Sumptuary laws existed in many countries over many centuries
They were in place in England from the Middle Ages until well into the seventeenth century
They dictated, by law, the fabric, colour and styles of clothing worn by different members of society
They were called ‘sumptuary’ because, in principle, they attempted to restrict ‘sumptuousness’ (i.e. extravagance)
In reality, they were used to identify social ranks, preventing people from dressing like someone of a different status, and identify those behaving in ways not appropriate for their role and function in society
It is a valuable term to use in relation to The Handmaid’s Tale: Gilead’s theocracy has reintroduced strict sumptuary laws relating to one’s social and reproductive status