The British Sumptuary Laws

The British Sumptuary Laws were regulations enacted from the 13th to the 17th centuries that controlled what people could wear based on their social status, wealth, or rank. Aimed at reinforcing social hierarchy, these laws restricted the use of luxurious fabrics, colors, and jewelry to certain classes, preventing lower-status individuals from mimicking the upper class. By dictating dress codes, the laws helped maintain clear distinctions between social groups and preserved the privileges of the aristocracy. Over time, these laws became less strict and eventually faded as fashion and social mobility evolved.