15 Historical Fashion Trends So Absurd They Could Injure You (Or Already Did)

Throughout history, fashion has often prioritized aesthetics over safety, leading to trends that posed significant health risks. From garments that restricted movement to accessories that caused physical harm, these styles highlight the lengths to which individuals have gone in pursuit of beauty. This article explores 15 such fashion trends, shedding light on their origins, popularity, and the dangers they presented to their wearers.

1. Crinoline Skirts

The enormous, hoop-supported skirts of the Victorian era were notorious fire hazards, especially when worn near open flames. Crinolines contributed to accidental deaths, as the skirts could catch alight in seconds. The phenomenon is documented in multiple historical sources and newspapers of the time, such as The Guardian’s review of dress-related deaths. (theguardian.com)

2. Chopines

Popular in Renaissance Venice, these ultra-high platform shoes often exceeded 20 inches in height, leading to frequent falls and injuries. Women frequently required assistance to walk, and twisted ankles or worse were common. They were incredibly impractical as wearers suffered for fashion (metmuseum.org).

3. Corsets

Tight-lacing corsets, a staple in 19th-century Western fashion, compressed internal organs and restricted breathing. Long-term use could deform ribcages and cause fainting, digestive issues, and sometimes even permanent organ displacement. Medical journals documented these risks extensively, as noted by the BBC (bbc.com).

4. Powdered Wigs

The elaborate wigs of the 17th and 18th centuries relied on powders containing toxic ingredients like lead and mercury. Long-term exposure affected skin and respiration, with some deaths attributed to heavy powder usage. Despite the risks, people continued to wear them as they didn’t understand the danger (daily.jstor.org).

5. Lead-Based Makeup

From ancient Rome to Elizabethan England, lead-based face powders were a staple for pale skin. Prolonged use caused hair loss, skin deterioration, and chronic lead poisoning, as exemplified by Queen Elizabeth I. Ironically, as people used it more, they suffered more health issues and facial damage. Then they used more powder to cover their flaws. The Smithsonian details the lethal legacy of white lead.

6. Stiff Collars (“Father Killers”)

In the late 1800s, starched collars, often referred to as “father killers,” posed a strangulation risk if a man fell asleep or lost consciousness while wearing one. Newspaper accounts from that era document cases of strangulation and asphyxiation attributed to these stiff collars (lmtribune.com).

7. Foot Binding

For centuries in China, foot binding reshaped women’s feet to fit a painful ideal, often resulting in lifelong debilitation, infection, and even gangrene. This custom caused immense pain and dramatically increased fall-related injuries. Despite this, people continued to see small feet as an appealing feature (britannica.com).

8. Mercury Hats (Mad as a Hatter)

In the 18th and 19th centuries, hatters used mercury to cure felt, leading to mercury poisoning characterized by tremors, irritability, and hallucinations. This condition, known as “mad hatter’s disease,” contributed to the phrase “mad as a hatter.” It inspired the iconic character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland (history.com).

9. Hobble Skirts

Narrow at the ankles, hobble skirts of the early 20th century severely restricted walking. Tripping was common, and a woman in Paris was even trampled to death after being unable to move quickly, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine. They eventually fell out of fashion as skirts became increasingly shorter.

10. Radium-Laced Undergarments

In the 1920s and 1930s, some lingerie was impregnated with radioactive radium, thought to boost vitality. Wearers were actually exposed to dangerous radiation levels. This increased their risk of cancer and other side effects, including infertility. The BBC covers this short, toxic trend.

11. Arsenic-Laced Fabrics

In the Victorian era, vibrant green dyes like Scheele’s Green and Paris Green, containing arsenic, were popular for coloring fabrics, including ball gowns. Prolonged exposure led to health issues such as skin rashes, vomiting, and even death. The Maryland Center for History and Culture details the dangers of arsenic green.

12. Dangerous Hairpins

Long metal hairpins, popular in Edwardian hairstyles, could cause scalp injuries, puncture wounds, or even eye injuries in accidents. There were even reports of fatal stabbings with these accessories. (youtuberead.com)

13. Monster Pattens

Medieval “pattens” were raised wooden platforms strapped over shoes to keep feet out of mud. These elevated overshoes could be difficult to balance on, leading to twisted ankles and falls. (medievallondon.ace.fordham.edu)

14. Paniers

Oversized hip panniers, worn under 18th-century women’s dresses, made doorways and carriages dangerous obstacles. Caught fabric often led to falls or injuries, as documented by the Victoria and Albert Museum. (vam.ac.uk)

15. Toe-Crushing Pointed Shoes

The crackowes or poulaines of medieval Europe featured absurdly long, pointed toes that caused tripping, foot deformities, and chronic pain. Archaeological studies have shown that these shoes led to a significant increase in bunions among wearers. (cam.ac.uk)

Conclusion

Throughout history, individuals have often prioritized beauty and status over personal well-being, embracing fashion trends that posed significant health risks. From the tight-laced corsets of the Victorian era to the arsenic-laced fabrics of the 18th century, these styles highlight the powerful influence of social pressures and cultural ideals. While contemporary fashion may seem less hazardous, it continues to reflect the enduring tension between aesthetics and health. (bbc.co.uk)