Maintaining an authentic costume drama takes dedication. Downton Abbey star Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy Mason on the drama, told Britain’s Daily Mail that the cast smells on set because the costumes are never washed in order to preserve an authentic period look.

“We do stink, as they don’t wash our costumes,” McShera told the Daily Mail. “They have these weird patches, which are sewn into the armpits and which they wash separately.”

Downton is set in post-Edwardian England and follows the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants. The show was created by Julian Fellowes — reportedly a perfectionist when it comes to getting the show’s period details right — which could explain the strict no-wash policy. The show’s fourth season has already aired in Britain, but will be premiering in the U.S. on PBS on Jan. 5.

[Daily Mail]