Costumes are an important part of any production. They can set the tone for the entire piece, add a sense of realism, and help a viewer understand the world of a film. It’s why movie wardrobe and props even get their own category at award ceremonies. Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes in costumes can really hurt a scene. Whether they’re a result of a lack of budget, poor planning, or just plain dumb luck, these costume fails will leave you scratching your head.
Mistakes in costume design aren’t just limited to the sexiest of costumes, either. They can happen in any genre or time period. In fact, some of the most famous costume mishaps in history are from historical films. For instance, the movie Singin’ in the Rain was a classic about a silent film-production company forced to adapt to the advent of sound and dialogue. Yet, Debbie Reynolds’ character’s pink dress isn’t exactly authentic for the 1920s.
Other examples of costume errors can be much more serious, like the one that occurred during a performance by two-time Olympic gold medalist Katarina Witt in 1987. Her outfit slipped during her short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, exposing her breasts. While she did manage to finish her routine, she had to keep her arms pressed tightly against her sides to prevent the costume from falling off. This type of mistake is more likely when a dancer’s costume is too loose, says Jane Carter, owner and artistic director of the Dance Academy USA in San Francisco. She recommends taking dancers’ measurements correctly, so the costumes fit snugly.