The Challenges of Bathroom Breaks at the Met Gala
The 2026 Met Gala, known for its glamour, presents some not-so-glamorous challenges, particularly when it comes to using the restroom.
For many attendees, the logistics of relieving themselves while in extravagant costumes are daunting. Attending stars often find themselves in outfits that are tightly fitted, requiring them to avoid drinking liquids beforehand, carefully plan their bathroom breaks, and possibly have a backup plan in place. Interestingly, the buzz around the event isn’t just about fashion; it often revolves around the delicate task of using the toilet.
Utilizing the bathroom is often a team effort. For some, removing those intricate gowns needs assistance, and, at times, one might even end up in a bit of a dilemma. Many celebrities have on-site assistants designated specifically for this purpose, as mentioned by Brian Daniel of the Celebrity PA Network. It’s common for these stars to invest in trusted aides for communal bathroom trips, underscoring the importance of having reliable help close at hand.
Social media users have shared their amusement at how, instead of just peeing, the entire ordeal of bathroom breaks can be a topic of fascination. Some designers are tackling this issue by creating gowns with discreet “trap doors,” allowing the stars to do their thing without ruining their expensive attire.
Stylist Mickey Friedman put it well, noting that the designers and seamstresses are often the unsung heroes of these situations, holding conversations with clients beforehand about the challenges posed by intricate outfits. However, despite the engineering creativity, layers of fabric and embellishments can complicate things significantly.
Some celebrities have adopted innovative solutions. Katy Perry, for instance, highlighted the need for “self-control” with her own secret weapon, enabling women to stand while urinating. In a humorous twist, she even lent a hand to fellow celebrity Winnie Harlow in the bathroom. Similarly, Emma Chamberlain recounted her experience, stating that a bathroom visit could take an exhausting hour.
Even Kim Kardashian had a unique strategy for her daring Thierry Mugler dress back in 2019. She jokingly described her “pee plan” while Kendall Jenner shared her own amusing, albeit messy, bathroom tale from the 2022 Gala.
Interestingly, while these stars meticulously plan their looks, many seem far more interested in making their bathroom experiences stress-free. Sabrina Carpenter, for example, expressed her eagerness to use the restroom rather than focusing solely on her outfit. Meanwhile, Pete Davidson lightheartedly noted how easier it was to wear a tunic to facilitate bathroom access.
Others, however, opt for dehydration as a simple solution, steering clear of liquids to sidestep the discomfort of wearing cumbersome gowns and the potential bathroom hassle they come with.
In a unique move, some attendees have chosen to protest events linked to Jeff Bezos, reportedly leaving urine bottles around to make a statement about working conditions at Amazon, which has inadvertently added to the restroom dynamics at the Gala.
This blend of fantasy and stark reality illustrates that even the most glamorous of events can bring about human challenges, often a bit messy. After all, while stars parade in stunning outfits, they’re likely just as occupied figuring out how to navigate their bathroom breaks.
Considering the careful curation of their looks, it’s clear that managing how to wear them—while also addressing basic human needs—is a whole different ball game.
