Clothing : A Social History

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Before the democratic revolutions, most people dressed according to codes that were specified by their religion. Clothing styles were regulated by class, gender or status in the social hierarchy.

Sumptuary Laws: Before the French Revolution people in France followed these laws. These laws restricted the social behaviour of the lower strata of the society and imposed restrictions upon
their clothing, food and entertainment. The French Revolution brought an end to these restrictions. Political symbols became part of the dress. Clothing became simple which signified equality. Now the way a person dressed depended on the differences in earning rather than sumptuary laws.