Question

What were the sumptuary laws in France?

Answer 1

The sumptuary laws in France were aimed at controlling the behaviour of those considered social inferiors. These laws prevented individuals from the lower stratas from wearing certain clothes, consuming certain foods and beverages, and hunting game in certain areas. These laws were in existence in France from about 1294 to the time of the French Revolution in 1789.

Among other things, these rules tried to regulate the lifestyles of the lower classes by regulating the amount and type of clothes they bought. The materials for clothes were also likewise controlled. The lower classes were disallowed from wearing expensive materials that the aristocracy espoused, like ermine, silk, fur, velvet and brocade.