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In at least some periods servants wore their masters’ cast-offs. Additionally, many natural dyes are not necessarily that expensive. I understand that many me
by eadmund 3y ago
In at least some periods servants wore their masters’ cast-offs. Additionally, many natural dyes are not necessarily that expensive. I understand that many mediæval artworks depict commoners in colourful clothing.
- zeristor 3y agoSumptuary Law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumptuary_law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumptuary_law
- eadmund 3y agoGood point (and little-known nowadays!), but I think that the focus of sumptuary laws tended to be luxuries such as trim, furs, cloth-of-gold or Imperial purple, rather than colourful clothing in general. But I could be wrong!
- rsynnott 3y agoFrom the article: > In England, which in this respect was typical of Europe, from the reign of Edward III in the Middle Ages until well into the 17th century, sumptuary laws dictated what colour and type of clothing, furs, fabrics, and trims were allowed to persons of various ranks or incomes. That said, I would wonder how strictly these were enforced. Samuel Pepys' Diary would imply not very, at least towards the end; Sam's a rich commoner, but doesn't seem to hold back when it comes to fancy clothes (anyone who doubts that men were into fashion back then should give it a read...)