The Spanish Sumptuary Laws

Spanish sumptuary laws were regulations enacted to control and limit the use of luxury goods, clothing, and ornaments based on social class and wealth. Their aim was to reinforce social hierarchies and prevent lower classes from mimicking the aristocracy or wealthy. These laws specified what types of fabrics, colors, and accessories different classes could wear, often restricting expensive or luxurious items to nobility and high officials. While serving social and economic control, they also reflected the values and structure of Spanish society during their periods of enforcement, emphasizing distinctions between social ranks through attire.