Question

what is the role of sumptuary laws in the chapter clothing ?

Answer 1

1) Dress codes that people of France were expected to strictly follow till French Revolution were termed as ‘sumptuary laws’.

2) These laws tried to control the behaviour of different sections of society, which henceforth prevented them from wearing specific clothes, consuming certain foods and beverages etc in certain areas

3) The material that has to be used for clothing by the people were also legally prescribed. Only the Royal sections can wear expensive materials like ermine and fur, or silk, velvet and brocade.

4) Other classes were restricted or forbidden from clothing themselves with materials that were associated with aristocracy