Why Squid Game's Green Uniforms Were More Hazardous Than You Think

"Squid Game" hit 111 million viewers in less than a month, but the Netflix series' success extends past its performance on the streaming service. Indeed, from being the source of new memes to sparking the creation of real-life gaming events (via Insider), the hit show's cultural impact has been undeniable. However, nothing from "Squid Game" is more sought after than the competitors' green tracksuits and white Vans slip-on shoes.

With 456 players donning the uniform at the start of the series, it's hard to miss the colorful uniforms that the competitors in "Squid Game" are forced to wear. As a result, the clothing items have become a must-have for all the fans out there who are keen to look like their favorite "Squid Game" characters. Searches for the white shoes featured in the show even grew 7,800% after its Netflix premiere (via SoleSupplier).

Thanks to "Squid Game," green tracksuits are also making their way to the fashion world. It's far from an expected development for an industry that prides itself on being in front of trends. The New York Times even recently described the show's outfits as "banal teal-green tracksuits, generally speckled with blood and dirt." But as popular as the "Squid Game" costumes are right now, fans may be surprised to learn that wearing them was a challenge for the show's actors.

All of the attention directed towards the show's unforgettable green tracksuits may come as a surprise to the creative team and actors behind "Squid Game." It turns out that the outfits were a key source of struggle during the filming of the Netflix series. For instance, cast members quickly discovered that the costumes were far from comfortable, and a big problem arose from the show's dusty sets. In fact, the players' shared dormitory, which was constructed with concrete walls and filled with bunk beds, proved to be a fertile environment for producing allergens.

"Squid Game" director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the issue during an appearance on the Still Watching Netflix Youtube channel. "It's like the material of old gym clothes. So with 300 people, it got really dusty in there. It was hard to breathe. Some actors' faces even turned red because of allergies," Hwang said. Notably, the director didn't reveal how the show's actors dealt with the issue, but the difficult filming conditions could be one of the reasons why the on-screen tension in "Squid Game" is so palpable.