Clothing – A Social History – Notes

Sumptuary Laws of France 

The sumptuary laws existed from 1294 to the time of the French Revolution in 1789.

It restricted people from wearing certain clothes and from consuming certain foods and beverages such as alcohol.

The French Revolution swept away the existing dress codes.

Later, both men and women wore clothes that were loose and comfortable, and were simple to express their idea of equality. 

Clothing and Notions of Beauty 

Although the sumptuary laws ended, the poor still could not dress or eat like the rich.