View source for Sumptuary law

'''Sumptuary Law''' is a list of [[laws|rules]] controlling what people of varying [[class]]es were and were not allowed to [[clothing|wear]], as fit their social station.  [[Medieval]] sumptary laws varied and tended to become more elaborate as the [[period]] progressed.  Dressing above one's station was a [[crime|criminal offence]], and an assault on the rigid social order of [[feudal]]ism.

Similar laws were sometimes established for other matters, e.g. ownership of [[bird]]s in [[falconry]].

There is some evidence to suggest that the sumptuary laws were frequently, if surreptiously, broken.

===Sumptuary Law in the SCA===
The [[SCA]] has very few formal sumptuary laws.  [[SCAdian]]s can wear whatever [[garb]] they wish.

Generally speaking, what the SCA regulates is [[armorial]] display.  In short, one should not wear or display [[arms|armory]] or [[regalia]] to which one is not entitled.  The most common examples of this are the [[symbol|emblems]] of the various [[order]]s and [[award]]s.  For example, only members of the (hyopthetical) "Order of the Bouncing Jakalope" should wear a medallion displaying the registered [[arms]] of the order ([[Argent]], a [[wikipedia:jakalope|jakalope]] [[rampant]] upon a [[cross]], [[sable]].) 

There are a few other items whose use is restricted by hallowed ancient custom, primarily the restriction to the [[Chivalry]] of a plain [[white belt]] or [[white baldric|baldric]].  Custom also tends to prohibit any use of a [[laurel wreath]] or a [[pelican]].   Such broad restrictions are not actually enshrined in law, but most people avoid using those symbols for fear of causing confusion or being seen as presumptious.  

The use of [[coronet]]s, [[crown]]s and [[circlet]]s are also restricted by [[law]] and [[custom]].

Some [[kingdom]]s have formal or informal customs governing the wearing of [[spurs]] and [[chain]]s.

It should be noted that no belt colors other than white are in any way restricted.  [[Red]] belts are used most places to mark [[squire]]s, but many non-squires also wear red or reddish belts.  Some kingdoms have customs governing belt colors for [[apprentice]]s and [[protege]]s, but those customs vary a great deal.  (See [[InterKingdom Anthropology]].)