Sumptuary laws were regulations that dictated specific clothing and adornments permissible for different social classes. These laws aimed to maintain social hierarchy by restricting fashion to reflect one's status, often leading to absurd restrictions on personal expression. The regulations were so detailed that they clearly defined who was allowed to wear particular garments.

In his book "Shakespeare: The World as Stage," author Bill Bryson highlights the oddity and strictness of these laws, emphasizing how they attempted to control not only what people wore but also to reinforce the existing social order through fashion. This reflects the broader societal norms of the time, where clothing served as a visible marker of one's place in the hierarchy.