England's sumptuary laws - from the reign of Henry VIII Source: http://www.dnaco.net/~aleed/corsets/general.html MEN - None shall wear . . .cloth of gold or silver, or silk of purple color. . . except . . .Earls, all above that rank, and Knights of the King (and then only in their mantles). None shall wear . . .cloth of gold or silver, tinseled satin, silk, cloth mixed or embroidered with gold or silver, or foreign woolen cloth. . . except . . .Barons, all above that rank, Knights of the Garter, and Privy Councillors. None shall wear . . .any lace of gold or silver, lace mixed with gold or silver, silk, spurs, swords, rapiers, daggers, buckles, or studs with gold, silver or gilt. . . except . . .Baron's Sons, all above that rank, Gentlemen attending the Queen, Knights and Captains. None shall wear . . .velvet in gowns, cloaks, coats, or upper garments, or embroidery with silk, or hose of silk. . . except. . .Knights, all above that rank, and their heirs apparent. None shall wear . . .velvet, satin, damask, taffeta, or grosgrain in gowns, cloaks, coats, or upper garments, or velvet in their jerkins, hose or doublets. . . except . . .Knight's Eldest Sons and all above that rank. WOMEN: None shall wear . . .cloth of gold or silver, or silk of purple color. . . except . . .Countesses and all above that rank. (Viscountesses may wear it in their kirtles) None shall wear . . .silk or cloth mixed with or embroidered with silk, pearls, gold or silver. . . except . . .Baronesses and all above that rank. None shall wear . . .cloth of silver in belts or kirtles. . . except . . .Wives of Knights and all above that rank. None shall wear . . .embroideries of gold, silver or silk (mixed) or headdresses trimmed with pearls. . . except . . .Wives of Baron's Eldest Sons, all above that rank, Baron's Daughters, Wives of King's Knights or Privy Councillors, or Maids of Honor. None shall wear . . .velvet in upper garments or embroidery with silk thread. . . except . . .Knight's Wives and all above that rank. None shall wear . . .velvet in kirtles or petticoats, or satin in gowns, cloaks and other outer garments. . . except . . Wives of Knight's Eldest Sons, Gentlewomen attending Countesses, and all above that rank. None shall wear . . .satin, damask, taffeta or grosgrain in their gowns. . . except . . .Landed Gentlemen's Wives and all above that rank. Sumptuary Laws of Massachusetts