene.
Pretty Woman
The Notebook: Lon’s Changing Hair Color
Noah and Allie will always be the OTP, but before Noah, there was Lon, the man whom Allie was supposed to marry. Despite the fact Lon’s awful war wounds were improving, something seems to be going on with the guy’s hair. Its color changes multiple times throughout the movie, from brown to the color black.
The Notebook
There Will Be Blood: Waffle Shoes Didn’t Exist Then
There Will Be Blood is a rags-to-riches story of a 1982 oil magnate who initially started out as a miner. Nevertheless, Day-Lewis is shown wearing waffle-soled boots which were only introduced approximately a century later, in the 1970s.
There Will Be Blood
Pompeii: No Purple Capes
Pompeii depicts many characters sporting purple capes. However, if they had been real people living in ancient Rome, they’d have been executed. How come? Well, the infamous Emperor Nero issued a decree that said anyone who wore purple aside from himself would be sentenced to die.
Pompeii
Ben Hur: The Star of David
The motion picture Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ is the new adaptation of a novel written by Lew Wallace in 1880. The film stars Jack Huston and its protagonist wore the Star of David. Despite the impact which might have been made by the donning of the symbol, it doesn’t really match historical records. Evidence suggests the symbol hadn’t been in use before the 12th Century.
Ben Hur
Unforgiven: Belt Loops
We’ll just let it slide this time, only because this film is a masterpiece and should belong to the Western canon. It had the direction of Clint Eastwood and starred himself alongside Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman. The movie takes place in 1880 Wyoming, and thus, Gene Hackman’s belt loops had no place in it. We were thrown for a loop since belt loops only became the norm during the period of the Roaring Twenties.
Unforgiven
Quadrophenia: Band Didn’t Exist Then
The movie generally follows the ongoing rivalry between the groups of British rockers and the mods in the ’60s. Why is it on the list? Because someone wore a Motorhead T-shirt even if the band was only formed in 1975. Actually, the movie was made in the same year. Still, you would think filmmakers would be much more careful since music is very important in the story.
Quadrophenia
The Great Escape: Trendy Clothes
Steve McQueen takes a hit and enters our list. The film is about prisoners of war who escape from Germany during the Second World War. However, people might think the story took place in the ’90s because of all the cut-off shirts as well as the khaki.
The Great Escape
Pretty Woman: Edward’s Tie
Here’s another inconsistency from Pretty Woman. While watching I Love Lucy, Vivian comes up to Edward and undoes his tie. She then goes back to watching the show. In the next shot, Edward’s tie is fixed, then undone once again. Continuity definitely takes a lot of effort.
Pretty Woman Tie
Where Eagles Dare: It’s The Hair
Another story about World War II, the movie features an amazing cast, but it is still prone to inaccuracies. The film stars Ingrid Pitt and although she looks fantastic in her hairdo, the style was awfully out of place. For the 1960s, it was fitting, but for a waitress in 1940s Germany? Not so much.
Where Eagles Dare
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Giddy Up
The movie featured a considerable amount of great headwear. However, we’re pretty sure cowboys were not yet a thing at the time. The unwanted extra sporting a cowboy hat was quite conspicuous among all the pirate hats.
Pirates Of The Caribbean Cowboy
The Aviator: The Glasses
Simply put: Robert Gross wearing frameless specs in the film The Aviator was a look that was a bit too modern for the ’20s setting.
The Aviator
Alien: That Helmet
Another rather obvious mistake: The hood Kane wears somehow magically disappears as the alien approaches. Either we were not aware of the alien’s secret power or this was a continuity error.
Alien
The Empire Strikes Back: That Jacket
Even if we all love Han Solo, it doesn’t mean we’ll just let him off the hook easily. Everybody’s favorite intergalactic smuggler wears a jacket which magically disappears several times in just a single scene.
Empire Strikes Back
The Wizard Of Oz: Red Slippers?
Can you name anyone who didn’t get enchanted by this movie’s magical world? Everyone has, at the very least, heard of Dorothy and her ruby slippers. However, she can be seen wearing black slippers in the movie.
The Wizard Of Oz
The Avengers: The Suit
Captain America is one superhero we all love, but we don’t recall him owning a self-repairing suit. Oh, wait…even he can’t heal himself.
The Avengers
Full Metal Jacket: Wrap
Changing the angles while you’re shooting at something definitely cannot cause a wrist watch to disappear. Nevertheless, that is how things went in Full Metal Jacket.
Full Metal Jacket
Harry Potter: The Suitcase
If you can’t get inside of Platform 9 3/4, chances are you will get stressed. However, that’s not a good reason for replacing a trunk with another one in only a few seconds!
Harry Potter
