Why corsets could be banned from period dramas like Bridgerton

Thanks to Bridgerton, the regencycore fashion trend of flouncy pastels and puff sleeves certainly had its moment – but there’s a good reason why historically-accurate corsets never quite made it to the mainstream.

Countless actors have spoken of how uncomfortable it is to wear corsets while filming period dramas, and now it seems that the powers that be in TV may be bidding farewell to the restrictive garments for good.

According to The Sun, Bridgerton producers have recently told cast members that they will no longer have to wear corsets, and big platforms such as BBC and ITV are expected to follow suit.

A source said: “The corset is famously restrictive and many actresses have complained to wardrobe departments about damage, both short-term and long, being done after a long 12, 14 hour day wearing them on set.

“Essentially, there were health and safety concerns about keeping women in a pinching corset for weeks at a time. Many stars have reported bruising and even breathing problems.”

They added that the change allows shows to move away from “encouraging women to have thinner waists,” and that “broadcasters and streamers want to be seen as progressive”. 

During a 2022 cover interview with GLAMOUR, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley spoke of how she found wearing a corset in the series even more restrictive than she imagined. 

“That was… interesting,” she said. “On my first day, I was like, ‘OK, first day as a leading lady, got to eat lots of food, be really energised.’ So, I had this massive portion of salmon and that’s when I needed to be sick, basically because I was wearing the corset. I realised when you wear the corset, you just don’t eat. It changes your body. I had a smaller waist very momentarily. Then the minute you stop wearing it, you’re just back to how your body is. I had a lot of pain with the corset, too, I think I tore my shoulder at one point!” 

Emma Stone also criticised the corset while discussing her role in The Favourite back in 2018, telling Graham Norton: “After about a month, my organs shifted because they have to. It was only temporary, but it was gross. It’s historically accurate, but I couldn’t f**king breathe!””