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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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